Chromium-6 in tap water

In a recent study it was found that Chromium-6, the carcinogen that made Erin Brockovich famous, was found in 31 out of 35 cities tap water.  While many people were surprised by the news, this is something that we have long suspected and regularly test our patients for, this and other toxic heavy metals.  In laboratory animals Chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium) was found to increase the risk of gastrointestinal tumors.  Currently the EPA does not require water utility companies to test for it and has established no legal limits for the amount of Chromium-6 in tap water.  The same study estimates that over 74 million Americans in 42 states are drinking tap water and exposing themselves to the effects of Chromium-6 daily.