The toxic reach of hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) -- called the "Erin Brockovich chemical" by some -- isn't limited to the drinking water in Hinkley, Calif., or a handful of weight-loss supplements, unfortunately. A recent Environmental Working Group (EWG) study discovered trace amounts of this harmful chemical in the tap water in all but four of the 35 American cities it tested.
The town of Norman, Okla., topped the list by a long shot, with levels of hexavalent chromium at 12.9 ppb (parts per billion), six times greater than number two Honolulu (2 ppb). Sounds tiny, except that California's EPA has proposed a maximum safe concentration of 0.06 ppb in tap water in hopes of reducing cancer risks.
Overall, levels of hexavalent chromium in the tested tap water of these cities were three times greater than California's proposed limits. By comparison, hexavalent chromium levels in tap water in the town of Hinkley reached 500 ppb back in the day.
Concerned about reducing your family's exposure to hexavalent chromium? Dr. Rebecca Sutton, chief author of the EWG study, recommended to Norman residents in The Norman Transcript to install a reverse osmosis filter on their water faucets.
These reports also prompted two U.S. Congresswomen, Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), to discuss proposed legislation that would compel the EPA to set an enforceable standard for hexavalent chromium.
Environmental Working Group December 20, 2010 Free Full Study
The Norman Transcript December 19, 2010
USA Today/Greenhouse December 20, 2010
Washington Post December 19, 2010
Yahoo News December 22, 2010