Hexavalent Chromium

Carcinogen hexavalent chromium, the chemical Erin Brockovich “was found in the tap water of 31 cities from a total of 35 tested by the Environmental Working Group. The scientists estimate that at least 74 million people in the U.S. in 42 states regularly chromium-contaminated water to drink, and a significant part of the carcinogenic hexavalent form.
Hexavalent chromium is recognized as carcinogenic to humans. Some workers are exposed to the chemical and the exposure is known to sometimes occur in those who handle chromate-containing products and those who arc welding of stainless steel.
The European Union has the world’s strictest laws regarding hexavalent chromium. Hexavalent chromium in the European Union to use in electronic equipment, for example, is largely prohibited by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive.
High levels of hexavalent chromium in drinking water were found in Norman, Oklahoma, Riverside, Calif., and Honolulu, Hawaii. Safety limits proposed by California regulators were exceeded in samples from 25 American cities, the scientists revealed.
Hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium 6 in drinking water shows “a clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in animal studies, a significant increase in the risk of developing gastrointestinal tumors.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) draft this year toxicological study also showed that water contaminated with hexavalent chromium is “probably carcinogenic to humans”.acybernews.comhttp://www.acybernews.com