Hexavalent Chromium Found in Majority of U.S. Tap Water - But Why You Still Shouldn't Drink Bottled Water

"This chemical has been so widely used by so many industries across the U.S. that this doesn't surprise me," said Erin Brockovich, whose fight on behalf of the residents of Hinkley, Calif., against Pacific Gas & Electric became the subject of a 2000 film. The chemical made popular by the movie Erin Brockovich is hexavalent chromium, which was in the tap water of 31 of the 35 cities tested recently by Environmental Working Group.

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Hexavalent chromium refers to chemical compounds that contain the element chromium in the +6 oxidation state. Virtually all chromium ore is processed via hexavalent chromium, specifically the salt sodium dichromate. Other hexavalent chromium compounds are chromium trioxide and various salts of chromate and dichromate. Hexavalent chromium is used for the production of stainless steel, textile dyes, wood preservation, leather tanning, and as anti-corrosion and conversion coatings as well as a variety of niche uses. The chemical is recognized as a human carcinogen via inhalation. Workers in many different occupations are exposed to hexavalent chromium.

The EWG studied the drinking water in 35 American cities. The study was the first nationwide analysis measuring the presence of the chemical in U.S. water systems. The study found measurable hexavalent chromium in the tap water of 31 of the cities sampled, with Norman, Oklahoma, at the top of list; 25 cities had levels that exceeded California's proposed limit.

Oil that’s enough to drive 100,000 cars for a whole year that amounts to be approximately 1.5 million barrels is required to make plastic water bottles. And more oil is burned in their transportation------according to a report by Union of Concerned Scientists.

The FDA sets standards for bottled water which is tested once a week and EPA sets standards for tap water which is tested for contamination hundreds of times a month as reported by Planet green. An example of the disparity, and the potentially scary story behind bottled water, from NRDC: "one brand of 'spring water' whose label pictured a lake and mountains, actually came from a well in an industrial facility's parking lot, near a hazardous waste dump, and periodically was contaminated with industrial chemicals at levels above FDA standards." Hexavalent chloride or Chromium (VI) oxide is a strong oxidant. Upon dissolution chromium acid is formed, which corrodes the organs. It may cause cramps and paralysis. The lethal dose is approximately 1-2 g. Most countries apply a legal limit of 50 ppb chromium in drinking water. There's also the issue of BPA and other chemicals used in plastic that could be leaching into the bottled water you're drinking.

60 million plastic bottles are manufactured, transported and then disposed in U.S. and about 90% can not be recycled as said for bottled water by Eric Olsen of NRDC. And to make it worse a report by Union of Concerned Scientists says “the growth in bottled water production has increased water extraction in areas near bottling plants, leading to water shortages that affect nearby consumers and farmers. In addition to the millions of gallons of water used in the plastic-making process, two gallons of water are wasted in the purification process for every gallon that goes into the bottles.

Every bottled water purchase is essentially a vote for the privatization of the world's water—and against efforts to ensure it is kept part of the commons.

If you are concerned about your tap water, do a little research on water filters—some even filter out chromium. You'll end up with a healthier water that you can verify has been purified, but without paying a corporation to sell it to you, and without all the plastic.

Via: planetgreen