Benzo[a]pyrene

Cottonwood Municipal Water Vv6

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.

MORE ABOUT THIS CONTAMINANT

Samples

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

Year	Average result	Samples taken	Range of results
2014	N/A	0	N/A
2015	N/A	0	N/A
2016	ND	12	ND
2017	N/A	0	N/A
2018	N/A	0	N/A
2019	ND	12	ND

ppb = parts per billion

State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines

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
2016-03-07	201603090146SC	ND
2016-03-07	201603090146SB	ND
2016-03-07	201603090146SA	ND
2016-03-07	201603090144SC	ND
2016-03-07	201603090144SB	ND
2016-03-07	201603090144SA	ND
2016-08-23	201608240125SA	ND
2016-08-23	201608240127SC	ND
2016-08-23	201608240127SB	ND
2016-08-23	201608240127SA	ND
2016-08-23	201608240125SC	ND
2016-08-23	201608240125SB	ND
2019-02-19	201902200086SC	ND
2019-02-19	201902200086SB	ND
2019-02-19	201902200086SA	ND
2019-02-19	201902200082SC	ND
2019-02-19	201902200082SB	ND
2019-02-19	201902200082SA	ND
2019-05-07	201905080040SA	ND
2019-05-07	201905080044SC	ND
2019-05-07	201905080044SB	ND
2019-05-07	201905080044SA	ND
2019-05-07	201905080040SC	ND
2019-05-07	201905080040SB	ND