in the atmosphere are fom the chemical manufacturing industry and combustion of natural gas, oil, and coal. From 1987 to 1993, according to the Toxic Release Inventory, chromium compound released to land and water totaled nearly 200 million pounds. The releases were primarily from industrial organic chemical industries. The largest releases occurred in Texas and North Carolina. The largest direct release to water occurred in Georgia and Pennsylvania. When released to land, chromium compounds bind to soil are not likely to migrate to ground water. They are very persistant in water as sediments. There is a high potential for accumulation of chromuim in aquatic life. Now, EPA monitors your drinking water supply. They take samples and analyze the water to make sure the chromium levels do not exceed MCL standards of 0.1 ppm. If the levels are exceeded the officials must take steps to reduce the contamination. Some steps that have been approved by the EPA for the removal of chromium are: Coagulation/Filtration, Ion Exchange, Reverse Osmosis, Lime Softening. Also, when chromium levels exceed health standards EPA must notify the general public by newspaper, radio, television, or other means. Currently Texas has the highest rate of toxins released into water and land. In closing Massachusettes in general is not in any serious danger of contamination by chromium. Only industrialzed cities and cities with nuclear power plants and facilities. But since are current status is good in that department we should do everything in our power to keep it that way....
