California regulators have decided to establish a limit on hexavalent chromium in drinking water, a move aimed at reducing health risks such as cancer and kidney disease.
Dorany Pineda reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The State Water Resources Control Board approved the standard, which needs further approval to be enacted.
- California's new limit is set at 10 parts per billion, separate from the less toxic trivalent chromium.
- Concerns persist among community members and some experts regarding the adequacy of the new limit to protect public health.
Key quote:
"I know there’s mixed feelings about this decision today... that we should be at a lower standard. But I do want to take a step back and look at California as compared to the rest of the nation, and I think here we are actually leading the way."
— Sean Maguire, State Water Resources Control Board member
Why this matters:
Hexavalent chromium, a chemical compound that can occur naturally or from industrial pollution, is recognized as a carcinogen when inhaled, and there is growing evidence to suggest it can also cause cancer when ingested. This concern is amplified by studies linking long-term exposure to severe health issues, including lung cancer, liver damage, reproductive problems, and developmental harm.
