By Catherine Haug, Sept 24, 2016
This is a critical issue, and I just learned about it from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) (1). See also their interactive map (2):
- Counties in various shades of yellow, green, blue and black were found to be positive for the toxic chemical Chromium-6.* These include Flathead and Missoula counties.** A total of 1,370 U.S. counties had an average level of chromium-6 exceeding California’s non-binding public health goal of 1 ppb. (see below).
- Counties in gray have not been tested.
If you saw the 2000 movie “Erin Brockovich” (played by Julia Roberts), then you know about chromium-6, because that is the deadly chemical she fought to expose. And Erin has not given up the fight; see EWG article (1). This carcinogen has been found in tap water of more than 200 million Americans.
If you wish to take action on this, sign the online petition to the EPA (5)
*NOTE: Chromium-6 is not the same as Chromium-3, which is considered by some to be an essential nutrient for humans.
** Flathead Co. testing was only Kalispell Municipal drinking water; Missoula Co. testing was only Mountain Water Company. (However, our levels are below California’s limit goal of 1 ppb). (more…)