OT: Contaminated farm soil in Missouri (Chromium 6)

[Guest guest]

In case you know someone in Missouri who may be affected by this

contamination....new tests show the farm soil in northwest Missouri is

contaminated with Chromium 6. This should sound familiar---they are trying to

downplay the seriousness of the contamination and the health effects.

http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/07/02/Contaminated-farm-soil-found-in-Misso\

uri/UPI-14461246549733/

CAMERON, Mo., July 2 (UPI) -- State and federal environmental agencies

say testing has uncovered farm soil in northwest Missouri that is

contaminated with chromium 6.

The Kansas City Star said while agency officials confirmed the

contaminated soil discovery at a news conference Wednesday, they

downplayed the possibility of related health problems.

" We'll know a lot more after the next round of testing, " Clardy of

Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services said. " But at this point in

time, we don't expect any adverse health effects. "

The findings come from a small, initial test conducted at Missouri

farms and those results have prompted officials to call for additional

tests.

A number of lawsuits have been filed in recent years alleging a

fiber insulation manufacturing plant in St. ph, Mo., had been

spreading a sludge containing chromium 6 in the area.

The Star said chromium 6 has been known to cause certain forms of

cancer, but officials suspect the recently discovered low levels of the

substance in farm soil will not result in the formation of brain tumors.