Waited States . ^',;'. :; .\'' '.;'':,. .;.-..'. ;:''," :'.'...'
Environmental Protection Office of Water EPA $11-F-95-002-C
; Agency : 4603 ; October 1995
©EPA NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING
WATER REGUlJVriONS
Gontaminant Specific Fact Sheets
Inorganic Chemicals - Consumer Version
Asbestos . Lead
Barium Copper
Cadmium Antimony
Chromium Beryllium
Mercury Cyanide
Nitrates/Nitrites Nickel
Selenium Thallium
-------
^N.
-------
United States
Environmental Protection
;., Agency
Office of Water
4601
EPA 811-F"95-002a-C
October 1385
National Primary Drinking
Water Regulations
Asbestos
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public
or private drinking water supplies, it may cause health problems if
found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS:
MCLG: .?MFL
, Met: TMFL
WHAT is
ASBESTOS
AND HOW is IT USED?
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral occurring in natural deposits. Because asbestos
fibers are resistant to heat and most chemicals, they have been mined for use in
over 3,000 different products, including roofing materials, brake pads, and cement
pipe often used in distributing water to communities.
WHYIS ASBESTOS
BEING REGULATED?
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA
to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause
health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health
risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals. ;
The MCLG for asbestos has been set at 7 million fibers per liter of water (MFL)
because EPA believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential
health problems described below. " .
Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contaminant Level (MGL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible,
considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
,, using suitable treatmenttechnologies.
The MCL has also been; set at 7 M^FL because,EPA believes, given present
technology and resources, this is the lowest level to which water systems can
reasonably be required to remove this contaminant should it occur in drinking
'water. ' ',.''-.. ' :"',::.[: ''-,/.;._ . ,'.; - .';- -, >;"-'1" .-; ;_ \- ' .
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public
water supplies must abide by these regulations.
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
Short-term: Asbestos is not known to cause any health problems when people
are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time.
Long-term: Asbestos has the potential to cause the following effects from a
lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: lung disease; cancer.
How MUCH ASBESTOS
IS PRODUCED AND ^
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
Asbestos fibers may be released from natural sources such as erosion of
asbestos-containing ores, but the primary source is through the wear or break-
down of asbestos-containing materials, particularly from the wastewaters of
October 1995
Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987 T01993 ,
Water Land
TOTALS (in pounds) 32.650 8.620.439
PA
LA
IX
AR
0
61
0
1.000
0
Top Industrial Sources*
Asbestos products 3.005
Alkalis, chlorine 1.973
Industrial orsanlcchems 0
Asphalt felts, coatings. 5
Auto parts 0.
Petroteum refining 0
Plastic pipes 0
Shipbuilding, repairing 0
2.945.049
2.256.400
1,737.200
568.227
480,000
2,510,227
2.256,404
1,230,000
871,067
563.694
314,560
235.200
211.400
* Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
releases greater than a certain amount- usually
1000 to 10.000 tbs.
mining and other industries, and bythe use
of asbestos cement pipes in water supply
systems.
From 1987 to 1993, according to the
Toxics Release Inventory, asbestos re-
leases to water and land totalled nearly 9
million Ibs. These releases were primarily
from asbestos products industries which
use asbestos in roofing materials, friction
materials, and cement. The largest re-
leases occurred in Pennsylvania and Loui-
siana,
As a naturally occurring substance, as-
bestos can be present in surface .and
ground water. Small fibers; may be carried
long distances by water currents before
settling. Asbestos fibers do not bind to
soils, but nevertheless do not migrate to
ground water through soils. Asbestos is
not expected to accumulate in aquatic life.
WHAT HAPPENS TO
ASBESTOS
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
Theregulationforasbestosbecameeffectivein 1992. Between 1993 and 1995, HOWWILL
EPArequiredyourwatersuppliertocollectwatersamplesonceand3nalyzethem ASBESTOS
to.find out if asbestos is present above 7 MFL. If it is present above this level, the BE DETECT
system must continue to monitor this contaminant once every 3 months.
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water
suppliermusttakesteps to reducetheamount of asbestos so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
for removing asbestos: Transmission Electron Microscopy.
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
If the levels of asbestos exceed the MCL, the system must notify the public via HowWLL /KWOM,/F
newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as providing AsBesTOS /s IN MY
alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent senous risks to DRINKING WATER?
public health. ,
Learn more about your drinking water!
EPA strongly encourages people to learn more
about their drinking water, and to support local efforts
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern-
ment listings are a good starting point.
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the
chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how
your water is treated.
Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
valuable source of information.
For help in locating these agencies or for information on
drinking water in general, call: '
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426,4791.
* For additional information on the uses and releases of
chemicals in your state, contact the: M
Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
-------
United States
Environmental Protection
'Agency . ; .}'.'
