Pentachlorophenol
Portland Water District - Greater Portland
Pentachlorophenol is a carcinogenic chemical used as a wood preservative. It harms developing fetuses, and causes immune suppression and hormone disruption.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2019 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2020 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
| 2021 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2022 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2023 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
EWG Health Guideline: 0.3 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.3 ppb for pentachlorophenol 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): 1 ppb
The legal limit for pentachlorophenol, established in 1991, was based on analytical detection limits at the time that the standard was set.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
| Date | Lab ID | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-06-16 | 2006-02282-001 | ND |
| 2020-09-22 | 2009-03217-001 | ND |
| 2023-06-14 | 2306-03032-001 | ND |
| 2023-09-14 | 2309-03141-001 | ND |