Cadmium

Drinking Water Standards and Health Risks

The primary drinking water standard for cadmium is 0.01 milligrams per liter. Cadmium in high concentrations can cause short-term intestinal illness. Since cadmium tends to accumulate in the body, long-term effects may occur, including intestinal, lung and kidney damage.

Possible Source of Contamination

Cadmium contamination may be caused by disposal of waste from photographic, metal plating or pesticide manufacturing industries. The most common source of contamination is from the corrosion by acidic water of galvanized pipes or soldered joints in copper pipes.

Chromium

Drinking Water Standards and Health Risks

The primary drinking water standard for chromium is 0.05 milligrams per liter. Chromium in small amounts is essential to health. People who work with chromium or are exposed to amounts over the standard for a long time are at risk of damage to the skin and respiratory system, or to acute poisoning.

Possible Source of Contamination

Chromium contamination of water is caused by disposal of industrial waste, particularly from the metal plating, tanning and textile industries.

 

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED ADVICE ON HOW TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, CONTACT THE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING LABORATORY AT 207-287-1716.