Office of Water
4601 , .
EPA811-F-95-002b-C
.-October 1395
National
;j;;v.;;;.:--WEte"
^v;'-^
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public
or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if
found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS:
MCLG: 2 PPM"
, MCL: 2 PPM
WHAT is
BARIUM
AND HOW IS IT USED?
Barium is a lustrous, machinable metal which exists in nature only in ores
containing mixtures of elements. It is used in making a wide varietyrof electronic
components, in metal alloys, bleaches, dyes, fireworks, ceramics .and-glass.'In-
particular, it is used in well drilling operations where it is directly released into the
'ground.'--' - ; .' . ' -. ',' ' -,':.,''..: . ' " " ''. ','; ;" - ' ' :
WHY is BARIUM
BEING REGULATED?
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA
to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which, do or may cause
health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health
risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
The MCLG for barium has been set at 2 parts per million (ppm) because EPA
believes this. level of protection would not cause any of the potential, .health
problems described below.
Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible,
considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
using suitable treatment technologies.
the MCL has also been set at 2 ppm because EPA believes, given present
technology and resources, this is the lowest leVel to which water systems can
reasonably be required to remove this contaminant should it occur in drinking
-water. . ','.-...', ". ,;'" ' ..-'-.''..' -'' ^ .-.-'.. '"' . '-."-'
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking WaterRegujatrons. All public.
water supplies must abide by these regulations. .
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
Short-term: EPA has found barium to potentially cause the following health
effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short
periods of time: gastrointestinal disturbances and muscular weakness. .
Long-term; Barium has the potential to cause the following effects from a
lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: high blood pressure.
October 1995
Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987 ro 1993
Water
Land
TOTALS (In pounds) 928.448 57.063.031
0 .14.5&.520
1,500- 13.42%.164
0 9.218,901
5.233.790
3.977.E17
Top Ten States *
AZ
ITT
VA
NM 0
IL 34,000
TN 0 2.586 >3
AL , 31,041 1.63C i
PA 15,582 1;216,;^
TX 167,864 599.E35
NJ 20,905 . 705.666
Mijor Industries*
Copper smelting 1.500 31.958,310
Car parts, accessories 1,743 9,456,667
Industrial organtes 132,511 4,106,827
Inorganic pigments 5,261 3,672,45.1
Gray, ductile Iron ' ' -0, 1,556,681
Steelworks, furnaces 256.582 679,999
Electrometallurgy 1,599 633,876
Paper mills 64,770 527,330
* Water/Land totals only include facilities with
releases greater than a certain amount- usually
1000 to 10,000 IDS.
The most common ores are found in AK,
AR, CA, GA, KY, MO, NV, and TN. Barite
was produced at 38.mines in these states in
1973, with Nevada supplying 50% of the
tonnage. Barium is released to water and
soil in the discharge and disposal of drilling
wastes, from the smelting of copper, and
the manufacture of motor vehicle parts and
accessories.
From .1987 to 1993, according to the
Toxics Release Inventory barium compound
releases to land and water totalled over 57
million Ibs. These releases were primarily
from copper smelting industries, the larg-
est releases occurred in Arizona and Utah.
The largest direct releases to water .oc-
curred in Texas
In water, the more toxic soluble barium
salts are likely to be converted to insoluble
salts which precipitate.. Barium does not
bind to most soils and may migrate to
ground water. It has a low tendency to
accumulate in aquatic life,,
The regulation for barium became effective in 1992. Between 1993 arid 1995,
EPA required your water supplier to collect water samples once and analyze them
to find out if barium is present above 2 ppm. If it is present above this level, the
system must continue to monitor this contaminant . .
if contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water
supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of barium so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
for removing barium: Ion Exchange, Reverse.Osmosis, Lime-Softeriing, Electro-
dialysis. - - v : :
If the levels of barium exceed the MCL, the system must notify the public via
newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as providing
alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to
public health. , , ,
How MUCH BARIUM
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
WHAT HAPPENS TO
BARIUM
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
HOW WILL ,
BARIUM
BE DETECTED IN. AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
HOW WILL I KNOW IF
BARIUM is IN MY DRINK-
ING. WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!
EPA strongly encourages people to leam more Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
abouttheir drinking water, and to support local efforts valuable source of information.
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking For help in locating these agencies or for information on.
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern- drinking water in general, call:
ment listings are a good starting point. EPA>S Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791.
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the ' For additional information on the uses and releases of
chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how chemicals inlyour state .contact the:
your water is treated. Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
October 1995
Consumer version
rage &
-------
United States
Environmental Protection;:
Agency ;
Office of Water
4601
EPA8iT-F-95-002c-C
October 1995
vvEPA
National
Water
Cadmium
Drinking
ions
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public
or private o'rinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if
found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS: .
