Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
TAble 3.1
Selected Primary Standard Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) and Maximum
Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for Organic Chemicals
MCL/MCLG
(mg/L)
Contaminant
Health Effects
Sources
Aldicarb
Nervous system effects
0.003/0.001
Insecticide
Benzene
Possible cancer risk
0.005/0
Industrial chemicals,
paints, plastics, pesticides
Carbon tetrachloride
Possible cancer risk
0.005/0
Cleaning agents,
industrial wastes
Chlordane
Possible cancer
0.002/0
Insecticide
Endrin
Nervous system, liver,
kidney effects
0.002/0.002
Insecticide
Heptachlor
Possible cancer
0.0004/0
Insecticide
Lindane
Nervous system, liver,
kidney effects
0.0002/0.0002
Insecticide
Pentachlorophenol
Possible cancer risk,
liver, kidney effects
0.001/0
Wood preservative
Styrene
Liver, nervous system
effects
0.1/0.1
Plastics, rubber, drug
industry
Toluene
Kidney, nervous system,
liver, circulatory effects
1/1
Industrial solvent,
gasoline additive
chemical manufacturing
Total trihalomethanes
Possible cancer risk
0.1/0
Chloroform, drinking
water chlorination
byproduct
Trichloroethylene
Possible cancer risk
0.005/0
Waste from disposal of
dry-cleaning material
and manufacture of
pesticides, paints, and
waxes; metal degreaser
Vinyl chloride
Possible cancer
0.002/0
May leach from PVC pipe
Xylene
Liver, kidney, nervous
system effects
10/10
Gasoline refining
byproduct, paint, ink,
detergent
Source:
USEPA,
Is Your Drinking Water Safe?
, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington,
DC, 1994; USEPA,
National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Washington, DC, 2009.
Note:
VOCs are particularly dangerous in water. They are absorbed
through the skin through contact with water—for example, every shower
or bath. Hot water allows these compounds to evaporate rapidly, and they
are harmful if inhaled. VOCs can be present in any tap water, regard-
less of location or water source. If tap water contains significant levels of
these compounds, they pose a health threat from skin contact, even if the
water is not ingested (Ingram, 1991).
