Toluene

Rubidoux Community SD

Toluene is a volatile solvent that harms the nervous and immune systems, damages the liver and may increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. Read More.

Toluene is a petroleum-derived chemical found in gasoline and used as a solvent in paints, adhesives and cleaning supplies. Toluene is highly neurotoxic. Exposure can cause fatigue and nausea, and may lead to nervous system disorders.

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	ND	4	ND
2015	N/A	0	N/A
2016	ND	6	ND
2017	ND	5	ND
2018	N/A	0	N/A
2019	ND	5	ND

ppb = parts per billion

State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines

EWG Health Guideline 150 ppb

The EWG Health Guideline of 150 ppb for toluene 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 internal organs.

EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 1,000 ppb

The legal limit for toluene, established in 1991, was based on a toxicity study in laboratory animals conducted in the 1980s.

ppb = parts per billion

All test results

Date	Lab ID	Result
2014-05-15	4790-015-0755	ND
2014-05-15	4790-014-0800	ND
2014-05-15	4790-013-0815	ND
2014-05-15	4790-002-0915	ND
2016-03-18	4790-006-1110	ND
2016-05-10	4790-004-1200	ND
2016-05-10	4790-006-1215	ND
2016-05-10	4790-013-1045	ND
2016-05-10	4790-002-1030	ND
2016-05-10	4790-014-1100	ND
2017-05-10	4790-013-1000	ND
2017-05-10	4790-014-1025	ND
2017-05-10	4790-006-1115	ND
2017-05-10	4790-004-1045	ND
2017-05-10	4790-002-0930	ND
2019-03-28	4790-029-1315	ND
2019-05-08	4790-013-0915	ND
2019-05-08	4790-002-0816	ND
2019-05-09	4790-006-1330	ND
2019-10-02	4790-029-0140	ND