Buck Wargo
GLENDALE -- The state standard for chromium in drinking water should
be lowered, but the public should not be concerned about drinking ground
water from the San Fernando Basin aquifer before any reduction happens,
according to a health expert that will testify today at a public hearing
in Burbank.
Joseph Landolph, an associate professor at the USC/Norris
Comprehensive Cancer Center, called for a federal scientific study to
determine appropriate levels of chromium in water. He said the debate
over what the chromium standard should be is something for scientific
agencies in the state, and there is no reason for the public to panic
over its drinking water supply.
"I think if the state health department tells you it is OK, then it is
OK," Landolph said.
The state standard for chromium in the drinking water is 50 parts per
billion. A public health goal promoted by the Office of Environmental
Health Hazard Assessment is 2.5 parts per billion, which breaks down to
.2 parts per billion of chromium 6, a carcinogen when inhaled whose
health effects when ingested are still being debated.
The public health goal was based on 1968 German study that found 2 of
66 mice given chromium 6-tainted water developed malignant stomach
cancer. The goal is based on one cancer case developing among one million
people over 70 years compared to 20 cases in a million on a 50 part per
billion standard.
Landolph said chromium 6 levels need to be as low as possible and
recommended the National Institutes of Health make the study of chromium
6 a priority to determine its health effects.
"It is important for public health, and in my recommendation should be
done fast," Landolph said. "I think it should be kept as low in drinking
water as possible. We don't want to see high levels drinking for a
lifetime."
Glendale officials estimate chromium 6 levels of between 2 and 5 parts
per billion in drinking supply if San Fernando Valley Basin aquifer
ground water is used by the city in the future. The city has delayed
using the water through the end of the year until there is further
discussion over the health effects of chromium 6.
Today's hearing could focus on the state law that requires the
Department of Health Services factor in the cost of treating water with
public health goals when setting the standards. The department has until
January 2002 to review whether any changes need to be made in the
standard.
Landolph said it is unlikely the law will change because it would be
