Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Benzo[a]pyrene

Westside Rural 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.

 

12

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2018ND10ND
2019ND30ND
2020ND20ND
2021ND10ND
2022ND30ND
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
2018-10-30Q1843596009ND
2019-05-07Q1920849001ND
2019-05-07Q1920849010ND
2019-05-07Q1920849011ND
2020-01-23Q2002763011ND
2020-01-23Q2002763012ND
2021-01-25Q2101699001ND
2022-11-10Q2233973010ND
2022-11-10Q2233973011ND
2022-12-12Q2237147001ND
2023-03-20Q2310439004ND
2023-06-21Q2323858007ND