Benzo[a]pyrene

Colorado Springs Utilities

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
2013	N/A	0	N/A
2014	ND	2	ND
2015	ND	3	ND
2016	ND	12	ND
2017	ND	6	ND
2018	ND	8	ND
2019	ND	11	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	Result
2014-01-08	ND
2014-05-13	ND
2015-05-05	ND
2015-06-25	ND
2015-07-01	ND
2016-04-04	ND
2016-04-04	ND
2016-04-05	ND
2016-05-10	ND
2016-05-25	ND
2016-07-05	ND
2016-07-05	ND
2016-07-05	ND
2016-07-06	ND
2016-07-06	ND
2016-10-03	ND
2016-10-03	ND
2017-01-04	ND
2017-01-04	ND
2017-04-05	ND
2017-06-27	ND
2017-07-05	ND
2017-11-20	ND
2018-01-10	ND
2018-04-04	ND
2018-04-04	ND
2018-07-02	ND
2018-08-01	ND
2018-10-04	ND
2018-10-04	ND
2018-11-13	ND
2019-03-21	ND
2019-05-08	ND
2019-05-08	ND
2019-05-08	ND
2019-05-08	ND
2019-05-16	ND
2019-10-02	ND
2019-10-02	ND
2019-10-02	ND
2019-10-02	ND
2019-10-02	ND