Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Benzo[a]pyrene

Cullman Utilities Board

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.

 

19

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2018N/A00N/A
2019ND20ND
2020ND20ND
2021ND40ND
2022ND70ND
2023ND40ND

ppb = parts per billion

State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water

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
2019-09-09L1137180-04ND
2019-10-30L1155048-01ND
2020-09-1420171269001_ISOCND
2020-10-2120176646001_ISOCND
2021-03-1235618627001_ISOCND
2021-05-2435635607001_ISOCND
2021-08-0935654106001_ISOCND
2021-11-1535678186001_ISOCND
2022-01-1935691430001_ISOCND
2022-03-1635704232001_ISOCND
2022-04-2035712316001_ISOCND
2022-09-2135748352001_ISOCND
2022-10-1935754173001_ISOCND
2022-10-1935754173003_ISOCND
2022-11-21DC09899-01ND
2023-01-1935773717001_ISOCND
2023-04-2535794896001_ISOCND
2023-09-1535827952001ND
2023-10-1735835047001_ISOCND