Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Benzo[a]pyrene

Falfurrias Utility Board

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.

 

14

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2018ND50ND
2019ND10ND
2020ND10ND
2021ND50ND
2022ND10ND
2023ND10ND

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
2018-02-12AE13396ND
2018-02-12AE13397ND
2018-06-14AE30098ND
2018-06-14AE30099ND
2018-11-05AE45283ND
2019-11-07AE88969ND
2020-08-17AF23919ND
2021-05-26AF55962ND
2021-11-10Q2131711001ND
2021-11-10Q2131711002ND
2021-11-10Q2131711003ND
2021-11-10Q2131711004ND
2022-06-30AG03162ND
2023-04-12AG36654ND