p-Dichlorobenzene
Greenleaf Waterworks
p-Dichlorobenzene is a carcinogenic insecticide used in mothballs, and added to deodorant blocks made for trash cans and toilets. Long-term exposure can cause liver damage and kidney problems.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1.60 ppb | 2 | 1 | ND - 3.20 ppb |
| 2015 | 0.405 ppb | 2 | 1 | ND - 0.810 ppb |
| 2016 | 2.80 ppb | 1 | 1 | 2.80 ppb |
| 2017 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2018 | 1.50 ppb | 1 | 1 | 1.50 ppb |
| 2019 | 2.50 ppb | 1 | 1 | 2.50 ppb |
ppb = parts per billion
State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines
EWG Health Guideline 6 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 6 ppb for p-dichlorobenzene 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) 75 ppb
The legal limit for p-dichlorobenzene, established in 1987, was based on toxicity studies conducted in laboratory animals in the 1980s. This limit may not fully protect against the risk of cancer due to p-dichlorobenzene exposure.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
| Date | Lab ID | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-05-15 | 789943 | ND |
| 2014-08-07 | 809313 | 3.20 ppb |
| 2015-02-16 | 5028493A | ND |
| 2015-08-03 | 875195 | 0.810 ppb |
| 2016-08-04 | 937841 | 2.80 ppb |
| 2017-03-20 | 979000 | ND |
| 2018-08-07 | 1072532 | 1.50 ppb |
| 2019-08-06 | 1139456 | 2.50 ppb |