Carcinogen in D.C. Water Not on Environmental Protection Agency List
The Environmental Working Group issued a report that reveals the levels of chromium-6 in 35 cities across the United States, including Washington, D.C.
A report from the Environmental Working Group shows that carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) is found in the water supply in 31 out of 35 U.S. cities tested, including Washington, D.C. The report raises concerns about the fact that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not currently have a legal limit for chromium-6 and does not require tests for the chemical, which is also known as the Erin Brockovich chemical. According to the EWG, chromium-6 comes from steel and pulp mills, metal-plating and leather-tanning facilities, and soil and rock erosion. The city with the highest level was Norman, OK where rates were 12.9 part per billion (ppb). Washington, D.C. registered with 0.19 ppb. (See chart for other cities…
