Beryllium
City of South Pasadena
Beryllium is a toxic metal that is both naturally occurring and released into the environment from industrial pollution and incineration. Beryllium can damage lungs, bones and the digestive system.
Testing results - average by year
Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
2015 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
2016 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
2017 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
2018 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
2019 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines
EWG Health Guideline 1 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppb for beryllium 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 the stomach and intestines.
EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 4 ppb
The legal limit for beryllium, established in 1992, was based on a toxicity study in laboratory animals published in 1970. This limit does not include any additional consideration of children’s health.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
Date | Lab ID | Result |
---|---|---|
2015-05-20 | 9588-006-0850 | ND |
2015-08-20 | 9588-002-0925 | ND |
2016-08-12 | 9588-005-0935 | ND |
2018-05-25 | 9588-006-0815 | ND |
2018-06-05 | 9590-005-0640 | ND |
2018-06-05 | 9590-006-0650 | ND |
2019-08-21 | 9588-005-0910 | ND |