Hexavalent Chromium is Statewide Concern.
Each location had more than 0.02 parts per billion, however All were compliant with maximum contaminate level guidelines. Confused?
See bottom of page for link to your area’s 2014 Water Quality Report.
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City Water Filter provides the 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis to address Chromium 6
There are several forms of Chromium, One is GOOD & One is BAD.
Chromium occurs in the environment is primarily in one of two valence. Chromium(VI) and chromium(III) are used for chrome plating, dyes and pigments, leather tanning, and wood preserving. A less common form used for making steel is metallic chromium(Cr 0).
- The health hazards associated with exposure to chromium are dependent on its state of oxidation.
- Nearly 70 million Americans are believed to have hexavalent chromium in their drinking water. In fact, as study of U.S. tap water by the Environmental Working Group detected chromium-6 in the drinking water of 31 of 35 cities tested.
- California had a drinking water standard of 50 ppb for total chromium for many years. As of July 1, 2014, California has a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 0.010-milligram per liter MCL (equivalent to 10 micrograms per liter, μg/L), also stated as 10 parts per billion (ppb) for chromium(VI).
- The new California standard of 10 parts per billion is 500 times higher than advised by CalEPA! California Environmental Protection Agency had suggested the standard should be 0.02 parts per billion. Our Leaders weighed the health factors against costs of removing the Chromium(VI). We can still expect our water bill to increase significantly to meet the currently inadequate guidelines. They took a step in the right direction but the standard is not good enough
- Our Leaders weighed the health factors against costs of removing the Chromium(VI). We can still expect our water bill to increase significantly to meet the currently inadequate guidelines.
The GOOD: Trivalent chromium (III)
- Occurs naturally and is an essential nutrient.
According to Web MD: “Drinking hard tap water supplies chromium to the body.” Web MD also states: “Chromium is a mineral our bodies use in small amounts for normal body functions, such as digesting food. It exists in many natural foods including brewer’s yeast, meats, potatoes (especially the skins), cheeses, molasses, spices, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fresh fruits and vegetables.” However Web MD is referring to Chromium(III).
For most people eating food that contains chromium(III) is the main route of intake, because it occurs naturally in many vegetables, fruits, meats, yeasts and grains. Chromium(III) is an essential nutrient for humans and shortages may cause heart conditions, disruptions of metabolisms and diabetes. But the uptake of too much chromium(III) can cause health effects as well, for instance skin rashes
The BAD: Chromium (VI)/Hexavalent Chromium
A danger to human health!
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The most important thing you can do is to limit your exposure to the contaminated water.
This is the same toxic element in the movie Erin Brochavich. This movie was based on real life events. Hexavalent Chromium is the same cancer causing contaminate that was called the “safe” chromium, by PG&E and a judge ordered a settlement of $333 million dollars in 1993.
Keep in mind, the levels were recorded as 1.19 parts-per-billion (ppb) with an estimated peak of 20 ppb in Hinkley, CA. The levels reported in Silicon Valley sampling results, from 2001 to 2012, indicate that the average level of chromium(VI) detected in groundwater in Santa Clara County is 1.7 ppb. The range of chromium(VI) observed in groundwater varies from non-detect (below the reporting limit) up to 23 ppb. Did you notice, which had higher levels? Much, Higher concentration found in the Silicon Valley.
Results from over 200 water supply wells in Santa Clara County indicate that chromium(VI) levels in 98 percent of the wells tested are below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 parts per billion (ppb). Wait a minute!!
Did you just ask yourself the questions I did? Why is the Governments MCL 10 parts per billion (ppb) for chromium(VI)? This is higher than 1.19 parts-per-billion (found in Hinkley), that caused so many health issues? They know how harmful it is, even at significantly lower levels! If that is not enough according to article Cleanup of Silicon Valley Superfund site takes environmental toll: “In Silicon Valley’s case, it would take 700 years of continuous treatment to make the groundwater drinkable” Please read this article.
