Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Benzo[a]pyrene

B C Y Water Supply Corporation

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.

 

16

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2018ND10ND
2019ND40ND
2020ND30ND
2021ND20ND
2022ND40ND
2023ND20ND

ppb = parts per billion

State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water

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
2018-06-21Q1824846001ND
2019-03-13Q1910550003ND
2019-03-13Q1910550007ND
2019-03-13Q1910550012ND
2019-03-13Q1910550016ND
2020-02-10Q2005314009ND
2020-03-02Q2007756003ND
2020-05-14Q2019563001ND
2021-09-21Q2125818001ND
2021-09-21Q2125818002ND
2022-10-27Q2232551001ND
2022-10-27Q2232551003ND
2022-10-27Q2232551004ND
2022-10-27Q2232551005ND
2023-01-10Q2301214007ND
2023-11-13Q2348410005ND