Beryllium
Lee County Utilities
Beryllium is a toxic metal that is both naturally occurring and released into the environment from industrial pollution and incineration. Beryllium can damage lungs, bones and the digestive system.
Testing results - average by year
Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
2014 | ND | 5 | 0 | ND |
2015 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
2016 | 0.300 ppb | 1 | 1 | 0.300 ppb |
2017 | ND | 5 | 0 | ND |
2018 | ND | 4 | 0 | ND |
2019 | 0.150 ppb | 2 | 1 | ND - 0.300 ppb |
ppb = parts per billion
State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines
EWG Health Guideline 1 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppb for beryllium 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 the stomach and intestines.
EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 4 ppb
The legal limit for beryllium, established in 1992, was based on a toxicity study in laboratory animals published in 1970. This limit does not include any additional consideration of children’s health.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
Date | Result |
---|---|
2014-02-05 | ND |
2014-03-03 | ND |
2014-04-16 | ND |
2014-04-16 | ND |
2014-10-08 | ND |
2015-10-12 | ND |
2016-10-03 | 0.300 ppb |
2017-02-01 | ND |
2017-03-02 | ND |
2017-04-03 | ND |
2017-04-03 | ND |
2017-10-05 | ND |
2018-06-11 | ND |
2018-07-09 | ND |
2018-10-01 | ND |
2018-10-16 | ND |
2019-01-07 | 0.300 ppb |
2019-10-07 | ND |