Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Benzo[a]pyrene

City of Idalou

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.

 

12

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2018N/A00N/A
2019ND40ND
2020ND20ND
2021ND10ND
2022ND40ND
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
2019-01-30Q1904476001ND
2019-04-10Q1914418008ND
2019-04-10Q1914418009ND
2019-09-11Q1963950007ND
2020-03-11Q2010310009ND
2020-06-09Q2023125009ND
2021-06-03Q2114442001ND
2022-02-16Q2205704001ND
2022-02-16Q2205704003ND
2022-12-05Q2236043001ND
2022-12-05Q2236043002ND
2023-07-26Q2329823008ND