Carcinogen in ‘Erin Brockovich’ found across 31 US cities
December 21st, 2010 - 3:30 pm ICT by IANSLondon, Dec 21 (IANS) The domestic tap water of 31 out of 35 US cities, which were surveyed, contains hexavalent chromium — the probable carcinogen made famous by the film “Erin Brockovich”.
The chemical has been linked to leukaemia in animals as well as liver and kidney damage.
The first nationwide analysis of the chemical to be made public was conducted by the Environmental Working Group that detected its presence in 31 cities.
The highest levels were in Norman, Oklahoma; Honolulu, Hawaii; Riverside, California; and Madison, Wisconsin, the Telegraph reports.
The US government’s Environmental Protection Agency is currently deciding whether to set a limit for hexavalent chromium in tap water after the National Institute of Health assessed it a “probable carcinogen” in 2008.
Hexavalent chromium is often discharged from steel and pulp mills as well as metal-plating and leather-tanning facilities, the report states.
“This chemical has been so widely used by so many industries across the US that this doesn’t surprise me,” Brockovich told the Washington Post. “Our municipal water supplies are in danger all over the US.”
Brockovich’s battle against the chemical on behalf of the people of Hinkley, California, was brought to international attention in the 2000 film starring Julia Roberts.
The company eventually had to pay $333 million in damages to more than 600 residents.
- Cancer-causing chemical found in tap water of 31 US cities - Dec 23, 2010
- Hexavalent Chromium Found In Water Of 31 U.S. Cities - Dec 21, 2010
- Scientists label report on 'Erin Brockovich' chemical 'alarmist' - Dec 22, 2010
- New data shows that there is no increase in cancer cases in Erin Brockovich's town - Jan 04, 2011
- Environmentalist Brockovich wants to be an Oz citizen - Feb 11, 2011
- Gutsy kid of two years beats cancer - Nov 22, 2011
- Tobacco firm underplayed dangers of smoking - Jan 09, 2012
- Harm reduction ciggies 'more harmful than conventional brands' - Oct 21, 2010
- For real Erin Brokovich, Oscar-winning movie was a curse - Apr 19, 2010
- Swimming too often in chlorinated water 'ups bladder cancer risk' - Mar 17, 2011
- Warming Earth 'could mean more toxins in environment' - Nov 10, 2010
- Call to ban 'cancer-causing' caramel colouring used in Coke, Pepsi - Feb 17, 2011
- Fragranced products emit unlisted 'toxic' chemicals, shows study - Oct 31, 2010
- Tornado Strikes Oklahoma, Leaves Five Dead - May 11, 2010
- Oklahoma Experiences 4.5 Magnitude Earthquake - Oct 14, 2010
Tags: 333 million, carcinogen, environmental protection agency, environmental working group, erin brockovich, hinkley california, honolulu hawaii, institute of health, international attention, kidney damage, leather tanning, metal plating, municipal water supplies, national institute of health, norman oklahoma, pulp mills, riverside california, tanning facilities, tap water, washington post