p-Dichlorobenzene
Ut Mcdonald Observatory
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2020 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2021 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2022 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2023 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-09-18 | Q1837698002 | ND |
| 2019-03-21 | Q1911885008 | ND |
| 2020-07-30 | Q2029752001 | ND |
| 2021-06-22 | Q2116341001 | ND |
| 2022-09-20 | Q2228381008 | ND |
| 2023-01-25 | Q2303489001 | ND |