What is Chromium VI?
• The two most common species of chromium are chromium III, an essential dietary nutrient, and chromium VI, which can be toxic. Chromium VI can constitute anywhere from 7% to 80% of the total chromium found in drinking water supplies. According to the World Health Organization, there is evidence that when chromium VI enters the stomach, gastric acids reduce it to chromium III, the dietary nutrient. • Conversely, according to drinking water experts, it is possible that when chromium III, the dietary nutrient, enters a disinfecting treatment plant, it could be oxidized to chromium VI, the potential toxin. However, recent sampling at a Southern California water system found no change in chromium species following disinfection. How much Chromium is typically found in water? • According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), background levels of chromium in U.S. waters average 1 part per billion (ppb) and drinking water averages 0.1-35 ppb. • The average amount of chromium in se
