Request Legal Help Now - Free

Advertisement
LAWSUITS NEWS & LEGAL INFORMATION

Hexavalent Chromium Found In Tap Water of 31 US Cities

. By
Washington, DCA survey released Monday, December 20, has revealed the presence of a potentially carcinogenic chemical in the tap water of 31 of 35 US cities tested. The report, by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), found the highest levels of hexavalent chromium, also known as Chromium-6, in Norman, Oklahoma; Honolulu, Hawaii; Riverside, California; and Madison, Wisconsin.

Hexavalent chromium was made famous by lawyer Erin Brockovich and a lawsuit against Pacific Gas & electric which alleged the company was leaking the toxin into the ground water of Hinkley, CA, and had been doing so for decades. Residents of Hinkley won their lawsuit, with the company paying $333 million in damages to the 600 townspeople, some of whom had become terminally ill.

Hexavalent chromium is chemical discharged by manufacturing sites including steel and pulp mills, leather tanning facilities and metal plating shops. In 2008, the National Toxicology Program, part of the National Institutes of Health, said it is a "probable carcinogen" and consequently, the US Environmental Agency (EPA) is currently trying to determine whether or not to set a limit for the chemical in tap water.

In 2009 California became the first state to try and set a limit in drinking water, proposing a "public health goal" of 0.06 parts per billion. According to the report by the EWG, 25 of the cities tested had levels in excess of the limit proposed by California.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Mrs. Brockovich said "This chemical has been so widely used by so many industries across the US that this doesn't surprise me. Our municipal water supplies are in danger all over the US. This is a chemical that should be regulated."

READ MORE ABOUT Environment
READ MORE ABOUT Personal Injury

Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered illness or an adverse health event resulting from this situation, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.

READER COMMENTS

Posted by

on
I'd say it not likely to. Filters in general pick up larger and heavier particles. Which is why Chromium is slipping into our water supplies. Ohh that and Republicans who consistantly destroy EPA regualtion and laws. All of us and our Children will be suffering the the consequences of the Bush Admin for years and years to come. This isn't liberal yammering. It is a question mark...why...anyone votes republican anymore. Not atleast till the party can put itself togther and be a party with conservative counterbalance to a liberal congress. So far all they are is a party that puts way to much into wastefull millitary projects and strips the EPA and the FDA to put into the FCC...because somehow its better to destroy fredom of speech than regulate clean water, food and to have drugs that dont rot your brain to stop you from sneezing.

Posted by

on
I wonder if the conventional water filter in your refrigerators filters out Chromium 6? Anybody know?

ADD YOUR COMMENT ON THIS STORY

Please read our comment guidelines before posting.


Note: Your name will be published with your comment.


Your email will only be used if a response is needed.

Are you the defendant or a subject matter expert on this topic with an opposing viewpoint? We'd love to hear your comments here as well, or if you'd like to contact us for an interview please submit your details here.


Click to learn more about LawyersandSettlements.com

Request Legal Help Now! - Free