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Industrial Hygiene Testing Services

Category Press Release
Publish Date 2/9/2021
Author Paul Cochrane
Title California Study Examines Hexavalent Chromium from Iron Pipes
Introduction LA Testing provides laboratory services and sampling supplies to test for hexavalent chromium from environmental and industrial hygiene samples.

Huntington Beach, CA, February 9th, 2021

A new study was released last year by engineers from a university in California. Published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, it examined the corrosion of cast iron pipes that come in contact with residual disinfectants in water distribution systems and found that chemical reactions can form hexavalent chromium (chromium VI) in some circumstances.

Hexavalent chromium is a form of the metallic element chromium. It can occur from chemical reactions as described in the research study, and is used in industry for electroplating, stainless steel production, leather tanning, textile manufacturing, wood preservation and other uses. It can also be formed when performing ‘hot work’ such as welding on stainless steel or melting chromium metal.

Exposure to hexavalent chromium from ingestion, inhalation or skin contact is a concern. According to the National Toxicology Program (NTP), hexavalent chromium compounds have been shown to cause lung cancer in humans when inhaled. NTP’s Report on Carcinogens lists hexavalent chromium compounds as known human carcinogens, and studies have consistently shown increased lung cancer rates in workers who were exposed to high levels of chromium in workroom air.

“With regards to drinking water, the Environmental Protection Agency has a drinking water standard of 0.1 milligrams per liter (mg/l) or 100 parts per billion (ppb) for total chromium,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at LA Testing. “This includes chromium VI and all forms of chromium, and water systems are required to test for it. In California, Proposition 65 requires businesses to notify residents about significant amounts of chemicals in the products they purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment. The list includes hexavalent compounds from chromium, which were added to the Prop 65 list way back in 1987.”

The scientists at LA Testing offer environmental and industrial hygiene laboratory testing services to identify hexavalent chromium and many other potentially harmful substances. With multiple laboratories across California, they offer testing services and all of the required sampling supplies. LA Testing has also sponsored an educational video about hexavalent chromium that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/1G8bq7rM5w8.

To learn more about hexavalent chromium testing or other environmental, air quality, occupational, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: : AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.

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