Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Benzo[a]pyrene

City of Lewiston

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.

 

24

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2018ND40ND
2019ND50ND
2020ND60ND
2021ND50ND
2022ND30ND
2023ND10ND

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
2018-02-21S180221045-001ND
2018-02-22S180223004-001ND
2018-12-13S181213011-002ND
2018-12-13S181213011-001ND
2019-02-19S190221006-001ND
2019-04-23S190423067-001ND
2019-04-23S190423067-002ND
2019-08-14S190814080-001ND
2019-08-14S190814075-003ND
2020-02-19S200219035-001ND
2020-07-28SMAG0811-08ND
2020-07-28SMAG0811-07ND
2020-07-28SMAG0811-05ND
2020-07-28SMAG0811-03ND
2020-07-28SMAG0811-01ND
2021-06-29SMBF0852-03ND
2021-06-29SMBF0852-01ND
2021-06-29SMBF0852-07ND
2021-06-29SMBF0852-06ND
2021-06-29SMBF0852-04ND
2022-06-28SMCF0954-01ND
2022-09-21SMCI0682-01ND
2022-11-21SMCK0693-01ND
2023-01-18SMDA0450-01ND