Pentachlorophenol
Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority
Pentachlorophenol is a carcinogenic chemical used as a wood preservative. It harms developing fetuses, and causes immune suppression and hormone disruption.
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 | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2021 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2022 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2023 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
EWG Health Guideline: 0.3 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.3 ppb for pentachlorophenol 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): 1 ppb
The legal limit for pentachlorophenol, established in 1991, was based on analytical detection limits at the time that the standard was set.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
| Date | Lab ID | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-04-18 | 8044653-01 | ND |
| 2019-04-02 | 9042623-01 | ND |
| 2020-04-02 | 22117044.00 | ND |
| 2020-07-08 | 22699942.00 | ND |
| 2020-09-16 | 23088748.00 | ND |
| 2021-04-20 | 24339777.00 | ND |
| 2022-05-03 | 26744081.00 | ND |
| 2023-05-22 | 29205336.00 | ND |
| 2023-10-30 | 29978294.00 | ND |
| 2023-10-30 | 29978295.00 | ND |