p-Dichlorobenzene
Howard Waterworks
p-Dichlorobenzene is a carcinogenic insecticide used in mothballs, and added to deodorant blocks made for trash cans and toilets. Long-term exposure can cause liver damage and kidney problems.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2015 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2016 | 2.20 ppb | 1 | 1 | 2.20 ppb |
| 2017 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2018 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2019 | 0.0967 ppb | 3 | 1 | ND - 0.290 ppb |
ppb = parts per billion
State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines
EWG Health Guideline 6 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 6 ppb for p-dichlorobenzene 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) 75 ppb
The legal limit for p-dichlorobenzene, established in 1987, was based on toxicity studies conducted in laboratory animals in the 1980s. This limit may not fully protect against the risk of cancer due to p-dichlorobenzene exposure.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
| Date | Lab ID | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-01-07 | 5026391A | ND |
| 2014-03-31 | 777675 | ND |
| 2014-04-01 | 777920 | ND |
| 2016-03-07 | 909034 | 2.20 ppb |
| 2019-09-09 | 1146940 | 0.290 ppb |
| 2019-10-16 | 1155926 | ND |
| 2019-10-16 | 1155929 | ND |