How to Remove Chromium 6 From Water?

Chromium 6 is a hazardous contaminant commonly found in tap water and public water sources. Anyone who inadvertently consumes chromium 6 could suffer significant health risks, especially if the consumption occurs daily. That is why you need to understand these risks and the ways to reduce or prevent chromium 6 in water before consuming it.

Chromium 6 , also known as hexavalent chromium, is a toxic form of metal chromium. It's used in many industrial processes due to its corrosive-resistant properties. There are two forms of chromium: one is a safe version called trivalent chromium , and the other is a toxic version called hexavalent chromium. Chromium 6 is the toxic version.

Many industrial facilities use chromium 6 in various manufacturing processes, including leather tanning, metal plating, and dye production. Because of this, chromium 6 frequently contaminates the natural water bodies found around industrial sites. The water contamination usually occurs from improper waste disposal, allowing the chromium 6 elements to find their way into the water.

Health officials have deemed chromium 6 to be a carcinogen, which means it has the potential to cause cancer or other severe health issues if consumed too frequently.

Merely exposing yourself to chromium 6 can cause all kinds of severe health risks and symptoms. Here are the primary risks below.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified chromium 6 as a carcinogen . Exposing yourself to even a small amount of chromium 6 over a long period can increase your risk of developing various types of cancer, such as lung cancer.

People are susceptible to chromium 6 exposure from inhaling its particles in an industrial setting or drinking water contaminated with it. Either method of exposure can lead to the development of respiratory cancers like lung cancer.

The body’s kidneys and liver need detoxification more than any other bodily organ. The reason is that these organs can become easily damaged and cause chronic health issues if exposed to chromium 6 too frequently, especially from ingesting contaminated drinking water.

After all, the liver is vital for removing hazardous toxins from our bloodstream. However, too much chromium 6 exposure can hinder the functionality of your liver, causing severe health conditions like liver fibrosis or complete liver failure.

Industrial workers are highly susceptible to inhaling particles of chromium 6 if they use this chemical element in their manufacturing processes. This kind of chromium 6 exposure can cause someone to develop severe respiratory diseases. It is also possible for someone to develop respiratory diseases by inhaling vapor or steam from water contaminated with chromium 6.

The respiratory diseases and conditions associated with long-term chromium 6 inhalation can include the following:

• Bronchial tube inflammation, a condition known as bronchitis. The symptoms of this condition include trouble breathing, coughing, and wheezing.
• Those with asthma will experience worsening symptoms.
• Lung tissue destruction, causing a lung impairment condition called emphysema. The common symptom of this condition is difficulty breathing.

Chromium 6 can irritate your skin if it comes in direct contact with it. Too much topical exposure to chromium 6 can cause your skin to develop rashes, redness, ulcers, and other unsightly imperfections.

There is even evidence of chromium 6 causing severe irritation to the eyes if any of the chemical particles make contact with them. They will cause the eyes to develop discomfort and redness symptoms.

You can use one of several water filtration methods to reduce chromium 6 from water. They are as follows.

A reverse osmosis water filtration system is an effective method for reducing chromium 6 from your drinking water. When the water gets pushed through the semi-permeable membrane material, up to 99% of all the chromium 6 in the water will be reduced. In addition, reverse osmosis can reduce pesticides, heavy metals, fluoride, and bacteria from the water.

For a safer and faster water purification experience, the Waterdrop X16 offers a 1600 GPD rapid flow and 11-stage filtration system, reducing up to 99% of chromium 6 and other contaminants. It also infuses healthy alkaline minerals, adjusts water pH to an optimal level, and features a space-saving, smart design for your convenience.

Activated carbon filters are effective at reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chlorine from drinking water. The carbon absorbs these contaminants, resulting in cleaner, odor-free, and better-tasting water.

However, their ability to reduce heavy metals, including chromium 6, is limited. While activated carbon can adsorb some contaminants, it is not the most effective solution for reducing chromium 6 from water. Additionally, carbon filters require regular replacement, as their efficiency diminishes once the adsorption capacity is reached.

Ion exchange filters work by exchanging the hard-causing ions in the water with others that won’t cause the water to be hard. They can also effectively lower the heavy metal content in the water, which includes reducing chromium 6.

The downside to using ion exchange filters is the frequent maintenance required, especially when it comes to replacing the resin. They are not suitable for long-term use due to the inconvenience involved in maintaining them.

No, you should not drink water contaminated with chromium 6. It is considered a toxic chemical and potential carcinogen, meaning exposure can increase the risk of cancer, particularly stomach cancer; even small amounts can be harmful. Chromium 6 is a dangerous contaminant that must be filtered out of your water before consuming it.

Reverse osmosis is an effective water filtration method for reducing the levels of chromium 6 in water. For this reason, you need to invest in a high-quality chromium 6 water filter using reverse osmosis to ensure that little to no chromium 6 is in your drinking water.