MCLG: 5PPB
MCL: 5 PPB
WHAT is :
CADMIUM
AND HOW IS IT USED?
WHY is CADMIUM
BEING REGULATED?
WHATARETHE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
How MUCH CADMIUM
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
Cadmium is a metal found in natural deposits as ores containing other
elements. The greatest use of cadmium is primarily for metal plating and coating
operations, including transportation equipment, machinery and baking enamels,
photography, television phosphors. It is also used in nickel-cadmium and solar
batteries and in pigments.
[ In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA
to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause
health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health
risksand exposure, are'-.called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
The MCLG for cadmium has been set at 5 parts per billion (ppb) because EPA
believes this level of protection would hot cause any of the potential health
problems described below.
Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MGLGs as possible,
considering the ability of public water systems to detect and. remove contaminants
using suitable treatment technologies. v y, ; . '-.,
The MCL has also been set-at 5 ppb-because EPA believes, given present
technology and resources, this is the lowest level to which water systems can
reasonably be required to remove this contaminant if it occurs in drinking water.
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public
water supplies must abide by these regulations. .-,
Short-term: EPA has found cadmium to potentially cause the following health
effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short
periods of time: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, salivation, sensory
disturbances, liver injury, convulsions,shock and renal failure. 7
Long-term: Cadmium has trie potential to cause the following effects from a
lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: kidney, liver, bone and blood damage,
2.9 million \bs. of cadmiutri were produced in the US in 1986, and nearly twice
that amount was imported in the same year. Cadmium occurs naturally in zinc,
lead, copper and other ores which can serve as sources to ground and surface
waters, especially when in contact with soft, acidic waters. Major industrial
October 1995
Consumer Version
Printed oh Recycled Paper
-------
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND: '
1987 TO 1993
Water Land
TOTALS (In pounds) 31.487 2,059.574
Top Sown States*
AZ 503 43E.!35
UT ' 1.750 371, tO
MT 0 31S.&35
TN 2.700 288.781
ID 250 225,761
MO 2,361 189,914
WJ 0 106.000
Hijor Industries*
Zinc, teaH smelting 5.061 831,48
Copper smelting, refining 2,253 805,045
Indust Inorganic chems 250 225,761
Electroplating, anodizing 0 . 106,000
Steetwotte. blast furnaces 5 13.000
Inorganic pigments 5.140 ' '7.000
* Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
releases greater than a certain amount - usually
1000 to 10.000 tbs.
life is great irfsome species, low in
releases of cadmium are due to wast-
estreams and leaching of landfills, and from
a variety of operations that involve cad-
mium orzinc. In particular, cadmium can be
released to drinking water from the con fu-
sion of some galvanized plumbing and water
main pipe materials. ,
From 1987 to 1993, according to EPA's
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory, cad-
mium releases were primarily from zinc,
lead and copper smelting and refining in-
dustries, with the largest releases occur-
ring in Arizona and Utah.
Some cadmium compounds are able to
leach through soils to ground water. When
cadmium compounds do bind to the sedi-
ments of rivers, they can be more easily
bioaccumulated or re-dissolved when sedi-
ments are disturbed, such as during flood-
ing. Its tendency to accumulate in aquatic
others.
WHATHAPPENS TO
CADMIUM
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
The regulation for cadmium became effective in 1992. Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA required your water supplier to collect water samples once and analyze them
to find out if cadmium is present above 5 ppb. If it is present above this level, the
system must continue to monitor this contaminant every 3 months.
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water
supplier musttake steps to reduce the amount of cadmium so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
for removing cadmium: Coagulation/Filtration, Ion Exchange, Lime Softening,
Reverse Osmosis. '. _ -,;;,; "";,.:;.;.;,.' _.;:;'»,'-, ^,,.,:::;..-.. .,.:,..
If the.levels of cadmium exceed the MCL, the system must notify the public via
newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as providing
alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to
public health. . . ' .
HOWWILL
CADMIUM
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MYDRINKINGWATER?
HOW WILL I KNOW IF
CADMIUM is IN MY
DRINKING WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!
EPA strongly encourages people to learn more
abouttheirdrinking water, and to support local efforts
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern-
ment listings are a good starting point. .
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the
chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how
your water is treated.
Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
valuable source! of information.
For help In locating these agencies or for information on
drinking water in general, call: r
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791.
'For additional information on the uses and releases of
chemicals in your state, contact the:
Community RighMo-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
October 1995
Consumer version
-------
United States ;
^Environmental Protection
-Agency"' ' .'!
Office Of Water
4601
EPA8t1-F-95-002d-C
October
oEPA
National
Water
Chromium
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public
or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if
found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DRINKING WATER .
