Benzo[a]pyrene

City of Nampa

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	N/A	0	N/A
2015	N/A	0	N/A
2016	ND	7	ND
2017	ND	5	ND
2018	ND	1	ND
2019	ND	12	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
2016-04-20	S1616221	ND
2016-07-20	S1632285	ND
2016-10-07	S1646180	ND
2016-11-17	1652977	ND
2016-11-17	S1652977	ND
2016-11-17	S1652993	ND
2016-11-17	S1652982	ND
2017-01-31	S1703805	ND
2017-01-31	S1703804	ND
2017-04-11	S1714411	ND
2017-08-09	S1735777	ND
2017-10-18	S1748770	ND
2018-10-08	S1850028	ND
2019-08-15	S1940600	ND
2019-08-15	S1940599	ND
2019-09-17	S1946663	ND
2019-09-17	S1946664	ND
2019-09-17	S1946665	ND
2019-09-17	S1946666	ND
2019-09-17	S1946661	ND
2019-09-18	S1947017	ND
2019-09-18	S1947010	ND
2019-09-18	S1947008	ND
2019-09-18	S1947009	ND
2019-09-18	S1947007	ND