Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Benzo[a]pyrene

Arizona Water Company - Sierra Vista

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.

 

29

Samples

1

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

2

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2018ND140ND
2019N/A00N/A
2020N/A00N/A
20210.0225 ppb152ND - 0.270 ppb
2022N/A00N/A
2023N/A00N/A

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
2018-01-23201801240115SBND
2018-01-23201801240115SCND
2018-01-23201801240115SDND
2018-01-23201801240130SAND
2018-01-23201801240130SBND
2018-01-23201801240130SCND
2018-01-23201801240115SAND
2018-07-25201807250658SBND
2018-07-25201807250662SCND
2018-07-25201807250662SBND
2018-07-25201807250662SAND
2018-07-25201807250658SDND
2018-07-25201807250658SCND
2018-07-25201807250658SAND
2021-05-2021E2311-01 SOCND
2021-05-2021E2311-07SOCND
2021-05-2021E2311-06SOCND
2021-05-2021E2311-05SOCND
2021-05-2021E2311-03 SOCND
2021-05-2021E2311-02 SOCND
2021-11-1621K2237-010.270 ppb
2021-11-1621K2237-02ND
2021-11-1621K2237-030.0670 ppb
2021-11-1721K2431-01ND
2021-11-1721K2431-02ND
2021-11-1721K2431-03ND
2021-11-1721K2431-04ND
2021-12-0821L1169-01ND
2021-12-2221L2776-01ND