STANDARDS: '
MCLG: 0.1 PPM
MCL: 0.1 PPM'
WHAT is
CHROMIUM ,
AND HOW IS IT USED?
WHY is CHROMIUM
BEING REGULATED?
WHATARETHE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
How MUCH CHRO-
MIUM is PRODUCED
AND RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
Chromium is a metal found in natural deposits as ores containing other
elements. The greatest use of chromium is in metal alloys such as stainless steel;
protective coatings on metal; magnetic tapes; and pigments for paints, cement,
paper, rubber, composition floor covering and other materials. Its soluble forms
are used in wood preservatives.
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act; This law requires EPA
: to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause
health problems! These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health
risks arid exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
The MCLG for chromium has been set at 0.1 parts permillion (pprh) because
EPA believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health
problems described below.,: ; :
Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible,
.'";;: "': '": . ' ". y -' :' '-.,. ";
These drinking water standards, and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public
water supplies must abide by these regulations. ''/'...'
Short-term: EPA has found chromium to potentially cause the following health
effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short
periods of time: skin irritation or ulceration.
Long-term: Chromium has the potential to cause the following effects from a
lifetime exposure at levels abovelhe MCL: damage to liver, kidney circulatory and
nerve tissues; skin irritation. /
Production of the most water soluble forms of chromium, the chromate and
dichromates, was in the range of 250,000 tons in 1992. Though chromium occurs
in nature mostly as chrome iron ore and is widely found in soils and plants, it is rare
October 1995
Consumer Version'
'Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987 TO 1993
Water
TOTALS (In pounds) 2,876,055
Top Toil Stxtes
TX
NC
IN
OH
UT
AR
KY *
PA
SA
ID
102.079
43.522
85.570
51,830
1,750
2,300
255
110.149
679,721
91,750
, Land
196.880.624
64.301,920
55.217,044
15.955.895
8,319,600
5.817.015
. 3,532,000
2,491,519
2.337,905
1.404.698
1,404,870
Mijor Industries*
IndusL organtes 3.272 120,707.814
Steelworks, Blast turn. 609.174 16.638,880
Bedrometanurgy ' 33.269 10.796.928
Copper ameHing. refining 1,750 5.817.015
Nonfamma smelting 2,300 3.532,000
InoiBante pigments 88.721 1.375.700
Pulp milts 985.800 224.198
" Water/Lnad totals only include facilities with
releases greater than a certain amount - usually
1000 to 10,000 tes. . -
in natural waters, The two largest sources
of chromium emission in the atmosphere
are from the chemical manufacturing in-
dustry and combustion of natural gas, oil,
and coal.
From 1987 to 1993, according to the
Toxics Release Inventory, chromium com-
pound releases to land and water totalled
nearly 200 million pounds. These releases
were primarily from industrial organic chemi-
cal industries. The largest releases oc-
curred in Texas and North Carolina. The
largest direct releases to water occurred in
Georgia and Pennsylvania.
When released to land, chromium com-
pounds bind to soil are not likely to migrate
to ground water, They are very persistent in
water as sediments. There is a high poten-
tial for accumulation of chromium in aquatic
life.
The regulation for chromium became ef-
fective in 1992'. Between 1993 and 1995, EPA required your water supplier to
collect water samples once and analyze them to find out if chromium is present
above 0.1 ppm. If it is present above this level, the system must continue to
monitor this contaminant every 3 months.
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water
supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of chromium so that it is
consistently below that level. The following treatment methods have been
approved by EPA for removing chromium: Coagulation/Filtration, Ion Exchange,
Reverse Osmosis, Lime Softening.
Ifthe levels of chromium exceed the MCL, the system must notify the public via
newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as providing
alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to
public health.
WHATHAPPENSTO
CHROMIUM
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
HOW WILL
CHROMIUM.
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
HOW WILL I KNOW IF
CHROMIUM is IN MY
DRINKING WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!
EPA strongly encourages people to learn more Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
abouttheirdrinking water, and to support local efforts valuable source of information.
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking _ For ne|p jn locating these agencies or for information .on
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern- drinking water in general, call: .
ment listings are a good starting point. EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791.
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the For additional information on the uses and releases of
chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how chemicals in your state, contact the:
your water is treated. Community RighMo-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
-------
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water
4601 ,
EPA 811-F-95-D02 e-C
October 1995
National Primary Drinking
Water Regulations
Mercury
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public
or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if
found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
WHAT is
MERCURY
AND HOW IS IT USED?
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS: '
MCLG:
Met:
2 PPB
2 PPB
Mercury is a liquid metal found in natural deposits as ores containing other
elements. Electrical products such as dry-cell batteries, fluorescent light bulbs,
switches, and other control equipment account for 50% of mercury used.
WHY is MERCURY
BEING REGULATED?
