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EWG's Tap Water Database — 2021 UPDATE

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Toluene

Norphlet

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.

 

13

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2014ND10ND
2015ND10ND
2016ND20ND
2017ND20ND
2018ND40ND
2019ND30ND

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
2014-08-0414219009001ND
2015-07-1515197006701ND
2016-01-1216015007301ND
2016-09-0716252008401ND
2017-08-0217215006501ND
2017-11-0117306001201ND
2018-02-2618060002201ND
2018-04-3018123005501ND
2018-07-1018193006501ND
2018-10-2918305001801ND
2019-02-1919052004301ND
2019-02-1919052004401ND
2019-07-1519198002501ND