Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Benzo[a]pyrene

Stanislaus Regional Water Authority

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.

 

8

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2018ND10ND
2019ND20ND
2020ND20ND
2021ND20ND
2022ND10ND
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
2018-09-12CA5010043_001_001-201809120915ND
2019-03-14CA5010043_001_001-201903140900ND
2019-09-19CA5010043_001_001-201909191030ND
2020-04-16CA5010043_001_001-202004160830ND
2020-09-17CA5010043_001_001-202009170900ND
2021-03-18CA5010043_001_001-202103180820ND
2021-09-16CA5010043_001_001-202109160830ND
2022-03-17CA5010043_001_001-202203170831ND