Is hexavalent chromium in some tap water getting into your blood?
Yes. Research shows that drinking water contaminated with hexavalent chromium leads to the presence of chromium in human plasma and red blood cells.
What's actually in it
Hexavalent chromium is a toxic form of chromium that can end up in drinking water. When you drink water containing this chemical, it doesn't just pass through your body. It enters your system and moves into your blood.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Biol Trace Elem Res looked at how drinking water with hexavalent chromium affects the human body. The researchers found that people exposed to this water showed higher levels of chromium in their urine, plasma, and erythrocytes (red blood cells).
This peer-reviewed research confirms that the chemical is absorbed into the bloodstream after ingestion. Because it reaches your blood and cells, it is critical to know what is in your tap water supply.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Impact of Drinking Hexavalent Chromium on Urine, Plasma and Erythrocyte Chromium in Exposed Populations. | Biol Trace Elem Res | 2026 |
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