- Also, the public health goal used to help guide the Department Of Public Health’s official standard. It is not enforceable!
How does chromium(VI) get into my water supply?
- Chromium(VI) can occur naturally might be present in some groundwater aquifers. Most Chromium(VI) has reached water supplies from industrial uses such as metal plating, stainless steel production, etc. Chromium compounds have been released to the environment via leakage, poor storage, or improper disposal practice at many places with this issue. In short, chromium(VI) occurs in nature, but it’s also a by-product from industry, such as chrome-plating.
The UGLY:
According to article by ATSDR :
- “It can be absorbed by the lung and gastrointestinal tract, and even to a certain extent by intact skin. Human occupational experience clearly indicates that, when inhaled, chromium compounds are respiratory tract irritants, resulting in airway irritation, airway obstruction, and lung, nasal, or sinus cancer. Dose, exposure duration, and the specific compound involved can determine chromium’s adverse health effects.”
Dose, Exposure Duration, and General Sensitivity of the Individual involved can determine chromium’s adverse health effects.
Health Risks of Showering/Bathing:
What are the health risks from bathing/showering in water contaminated with Chromium(VI)? Skin exposure to high levels of Chromium(VI) may cause skin irritation. In some individuals, skin exposure to Chromium(VI) may cause allergic contact dermatitis. A scientific study showed that a person is not exposed to a significant amount of Chromium(VI) from breathing steam while showering (Finley et al. 1996). This is only one study.
- “The respiratory tract is the major target organ for chromium(VI) following inhalation exposure in humans. Shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing were reported in cases where an individual inhaled very high concentrations of chromium trioxide,” according to the ATSDR.
- “Other effects noted from acute inhalation exposure to very high concentrations of chromium(VI) include gastrointestinal and neurological effects, while dermal exposure causes skin burns in humans,” also stated by ATSDR.
Chromium can be measured in hair, urine, and blood. If you live in the Silicon Valley and are experiencing any of the following, inform your doctor!
Chromium allergic dermatitis is characterized by:
- dryness,
- erythema,
- fissuring,
- papules,
- scaling,
- small vesicles, and
- swelling
Other Symptoms to look out for are:
- Cancers: lung, nasal, sinus, respiratory, lung (if exposed greater than 20 years)
- Breathing problems, such as asthma, cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing.
- Pulmonary sensitization
- Severe dermatitis & painless skin ulcers
- Renal tubular damage
- Liver abnormalities
- Cardiovascular collapse
- There are other symptoms as well, click here for more information regarding health effects of exposure.
Again, please see a doctor and test your chromium levels if you are concerned with a possible exposure to Chromium(VI). A private laboratory can also provide testing of your drinking water.
Below links provide a view of 2014 Water Quality Reports for your location.
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Remember 0.010 mg/L is equal to 10 parts per billion (ppb) & 10 micrograms per liter, μg/L
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California Environmental Protection Agency had suggested the standard should be 0.02 parts per billion.
San Francisco Water (January 2013 reported range 0.076 µg/L to 0.14 µg/L) ,
Santa Clara Valley Water District (Aug 2015 reported .001 mg/l),
San Jose Water Company (2014 reported .02 ppb),
Santa Rosa (2014 reported 0.05 – 0.29),
Milpitas Water (2014 reported both SCVWD 0.071 & SFPUC 0.040),
Alameda County Water District (2014 reported average .19),
Dublin Quality Report (2014 reported 10 µg/L),
Sacramento Water Quality (2014 reported north 5ppb & south 3.6 ppb),
Fresno Water Quality (2014 reported 2.429 µg/L)
2014 Stockton (2014 reported 3.8μg/L f orgroundwater),
2014 Manteca (2014 reported 2.9 ppm),
2014 Merced (2014 reported 3.66 ppb),
2014 Modesto (2014 reported range if 0-9.6ppb),
2014 Turlock (2014 lacked information)