The Washington Post today reports on a story regarding Chromium 6, the element covered in the film Erin Brokavich.
A case has been pending with OSHA to reestablish standards for exposure for nine years, and OSHA is planning to set the standard by February 28.
However, according to an article in Environmental Health journal and secret documents obtained by a public advocacy group, evidently scientists working for a chromium industry group withheld or reworked a large scale study they conducted in order to make it appear that chromium 6 does not cause death in cases of low exposure.
OSHA is about to set the standards at a higher level than asked by health advocates, because their finding is that up to 9 deaths per 1,000, is reasonable, since it would be costly for the industry to retool. They are planning to disregard this new study according to their spokesperson.
So, they may set it at the higher standard of 5 micrograms, which would result in up to 45 deaths per 1,000.
It is imperative to write OSHA and demand they investigate this study. It would also be a good day to write your congressman/woman and bring this article to their attention.
Read the Washington Post article
Email OSHA your concern
Call OSHA at [By Phone]:
1-800-321-OSHA (6742)
Write your congressman and get their attention:
[http://www.senate.gov]
[http://www.house.gov]