Benzo[a]pyrene

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority - Wilmington

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
2013	N/A	0	N/A
2014	N/A	0	N/A
2015	ND	8	ND
2016	ND	5	ND
2017	ND	3	ND
2018	ND	8	ND
2019	ND	7	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
2015-02-12		ND
2015-04-13		ND
2015-05-12		ND
2015-07-08		ND
2015-08-17		ND
2015-08-17		ND
2015-11-12		ND
2015-11-16		ND
2016-02-11	92286454001SOC	ND
2016-05-19	92298873001SOC	ND
2016-08-11	92308718001SOC	ND
2016-11-01	3577049	ND
2016-11-01	3577061	ND
2017-01-17	3622927	ND
2017-01-17	3622933	ND
2017-09-05	3772339	ND
2018-02-13	3871685	ND
2018-04-11	3910094	ND
2018-05-09	3932363	ND
2018-07-10	92391593001SOC	ND
2018-07-12	92391890001SOC	ND
2018-08-02	92394426001SOC	ND
2018-10-16	4091766	ND
2018-11-07	4114583	ND
2019-08-02	4375871	ND
2019-09-16	4424756	ND
2019-09-23	4434026	ND
2019-09-26	37729_19-41714	ND
2019-10-01	4441900	ND
2019-10-01	4443207	ND
2019-10-01	4443224	ND