Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Benzo[a]pyrene

Batts-lapile Water Association

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.

 

12

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2018ND20ND
2019ND20ND
2020ND30ND
2021ND20ND
2022ND10ND
2023ND20ND

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
2018-09-1118256003701ND
2018-11-2618333002301ND
2019-08-1219227000507ND
2019-11-1819324000901ND
2020-09-0720254001301ND
2020-09-2920275002201ND
2020-11-3035596125004ND
2021-09-2721273000401ND
2021-12-0721342003701ND
2022-11-15O203932-PAE-1ND
2023-08-16O211594-PAE-1ND
2023-11-13O213952-PAE-1ND