p-Dichlorobenzene
Salem Public Works
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2020 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
| 2021 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
| 2022 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
| 2023 | ND | 4 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-01-24 | 201801250239-V | ND |
| 2019-02-07 | 201902080338-V | ND |
| 2020-02-03 | 202002040118-V | ND |
| 2020-05-18 | 202005190119-V | ND |
| 2021-02-16 | 202102170345-V | ND |
| 2021-05-10 | 202105110678-V | ND |
| 2022-02-16 | 202202180003-V | ND |
| 2022-06-23 | 380-6930-1-V | ND |
| 2023-01-04 | 380-33407-1-V | ND |
| 2023-04-27 | 380-45315-1-V | ND |
| 2023-10-31 | 380-69235-1-V | ND |
| 2023-10-31 | 380-69271-1-V | ND |