Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Benzo[a]pyrene

Pajaro Community Services District

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.

 

9

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2018ND20ND
2019N/A00N/A
2020N/A00N/A
2021ND30ND
2022N/A00N/A
2023ND40ND

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
2018-08-13CA2710020_002_002-201808131300ND
2018-12-10CA2710020_002_002-201812101100ND
2021-06-07CA2710020_002_002-202106070750ND
2021-08-09CA2710020_002_002-202108090900ND
2021-11-22CA2710020_002_002-202111220845ND
2023-03-27CA2710020_002_002-202303270820ND
2023-03-29CA2710020_DST_802-202303291003ND
2023-05-08CA2710020_002_002-202305081203ND
2023-08-07CA2710020_002_002-202308070805ND