Beryllium
Portland Water Bureau
Beryllium is a toxic metal that is both naturally occurring and released into the environment from industrial pollution and incineration. Beryllium can damage lungs, bones and the digestive system.
Testing results - average by year
Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
2015 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
2016 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
2017 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
2018 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
2019 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines
EWG Health Guideline 1 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppb for beryllium was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against harm to the stomach and intestines.
EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 4 ppb
The legal limit for beryllium, established in 1992, was based on a toxicity study in laboratory animals published in 1970. This limit does not include any additional consideration of children’s health.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
Date | Lab ID | Result |
---|---|---|
2014-04-08 | BB38036-I | ND |
2014-07-08 | BB42035-I | ND |
2015-03-31 | BB49816-I | ND |
2015-06-17 | BB52444-I | ND |
2016-04-05 | BB1496-I | ND |
2016-07-27 | BB71221-I | ND |
2017-02-22 | BB84114-I | ND |
2017-04-04 | BB87017-I | ND |
2018-03-15 | BC03118-I | ND |
2018-04-03 | BC04117-I | ND |
2019-04-02 | BC21049-I | ND |
2019-07-15 | BC25289-I | ND |