Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Benzo[a]pyrene

City of Center

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
2018ND20ND
2019ND20ND
2020ND20ND
2021ND20ND
2022ND20ND
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
2018-04-30Q1817448006ND
2018-05-03Q1818013001ND
2019-05-15Q1925671005ND
2019-05-15Q1925671020ND
2020-03-10Q2009082004ND
2020-08-06Q2031207005ND
2021-03-15Q2106633001ND
2021-09-02Q2123959001ND
2022-03-08Q2207771001ND
2022-03-08Q2207771005ND
2023-02-08Q2304971004ND
2023-07-20Q2328770001ND