WHAT ARE THE
.HEALTH EFFECTS?
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA
to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause
health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on .possible health
risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
The MCLG .for mercury has been set at 2 parts per billion (ppb) because EPA
believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health
problems described below.
Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible,.
considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
using suitable treatment technologies.
''., The MCL has also been set at 2 ppb because EPA believes, given present
technology and resources^ this is the lowest level to which water systems can
reasonably be required to remove this contaminant should it occur in drinking
-water.. . '-- '/--.';/. ,:";; ' '-''-/-: ' .: ' ,.r; -'-,'' . "' ..
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public
water supplies rnust abide by these regulations.
Short-or Long-term: EPA has found meTcuryto potentially cause the following
health effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MGLfor relatively
short periods of time: kidney damage. , .
How MUCH MERCURY
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
Large amounts of mercury are released naturally from the earth's crust.
Combustion of fossil fuels, metal smelters, cement manufacture, municipal
landfills, sewage, metai refining operations, or most notably, from chloralkali
plants are important sources of mercury release. Nearly 8 million Ibs. of mercury
: Were produced in the U.S. in 1986.
October 1995
Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987 TO 1993
TOTALS (In pounds)
Top Six States
TN
LA
DE
OH
AL
WV
.
Water
6.971
164
431
117
29
1,462
1,657
Mtjor Industries
Chemical, allied products12,269
Electric lamps
PapermHIs
0
2.500
Land
60,877
29,161
21,829
3.860
2,760
1,001
' 454
48!
001
74,720.
2,750
"0
From 1987 to 1993, according to EPA's
Toxic Chemical Release inventory, mer-
cury releases to land and water totalled
nearly 68,000 IDS. These releases werei
primarily from chemical and allied indus-
tries. The largest releases occurred in Ten-
nessee and Louisiana. The largest direct
releases to water occurred in West Virginia
and Alabama.
Mercury is unique among metals in that it
can evaporate when released to water or
'soil.1'Also, microbes can convert inorganic
forms of mercury to organic forms which
can be accumulated by aquatic life.
WHATHAPPENSTO
MERCURY-
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
OML. - . . '
The regulation for mercury bepame effective in 1992. Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA required your water supplierto collect water samples once and analyze them
to find out if mercury is present above 2 ppb. If it is present above this level, the
system must continue to monitor this contaminant every 3 months.
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water
supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of mercury so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
for removing mercury: Coagulation/Filtration; Granular Activated Carbon; Lime
softening; Reverse osmosis. :
If the levels of mercury exceed the MCL, the system must notify the public via
newspapers, radio, TV and other means/Additional actions, such as providing
alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to
public health. , ' ; ^ :
How WILL
MERCURY
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
MOW WILL I KNOW IF
MERCURY is IN MY
DRINKING WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!
. EPA strongly encourages people to learn more
abduttheir drinking water, and to support local efforts
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern-
ment listings are a good starting point. .
Your local water supplier can give.you a list of the'
chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how
your water is treated. . .
Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
valuable source of information.
' For help in locating these agencies or for information on
drinking water in general, call:
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791.
; For addffional information on the uses and releases of
chemicals in your state, contact the:
Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
October 1995
Consumer version
-------
United States ' - ..
^Environmental Protection
'Agency . . '
Office of Water
4601
EPA 811-F-95-OQ2 f-C
October t395
National Primary
Water Regulations
Nitrates and Nitrites
This is, a factsheet about 9 chemical that may be found in some
public or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health
problems if found in amounts greater than the health standard set
by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
. DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS (PPM):
MCLG
Nitrate: 10
,. Nitrite: 1.
Met
10
1
WHAT ARE
NITRATES/NITRITES
AND HOW ARE THEY
USED?
WHY ARE NITRATES/
NITRITES
BEING REGULATED?
WHATARETHE ;
HEALTH EFFECTS?
How MUCH NITRATES/
NITRITES
ARE PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units which combines with
various organic and inorganic compounds. Once taken into the body, nitrates are
converted into nitrites. The greatest Uise of nitrates is as a fertilizer.
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA
to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause
health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health
risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
The MCLG for nitrates has been set at 10 parts permillion (ppm), and for nitrites
at 1 ppm, because EPA believes this level of .protection would not cause any of
the potential health problems described below. : , ;
Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible,
considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
using suitable treatment technologies.
The MCL for nitrates has been set at 10 ppm, and for nitrites at 1 ppm, because
EPA believes, giveni present technology andresources, this is the lowest level to
which water systems >can reasonably be required-to remove this contaminant
should it occur in drinking water.
these drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring the.se stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public
water supplies must abide by these regulations
Short-term: Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious
illness and sometimes death. The serious illness in infants is due to the conversion
of nitrate to nitrite by the body, which can interfere with the oxygen-carrying
capacity of the'child's blood. This can be an acute condition in which health
deteriorates rapidly over a period of days. Symptoms include shortness of breath
and blueness of the skin.
