p-Dichlorobenzene
Borough of Atglen
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 | 5 | 0 | ND |
| 2015 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2016 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2017 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2018 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-03-19 | 1077387001 | ND |
| 2014-06-23 | 2014203001 | ND |
| 2014-07-29 | 2021224001 | ND |
| 2014-09-15 | 2029178001 | ND |
| 2014-12-08 | 2044696001 | ND |
| 2015-06-22 | 12876739 | ND |
| 2016-11-22 | 15221166 | ND |
| 2017-04-11 | 15930757 | ND |
| 2017-05-02 | 16088385 | ND |
| 2017-12-19 | 17156507 | ND |
| 2018-05-01 | 8041270-01 | ND |
| 2019-04-09 | 9041375-01 | ND |