Toluene
Middletown Water Department
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.
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 | 2 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
| 2020 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
| 2021 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2022 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
| 2023 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-03-28 | VOC1 200490770 | ND |
| 2018-04-16 | VOC1 200492154 | ND |
| 2019-05-13 | VOC1 200531893 | ND |
| 2019-05-21 | VOC1 200533083 | ND |
| 2020-05-06 | VOC1 200574723 | ND |
| 2020-05-14 | VOC1 200575833 | ND |
| 2021-03-03 | VOC1 200612185 | ND |
| 2021-03-30 | VOC1 200612183 | ND |
| 2021-03-30 | VOC1 200612184 | ND |
| 2022-05-11 | V300182524 300182531 | ND |
| 2022-05-11 | V300182526 300182544 | ND |
| 2023-06-23 | V300370771 300370772 | ND |
| 2023-06-23 | V300370773 300370774 | ND |