Benzo[a]pyrene

Quint-mar Water Authority

Benzo[a]pyrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, or PAH, released from combustion of fossil fuels and waste incinerators. PAHs increase the risk of cancer; damage the immune, nervous and reproductive systems; and can harm developing fetuses.

MORE ABOUT THIS CONTAMINANT

Samples

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

Year	Average result	Samples taken	Range of results
2014	ND	2	ND
2015	N/A	0	N/A
2016	ND	10	ND
2017	ND	2	ND
2018	N/A	0	N/A
2019	ND	13	ND

ppb = parts per billion

State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines

EWG Health Guideline 0.007 ppb

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.007 ppb for benzo[a]pyrene 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 cancer.

EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 0.2 ppb

The legal limit for benzo[a]pyrene, established in 1992, was based on analytical detection limits at the time that the standard was set. This limit may not fully protect against the risk of cancer due to PAH exposure.

ppb = parts per billion

All test results

Date	Lab ID	Result
2014-02-13	AA88468	ND
2014-07-29	AA90730	ND
2016-06-14	AB12484	ND
2016-06-14	AB12483	ND
2016-06-14	AB12485	ND
2016-06-14	AB12482	ND
2016-06-14	AB12481	ND
2016-07-20	AB13718	ND
2016-07-20	AB13720	ND
2016-07-20	AB13722	ND
2016-07-20	AB13719	ND
2016-07-20	AB13721	ND
2017-01-26	AB17479	ND
2017-07-13	AB21022	ND
2019-02-05	AB32807	ND
2019-02-05	AB32809	ND
2019-02-05	AB32810	ND
2019-02-05	AB32811	ND
2019-02-05	AB32808	ND
2019-04-17	AB34288	ND
2019-04-17	AB34287	ND
2019-07-17	AB36908-1	ND
2019-07-17	AB36909	ND
2019-07-17	AB36910	ND
2019-07-17	AB36911	ND
2019-07-17	AB36912	ND
2019-07-17	AB36917	ND