Pentachlorophenol
Bennington Water Department
Pentachlorophenol is a carcinogenic chemical used as a wood preservative. It harms developing fetuses, and causes immune suppression and hormone disruption.
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 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2020 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2021 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2022 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2023 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
EWG Health Guideline: 0.3 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.3 ppb for pentachlorophenol 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): 1 ppb
The legal limit for pentachlorophenol, established in 1991, was based on analytical detection limits at the time that the standard was set.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
| Date | Lab ID | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-05-07 | 1805-10328-001 | ND |
| 2020-02-10 | 2002-03307-001 | ND |
| 2020-02-10 | 2002-03307-004 | ND |
| 2020-05-11 | 2005-10663-001 | ND |
| 2021-05-03 | 2105-11749-001 | ND |
| 2023-02-06 | 2302-03430-004 | ND |
| 2023-02-06 | 2302-03430-001 | ND |
| 2023-05-08 | 2305-12233-001 | ND |