NEWS: Large HazMat Spill Reported in San Diego Area

Chromium in its hexavalent oxidation state is identified by the U.S. EPA as one of the seventeen "high-priority" toxic chemicals that can cause several human health problems. Hexavalent chromium (chromium VI) is found in ammonium dichromate, chromic acid, sodium dichromate, sodium chromate and potassium dichromate. Symptoms of acute dermal exposure to chromium VI include irritated skin and mucous membranes. Ingestion can cause serious injury or death. Chronic exposure by inhalation can produce deep perforating nasal ulcers known as chrome holes. Chromium VI has been found to be mutagenic as well as carcinogenic in animal studies and is a Classification A human carcinogen.

All chromium compounds are considered hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) under the broad generic listing for chromium and compounds. The EPA specifies that chromium in drinking water from public water systems must be limited to a maximum contaminant level of 0.05 milligram per liter.

Please visit the link provided for the complete story.

ESCONDIDO � A chemical spill on Interstate 15 turned yesterday evening's commute into a nightmare � and it may not be over by this morning.

Traffic was backed up for miles yesterday as the California Highway Patrol shut down the freeway in both directions after a cloud of corrosive acid began drifting from an 8,000-gallon tanker truck. Officials evacuated about 10 homes in the area east of where the truck stopped.

Authorities described the chemical mix as a corrosive cocktail of hydrochloric, nitric and hydrofluoric acids with chromic acid mixed in.

"It's the most severe kind of chemical you could be exposed to," said Matt Streck, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. "The fumes are toxic to the lungs and could cause a severe reaction, and toxic to the touch."

Please visit the link provided for the complete story.