Cyanide

The EWG Health Guideline of 150 ppb for cyanide 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 harm to the brain and nervous system.

The legal limit for cyanide, established in 1992, was based on a 1955 toxicity study conducted in laboratory animals. This limit does not include any additional consideration of children’s health.