Benzo[a]pyrene

City of Caldwell

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
2014	ND	4	ND
2015	ND	3	ND
2016	ND	5	ND
2017	N/A	0	N/A
2018	N/A	0	N/A
2019	ND	9	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	Lab ID	Result
2014-02-26	S1407039	ND
2014-06-18	S1422594	ND
2014-09-29	S1438512	ND
2014-11-13	S1445335	ND
2015-03-10	S1509143	ND
2015-05-06	S1517379	ND
2015-09-24	S1541055	ND
2016-09-06	S1640377	ND
2016-09-06	S1640374	ND
2016-09-06	S1640375	ND
2016-09-06	S1640376	ND
2016-09-06	S1640378	ND
2019-08-06	S1938593	ND
2019-08-06	S1938591	ND
2019-08-06	S1938594	ND
2019-08-06	S1938601	ND
2019-08-06	S1938599	ND
2019-08-06	S1938597	ND
2019-08-19	S1941172	ND
2019-08-19	S1941179	ND
2019-08-20	S1941326	ND