Benzo[a]pyrene
Amawalk-shenorock Water District
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.
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 | 4 | 0 | ND |
| 2015 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2016 | ND | 4 | 0 | ND |
| 2017 | ND | 4 | 0 | ND |
| 2018 | ND | 4 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | ND | 4 | 0 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-03-10 | 35129491001 SOC | ND |
| 2014-03-10 | 35129491002 SOC | ND |
| 2014-03-10 | 35129491004 SOC | ND |
| 2014-03-10 | 35129491003 SOC | ND |
| 2016-03-09 | 35233772004 SOC | ND |
| 2016-03-09 | 35233772003 SOC | ND |
| 2016-03-09 | 35233772001 SOC | ND |
| 2016-03-09 | 35233772002 SOC | ND |
| 2017-02-28 | 35298645002-SOCS | ND |
| 2017-02-28 | 35298645001-SOCS | ND |
| 2017-02-28 | 35298645003-SOCS | ND |
| 2017-02-28 | 35298645004-SOCS | ND |
| 2018-02-12 | 420-1328041 ME1 | ND |
| 2018-02-12 | 420-1328041 SG3 | ND |
| 2018-02-12 | 420-1328041 SG4 | ND |
| 2018-02-12 | 420-1328041 SG1 | ND |
| 2019-02-27 | 7081061001 SOCS | ND |
| 2019-02-27 | 7081061003 SOCS | ND |
| 2019-02-27 | 7081061004 SOCS | ND |
| 2019-02-27 | 7081061002 SOCS | ND |