Scientists Plan Study on Chromium 6
Seeking to resolve scientific debate, officials with the National Toxicology Program plan to conduct a comprehensive study to determine if chromium 6 is a carcinogen when people drink it in water.
The study, with an estimated cost of $2 million to $4 million, was requested by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank). Water wells in Schiff’s district have been closed because of chromium 6 contamination by Lockheed Corp. and other industrial polluters.
The chemical has also been found in drinking water throughout Los Angeles County.
Although it is a known carcinogen when inhaled as a vapor, experts are divided over what threat chromium 6 poses when ingested in water.
The National Toxicology Program decided to conduct the study partly because of the large number of people, especially in California, who may have been exposed to the chemical, said Dr. Christopher Portier, the agency’s acting director.
The study, which will be formally announced at a press conference at the Glendale Water Treatment plant today, was announced the same week that Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) introduced a bill calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a separate federal standard for chromium 6.
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