The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) of the California Environmental Protection Agency announced on February 9, 2026, that a health protective concentration (HPC) of 5 parts per billion (ppb) for the non-carcinogenic effects of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in drinking water had been finalized. The chronic toxicity study that led to the development of chronic liver inflammation in female rats exposed to hexavalent chromium in drinking water over an extended period of time is the basis for the 5 ppb standard.
Context
One extremely hazardous heavy metal that is frequently present in industrial contamination is hexavalent chromium. Drinking water exposure over time can cause a number of health problems. California has continuously increased control criteria for these carcinogens since the Safe Drinking Water Act went into effect in 1996.
Key Facts
|
Item |
Content |
|
Updated Non-Carcinogenic HPC |
5 micrograms per liter (μg/L), equivalent to 5 ppb |
|
Previous HPC (2011) |
2 ppb |
|
Key Study |
National Toxicology Program (NTP, 2008a) 2-year chronic toxicity study |
|
Most Sensitive Endpoint |
Chronic liver inflammation in female rats |
OEHHA must independently assess health risks for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects in accordance with the California Safe Drinking Water Act. The Public Health Goal (PHG) will be the most stringent (lowest) value. The HPC for carcinogenic effects will be revealed separately and is now in the development stage.
