Ethylene dibromide
Philadelphia Water Department
Ethylene dibromide, a likely human carcinogen, was used until 1984 as a gasoline additive and a pesticide. It affects the hormone, reproductive and nervous systems; causes testicular atrophy; and damages the heart, liver and kidneys.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2014 | ND | 6 | 0 | ND |
| 2015 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2016 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2017 | ND | 6 | 0 | ND |
| 2018 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines
EWG Health Guideline 0.01 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.01 ppb for ethylene dibromide 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) 0.05 ppb
The legal limit for ethylene dibromide, established in 1991, 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 ethylene dibromide exposure.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
| Date | Lab ID | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-04-07 | 7422122 | ND |
| 2014-04-07 | 7422120 | ND |
| 2014-04-07 | 7422118 | ND |
| 2014-08-19 | 7572176 | ND |
| 2014-08-19 | 7572174 | ND |
| 2014-08-19 | 7572178 | ND |
| 2015-06-10 | 12888377 | ND |
| 2015-06-10 | 12888353 | ND |
| 2015-06-10 | 12888329 | ND |
| 2016-06-03 | 14412777 | ND |
| 2016-06-03 | 14412775 | ND |
| 2016-06-03 | 14412776 | ND |
| 2017-05-16 | 16101823 | ND |
| 2017-05-16 | 16101824 | ND |
| 2017-05-16 | 16101825 | ND |
| 2017-07-24 | 16420537 | ND |
| 2017-07-24 | 16420538 | ND |
| 2017-07-24 | 16420536 | ND |
| 2018-06-11 | 8062833-01 | ND |
| 2018-06-11 | 8062834-01RE | ND |
| 2018-06-11 | 8062835-01RE | ND |
| 2019-06-25 | 9065260-01 | ND |
| 2019-06-25 | 9065261-01 | ND |
| 2019-06-25 | 9065259-01 | ND |