![]() ![]() That’s why it’s better to leave water testing to the experts.ĭuring a professional water test, an expert will test your water for a variety of substances, including chlorine and total dissolved solids, or TDS. That’s because DIY water tests can be inaccurate, or their results may be difficult to read - which, in turn, could lead to incorrect assumptions about your water’s safety. Here’s what to know:Īlthough some DIY water tests may claim to check for the presence of minerals including chromium, this isn’t always your best option. Water testing is your way of taking action against all the substances that could be in your drinking water. That means the best way to find out if you have chromium in your water supply is to conduct a water test. In some cases, you may notice skin irritation after bathing or cleaning with water that contains chromium.įurthermore, chromium - unlike copper or iron - won’t leave stains on your sinks, fixtures or water-using appliances. What Are the Side Effects of Chromium in Water?Ĭhromium only has health impacts after long-term exposure or exceedingly high doses, so you’re not likely to notice significant side effects. Because it’s tasteless and odorless, you may not even realize you have a chromium problem. Now that you know what it means to have chromium in your water, let’s find out how to tell if this mineral ends up in your drinking glass.Ĭhromium in water is difficult to detect. In similar studies across Canadian provinces and territories, chromium levels were mostly below detection level. Cities with particularly high contamination levels included: states had been exposed to drinking water contaminated with chromium. Since then, reports by the Environmental Working Group found that over 232 million Americans in all 50 U.S. Precipitation rates, local geology, nearby industrial operations and even your home’s plumbing play a role in determining whether chromium has a chance to get into your water supply.Ĭities With Notorious Chromium Water ProblemsĬhromium contamination was first popularized by the biographical film “Erin Brockovich,” in which a legal clerk from Hinkley, California, successfully sues a gas and electric company for contaminating drinking water with hexavalent chromium. Like many substances, the presence or lack of chromium in tap water depends on a variety of factors. That means it’s best to keep this mineral out of your drinking water. ![]() Additionally, inhalation of hexavalent chromium has been shown to cause certain cancers, while oral ingestion has caused cancer in lab animals. However, long-term exposure to hexavalent chromium has been associated with potential skin reactions, while excessive chromium intake (usually in the form of supplements) can harm the kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal system. Because there hasn’t been an observed toxic level of this mineral from everyday sources, no Upper Intake Level, or maximum recommended amount of chromium in the daily diet, has been established. The human body needs chromium - anywhere from 20 to 45 micrograms per day depending on sex, age and other health factors. That’s because one chromium type can transform into the other in your body or water supply.Īlthough chromium is present in nature, it’s often man-made products that cause chromium contamination. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) maximum contaminant level is 0.1 milligrams per liter of total chromium. Chromium-6, however, is typically found with industrial pollution it is toxic and carcinogenic when inhaled. Chromium-3, found in food and supplements, is a small but necessary part of your diet and is not toxic. There are two types of chromium : chromium-3 (known as trivalent) and chromium-6 (known as hexavalent). What does it mean if your water has chromium contamination?* Let’s find out. ![]() Learn more about our free, in-home water testing and schedule your appointment here. Looking for an easy way to test your water? Here’s everything you need to know about chromium water contamination and testing. Although chromium is often found as chromite ore in places like Turkey and Madagascar, it can also reside in soil, certain foods and, sometimes, your water supply. If you’re not as familiar with this mineral as you are with others like sodium and calcium, you’re not alone - it’s odorless and tasteless, which means it’s not easily noticeable. Chromium falls distinctly into the latter category. There are things that belong in your water - ice cubes, bubbles, maybe the occasional slice of lemon - and things that don’t. ![]()
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