Long-term: Nitrates and nitrites have the potential to cause the following
effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: diuresis, increased
starchy deposits and hernbrrhaging of the spleen.
Most nitrogenous materials in natural waters tend to be converted to nitrate, so
all sources of combined nitrogen, particularly organic nitrogen and ammonia,
October 1995
Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1991 TO 1993
Water.
TOTALS On pounds)59,014.37&~
'Land
53.134.805
Top Fifteen States*
GA
CA ,
AL
LA
MO
MS
KS
VA
NV
FL
AR
MO
IA
OK
UT
12.114,253
0
3.463.097
8,778.237
6.985,890
6.952,387
5,140.000
5.091,764
0
1,056.560
1,206,610
1,802,219
1.500.340
1,436,348
0
Mijor Industries*
Nitrogenous fertilized. 584.611
Misc. Ind. Inorganics 4.113,312
should be considered as potential nitrate
sources. Primary sources of organic ni-
trates include human sewage and livestock
manure, especially from feedlots.
The primary inorganic nitrates which may
contaminate drinking water are potassium
nitrate and ammonium nitrate both of which
are widely used as fertilizers.
According to the Toxics Release Inven-
tory, releases to water and land totalled
over 1:12 million pounds from 1991 through
1993. The largest releases of inorganic
nitrates occurred in Georgia and California.
Since they are very soluble and do not
bind to soils, nitrates have a high potential
to migrate to ground water, Because they
do,not evaporate, nitrates/nitrites are likely
to remain in water until consumed by plants
or other organisms.
Theregulatidnfornitrates/nitrites became
effective in 1992i Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA required your water supplier to collect
water samples at least once a year and
analyze them to find out if nitrates/nitrites
are present above 50 percent of their MCLs.
If ft is present above thjs level/the system
must continue to monitor this contaminant every 3 months.
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above their MCLs, your water
supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of nitrates/nitrites so that they are
consistently below that level. The following treatment methods have been
approved by EPA for removing nitrates/nitrites; Ion exchange, Reverse Osmosis,
Electrodialysis. ,.'; :".".'
' If the levels of nitrates/nitrites exceed their MCLs, the system must notify the
public via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as
providing alternative drinking water supplies/may be required to prevent serious
risks to public health. , .
Misc. Metal ores
Misc. Ind. organlcs
Fertilizer mixing
Explosives
Paper mills
Pulp milts
Canned foods
0
5,091,764
480,000
850,921
1,727,061
1,321.500
0
Phosphate fertilizers 1,000.000,
12.028.585
21,840.999
6,014,674
2,250
206,181
0
877,095
0
4,977,482
1,835,736
1.058.294
138.819
132.042
14,199
1.045.400
8.607,376
29.676.919
5,764.976
0
4.554.916
1,297.590
0
3.350
1.056.794
0
State/Industry totals only include facilities with
releases greater than 10,000 Ibs.
WHAT HAPPENS TO
NITRATES/NITRITES
WHEN THEY ARE RE-
LEASED TO THE ENVIRON-
MENT?
HOW WILL
NITRATES/NITRITES '
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
HOWWILLIKNOWIF
NITRATES/NITRITES ARE
IN MY DRINKING WATER? ,
Learn more about your drinking water! ;;.
EPA strongly encourages people to learn more Your state Department of Hearth/Environment is also a
abouttheirdrinking water, and to support local efforts valuable source pf information.
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking por ne|p jn locating these agencies or for information on
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern- drinking water in general, call:
ment listings are a good starting point. EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791.
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the -For additional information on the uses and releases of
chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how chemicals in your state, contact the:
your water Is treated. Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
October 1995
Consumer Version
-------
.United States
Environmental Protection
Agency . *""",. -
Office of Water
4601,
EPA 811-F-95-002g-C
October1995
National
^^/v.;);;::-:.^^W$te^
'; V;,",'' Selenium - ; \;v^; ->.;.; '
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public
or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if
found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS: ' .
MCLG: 0.05 PPM
: MCL: , 0.05 PPM
WHAT is
SELENIUM "
AND HOW IS IT USED?
Selenium is a metal found in natural deposits as ores containing other elements.
The greatest use of selenium compounds is in electronic and photocopier
components, but they are also widely used in glass, pigments, rubber, metal
.- alloys, textiles, petroleum, medical therapeutic agents, and photographic emul-
sions. ;,.''- '-' .'-,' ''-.-'.'.'.'-''-.'".''";' .... .- '.-;" - .
WHY is SELENIUM
BEING REGULATED?
