Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Benzo[a]pyrene

St John Water District 1

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.

 

15

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2018ND40ND
2019ND40ND
2020ND10ND
2021ND20ND
2022ND20ND
2023ND20ND

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
2018-01-2335370117004ND
2018-01-2335370117004ND
2018-07-1735405084001ND
2018-07-1735405084001ND
2019-01-2235444040001ND
2019-01-2235444040001ND
2019-07-2535485228001ND
2019-07-2535485228001ND
2020-10-2235587106001ND
2021-01-2835608068001ND
2021-11-1835679380001ND
2022-02-0235694871001ND
2022-09-1535747517001ND
2023-03-2035787603001ND
2023-11-2835844327001ND