![plate holding grains of dark red metal. According to the US Department of Labor, hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is one of the states of the element chromium. It is usually produced by an intensive heating process, such as burning or in industry. Cr(VI) is known to cause cancer. In addition, it targets the respiratory system, kidneys, liver, skin and eyes. Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/640px-ChromVI-oxid.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
By Catherine Clabby New evidence that nature—not leaking coal ash—produces a cancer-causing metal in wells will not derail Duke Energy from providing new drinking water to people living very close to coal waste dumps. At the same time, the discovery by a Duke University geochemist Avner Vengosh is the latest alarm that unwanted contaminants can […]