The Effects of Hexavalent Chromium In Our Drinking Water

Abstract

The compound hexavalent chromium has been proved a carcinogenic chemical when inhaled, however, there is much debate on its effects when orally ingested. Contaminated water containing hexavalent chromium is a global issue, making the above a vital question for public health. The WHO, IARC and EPA have concluded that the Cr(VI) compound which is hexavalent chromium is carcinogenic, and is more recognized for being a leading cause for lung cancer. It is the aim of this paper to research and discuss the cancerous effect of hexavalent chromium on the public, specifically with the point of view of the substance being present in our drinking water supply world over, and its effects on public health, safety and behaviour.

Table of Contents

Sociological Perspective4

Research Question5

Research Strategy: What Are the Health Effects of Hexavalent Chromium?6

Research Method: Hexavalent Chromium in a Sociological Context6

Research Design7

Evidence7

References11

Bibliography12

Appendices16

The Effects of Hexavalent Chromium In Our Drinking Water

Sociological Perspective

Sociology can be defined as a methodical reading of human culture. Mainly, sociology has idiosyncratic point of view known as the sociological perspectives. Sociologists look for broad and narrow societal molds in the behavior of each individual in respect to how they communicate to groups and how such groups and social structures influence our individualistic perceptions and conduct. With this viewpoint of sociology, we may analyze the harmful effects of chromium in our drinking water supply. As chromium is a carcinogenic substance which spreads various types of cancer and therefore, illnesses in the societal structure, it is easy to see how each individuals perceptions towards group and individual behavior are effected by its consumption.

Human beings behave according to a pattern which is repetitive. We can envisage with reasonable consistency what each individual will generally do under given conditions (Baucum, 2006). For that reason, it is certainly easy to predict the widespread negative behavior within the human psyche which such life threatening and long term illnesses may concur. Our individuality as humans is translated by the context of the grouping we allow ourselves to be drawn into, and therefore, our individual behavior and individuality will also change when we withdraw from our natural grouping into one which is driven by the illnesses both psychological and physical or patients affected from the disease due to the effects of chromium.

Research Question

The questions which need to be addressed are:

In what ways may this harmful chemical, hexavalent chromium affect each individual and the society as a whole? What is hexavalent chromium and is it really carcinogenic?

Will it really affect the way we behave, our habits or the way are society is structured? Let us first investigate the chemical known as the hex chrome or chrome 6.

Chromium arises in the atmosphere mainly in two types: trivalent chromium, which arises naturally and is a critical nutrient for human beings, and hexavalent chromium, which is created primarily by industrial and manufacturing practices which is one of the most toxic elements. For the moment, chromium levels are regulated for water usage as total chromium ...