Toluene
San Francisco City Water System
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.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2014 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2015 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2016 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2017 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2018 | ND | 17 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | ND | 4 | 0 | ND |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-06-14 | 9553-001-0920 | ND |
| 2018-01-11 | 9553-007-1115 | ND |
| 2018-03-06 | 9590-004-1031 | ND |
| 2018-03-08 | 9590-006-0925 | ND |
| 2018-04-17 | 9590-007-1055 | ND |
| 2018-04-30 | 9590-008-1013 | ND |
| 2018-06-12 | 9590-008-0930 | ND |
| 2018-06-12 | 9590-004-1058 | ND |
| 2018-07-17 | 9590-007-0519 | ND |
| 2018-07-26 | 9553-006-0838 | ND |
| 2018-09-12 | 9590-004-0944 | ND |
| 2018-09-25 | 9553-006-0930 | ND |
| 2018-09-25 | 9553-004-0910 | ND |
| 2018-09-25 | 9553-008-0950 | ND |
| 2018-10-17 | 9553-007-0730 | ND |
| 2018-12-11 | 9553-004-0845 | ND |
| 2018-12-11 | 9553-006-0915 | ND |
| 2018-12-11 | 9553-008-1045 | ND |
| 2019-06-17 | 9553-008-1106 | ND |
| 2019-06-17 | 9553-007-0905 | ND |
| 2019-06-17 | 9553-006-1206 | ND |
| 2019-06-17 | 9553-004-0956 | ND |