p-Dichlorobenzene
Farm-to-market Associates
p-Dichlorobenzene is a carcinogenic insecticide used in mothballs, and added to deodorant blocks made for trash cans and toilets. Long-term exposure can cause liver damage and kidney problems.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2015 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
| 2016 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
| 2017 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2018 | 0.167 ppb | 3 | 1 | ND - 0.500 ppb |
| 2019 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines
EWG Health Guideline 6 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 6 ppb for p-dichlorobenzene 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) 75 ppb
The legal limit for p-dichlorobenzene, established in 1987, was based on toxicity studies conducted in laboratory animals in the 1980s. This limit may not fully protect against the risk of cancer due to p-dichlorobenzene exposure.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
| Date | Lab ID | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-09-17 | BH15304 | ND |
| 2015-07-23 | 307161-07POCS | ND |
| 2015-07-23 | 307161-08POCS | ND |
| 2016-07-20 | 317742-01POCS | ND |
| 2016-07-20 | 317742-02POCS | ND |
| 2018-02-27 | BZ95430POCS | ND |
| 2018-07-31 | 420-140368-8POCS | ND |
| 2018-07-31 | 420-140368-9POCS | 0.500 ppb |
| 2019-08-08 | 420-158308-8POCS | ND |