Benzo[a]pyrene
Connecticut Water Company - Northern Region-Western System
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.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ND | 4 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2020 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2021 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
| 2022 | 0.00200 ppb | 15 | 1 | ND - 0.0300 ppb |
| 2023 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-01-31 | BZ82950SOC5 | ND |
| 2018-06-28 | CA80715SOC5 | ND |
| 2018-07-12 | CA89150 | ND |
| 2018-07-26 | CA99050 | ND |
| 2019-01-09 | SOC 200518249 | ND |
| 2019-03-11 | SOC 200524185 | ND |
| 2019-07-18 | SOC 200541147 | ND |
| 2020-06-10 | SOC 200578800 | ND |
| 2020-08-11 | SOC 200586028 | ND |
| 2020-10-07 | SOC 200593190 | ND |
| 2021-06-16 | SOC 200623187 | ND |
| 2021-07-28 | SOC 200626312 | ND |
| 2022-01-31 | CK26558 | ND |
| 2022-02-28 | CK76167 | ND |
| 2022-04-18 | CL11075 | ND |
| 2022-08-26 | CM16197 | 0.0300 ppb |
| 2022-08-26 | CM16200 | ND |
| 2022-09-07 | CM25593 | ND |
| 2022-09-08 | CM25670 | ND |
| 2022-09-20 | CM37292 | ND |
| 2022-09-20 | CM37296 | ND |
| 2022-10-04 | CM49624 | ND |
| 2022-10-04 | CM49621 | ND |
| 2022-10-06 | CM51510 | ND |
| 2022-10-06 | CM51504 | ND |
| 2022-10-06 | CM50872 | ND |
| 2022-11-03 | CM76536 | ND |