Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Benzo[a]pyrene

Gowc North Water System

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.

 

16

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2018N/A00N/A
2019N/A00N/A
2020ND10ND
2021ND30ND
2022ND70ND
2023ND50ND

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
2020-12-0235596280001ND
2021-02-0135608834004ND
2021-05-0335630681004ND
2021-05-0335630681005ND
2022-02-0935696474003ND
2022-02-0935696474004ND
2022-04-0435708518003ND
2022-04-0435708518004ND
2022-09-2735750438002ND
2022-10-2435755885001ND
2022-10-2435755885002ND
2023-01-2335774809001ND
2023-01-2735777481001ND
2023-02-2235781903001ND
2023-07-1035812564001ND
2023-07-1035812564002ND