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EWG's Tap Water Database — 2021 UPDATE

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Toluene

Rison Waterworks

Toluene is a volatile solvent that harms the nervous and immune systems, damages the liver and may increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. Read More.

Toluene is a petroleum-derived chemical found in gasoline and used as a solvent in paints, adhesives and cleaning supplies. Toluene is highly neurotoxic. Exposure can cause fatigue and nausea, and may lead to nervous system disorders.

 

14

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2014ND30ND
2015ND10ND
2016ND60ND
2017ND10ND
2018ND10ND
2019ND20ND

ppb = parts per billion

State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines

EWG Health Guideline 150 ppb

The EWG Health Guideline of 150 ppb for toluene 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 internal organs.

EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 1,000 ppb

The legal limit for toluene, established in 1991, was based on a toxicity study in laboratory animals conducted in the 1980s.

ppb = parts per billion

All test results

Date Lab ID Result
2014-02-0514037002909ND
2014-05-0514128006609ND
2014-11-1914324008001ND
2015-12-0115337001701ND
2016-01-2516028003201ND
2016-04-2516119004101ND
2016-05-0216126015701ND
2016-09-1216259004101ND
2016-10-1716294003301ND
2016-10-1716294003401ND
2017-10-0417278011402ND
2018-10-2318298000501ND
2019-10-2219297000301ND
2019-10-2219297000201ND