WHATARETHE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
In 1974; Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act.This lawrequires EPA
to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause
health problems: These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health
risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
The MCLG for selenium has been set at.0.05 parts per million (ppm) because
EPA believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health
problems described below. ' ,
Based on this MCLG, EPA has .set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible,
considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
using suitabletreatmenttechnologies. V ;
, The MCL has been set :at 0.05 ppm because EPA believes, given present
technology and resources, this is the lowest level to which water systems can
reasonably be required to remove this contaminant should it occur in drinking
water.-;': V v'''-.,. "". -. ' ,:'/.:;'..'./ .'.- .'. ;': '', ' -'"' .' '. ,'.' "'
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public
water supplies must abide by these regulations.
Short-term: Selenium is an essential nutrient at low levels. However, EPA has
found selenium to potentially cause the following health effects when people are
exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time; hair and
fingernail changes; damage to the .peripheral nervous system; fatigue and
irritability. '
Long-term: Selenium has the potential to cause the following effects from a
lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: hair and fingernail loss; damage to
kidney and liver tissue, and the nervous and circulatory systems.
October1995
Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper
-v
-------
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987 TO 1993
. Water
TOTALS (In pounds) 13.556
Production in 1985 was reported to be
429;515 pounds. Selenium compounds are
released to the air during the combustion of
coal, and petroleum fuels, and during the
smelting and refining of other metals.
ajWom 1987 Ito 1993, according to the
T8»"!cs Release fnventory selerHfim releases
tolahd and watertotalied over 1 million Ibs.
These releases were primarily from copper
.smelting industries. The largest releases
occurred in Utah. The largest direct re-
leases to water occurred in Indiana:
The toxicity of selenium depends on
whether it is in the biologically active oxi-
dized form, which occurs in alkaline soils.
These conditions can cause plant uptake of the metal to be increased. It is known
that selenium accumulates in living tissues. ! .
Top Ffra States'
UT .
AZ
WI
IN
TX
1.578
0
0
5.300
359
Mtjor Industries*
Copper smelting, refining 1,500
Metal coatings . 0
Petroleum refining 8,949
Land
,1,010.686
,696.515
260.632
45,000
0
4,920
962.067
45,000
977
* Land totals only Include facilities with releases
greater than 1000 Ibs.
How MUCH SELENIUM
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
WHATHAPPENSTO
SELENIUM
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
The regulation for selenium became effective in 1992. Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA required your water supplierto collect water samples once and analyze them
to find out if selenium is present above 0.05 ppm. If it is present above this level,
the system must continue to. monitor this contaminant every 3 months.
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water
supplier musttake steps to reduce the amount of selenium so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
for removing selenium: Activated Alumina, Coagulation/Filtration, Lime Soften-
ing, Reverse Osmosis. . .
How WILL
SELENIUM
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
Ifthe levels of selenium exceed the MCL; the system must notify the public via
newspapers', radio, TV and other mearis. Additional actions,.such as providing
alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to
public health. ' .. ;
HOW WILL I KNOW IF
SELENIUM is IN MY
'DRINKING WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!
EPA strongly encourages people td learn more Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
about their drinking water, and to support local efforts valuable source of information. .
to protect and upgrade the supply pf safe drinking For he|p jn |ocating these agencies or for information on
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern- drinkjng water fn general, call:
ment listings are a good starting point. EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800)426-4791.
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the For addjtjbnal information on the uses and releases of
chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how chemicals in your state, contact the:
your water is treated. Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
October 1995
Consumer Version
Page 2
-------
United States
Environmental Protection
/Agency ;
Office of Water
4601
EPA811-F-95-Q02h-C
October 1995
National
Water
Lead
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public
or private drinking Water supplies. It may cause health problems if
found in .amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS:
MCLG:
ZERO
ACTION LEVEL: 15PPB
WHAT is LEAD AND
HOW is IT USED?
WHY is LEAD
BEING REGULATED?
WHATARETHE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
HOWMUCHLEAD
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO.THE.
ENVIRONMENT?
Lead is a metal found in natural deposits as ores containing other elements. It
is sometimes used in household plumbing materials or in water service lines used
to bring water from the main to the home.
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA
to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause
health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health
risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
The MCLG for lead has been set at zero because EPA believes this level of
protection would not cause any of the potential health problems described below.
Since lead contamination generally occurs from corrosion of household lead
pipes, it cannotbe directly detected orremoved bythewatersystem. Instead, EPA
is requiring water systems to control the corrosiveness of their water if the level
of lead at home taps exceeds an Action Level. .
The Action Level for lead has been set at 15 parts per billion (ppb) because EPA
believes, given presenttechnology and resources, this is the lowest level to which
water systems can reasonably be required to control this contaminant should it
occur in drinking[Waterattheircustomers home taps. r
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations; All public
water supplies must abide by these regulations. . , .
