Study Finds Toxin in U.S. Tap Water

According to a recent study by the non-profit group Environmental Working Group, 31 major cities have chromium-6 in their water supply. The carcinogen is the same substance that sparked a $330 million lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric in 1996, as depicted in the movie Erin Brockovich. The EPA says water utilities are required to check for all chromium chemicals—but not specifically for chromium-6. After the study, the EPA is now looking into creating new standards to check for it. Chromium-6 is linked to high risks of stomach cancer. The Enviromental Working Group recommends filtering water from the tap, but warns that bottled water is also susceptible to chromium. Some of the major cities affected include Madison, Wisconsin, Norman, Oklahoma, and Honolulu, Hawaii.