.-',-" - - - ... - '""'";. - " " ' . = " ' t!** -'', '
Short- and Long-term effects: Lead can cause a variety of adverse health
effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short
periods of time/These effects may include interference with red blood cell
chemistry, delays in normal physical and mental development in babies and
young children, slight deficits in the attention span, hearing, and learning abilities
of children, and slight increases in the blood pressure of some adults.
Long-term effects: Lead has the potential to cause the following effects from
a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: stroke and kidney disease; cancer.
Lead may occur in drinking water either by contamination of the source water
used by the water system, orby corrosion of lead plumbing or fixtures. Corrosion
of plumbing is by farthe greatest cause for concern. All water is corrosive to metal
plumbing materials to some degree. Grounding of household electrical systems
October 1995
Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987 TO 1993
Water Land
TOTALS (in pounds) 870,827 143.0S8.771
Tbprtoe/v»Stofes*
MO
AZ
MT
UT
TX ,
OH
IN
TN
IL '
W1
MN
NM . . . -
4.408
771
0'
4,600
1,988
127.990
62,894
7,140
26.601
1.310
0
0
Mijor Industries*
Lead smelting, refining 31,423
Copper smelting 5,371
Steelworks, blast fum. 379,849
Storage batteries ' 0
China plumbing fixtures 1,310
Iron foundries ; 10,021
Copper mining 0
-1.
40.656.278
23,240,625
20,822,517
11.881.000
11,515.211
5.196.522
4.851,940
2.095-/29
1.930.C30
1.350,550
1.313.SS5
1.060J880
68.996.819
34.942,505
18.149.636
1,867,252
1.350.930
1,274,777
1,240,000
to plumbing may also exacerbate .corrb-
sion. Overtime, lead-containing plumbing
materials will usually develop a scale that
minimizes further corrosion of the pipe.
Lead is rarely found in source water, but
lead mining and smelting operations may
be sources of contamination. Eighty eight
percent of the lead mined in the US comes
from seven mines in the Nlew.Lead Belt in
southeastern Missouri. From 1987 to 1993, .
according to the Toxics Release Inventory
lead compound releases to land and water
totalled nearly 144 million Ibs. These re-
leases were primarily from lead and copper
smelting industries. The largest releases
occurred in Missouri, Arizona and Mon-
tana. The largest direct releases to water
occurred in Ohio.
When released to land, lead binds to soils
and does not migrate to ground water. In
water, it binds to sediments. It does not
accumulate in fish, but does in some shell-
fish, such as mussels. '
The regulation for lead became effective in 1992. Between 1993 and 1995, EPA
required your water supplier to collect water samples from household taps twice
a year and analyze them to find ;out if lead is present above 15 ppb in more than
10 percent of all homes tested. If it is present above this level, the system must
continue to monitor this contaminant twice a year.
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the Action level, your
water supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of lead so that it is
consistently below that level.; The following tre^
approved by EPA for controlling lead: Corrosion .control.
If the levels of lead exceed the Action Level, the system must notify the public
via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Customers will be informed of what
they can do at home to lower their exposure to lead. Additional actions, such as
providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious
risks to public health., ,. , ; :
* Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
releases greater than 100,000 Ibs.'
WHATHAPPENSTO
LEAD
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
HOW WILL
LEAD
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
HOW WILL I KNOW IF
LEAD is IN MY DRINKING
WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!
EPA strongly encourages people to learn more Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
abouttheirdrinking water, and to support local efforts valuable source of information,
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking ' For ne|p jn locating these agencies or for information on
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern- drinidrig water in general, call:
ment listings are a good starting point EPA's Safe Drinking Water HotSine: (800) 426-4791.
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the For additional information on the uses and releases of
chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how cnemjcals.in yoursfate, contact the:
your water is treated. Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
October 1995
Consumer Version
Page 2
-------
United States ; :
Environmental Protection
Agency. , . .
Off ice of Water
4601
EPA811TF-95-002 i-C
'October 1335
National Primary Drinking
K A m^^.Mm*^. _^ ^^% .A. ^.__ _ ^^.^.= !^__ ^_ ".' ^^
Copper
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public
or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if
found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS:
MCLG: , 1.3 PPM
. ACTION LEVEL: 1.3 PPM
WHAT is
COPPER
AND HOW IS IT USED?
\WHYISCOPPER
BEING REGULATED?
WHATARETHE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
Copper is a metal found in natural deposits as ores containing other elements.
It is widely used in household plumbing materials. :
-;; In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA
to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause
health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health
risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
The MCLG for copper has been set at 1.3 parts per million (ppm) because EPA
believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health
problems described below. ;:
Since copper contamination generally occurs from corrosion of household
copper pipes, it cannot be directly detected or removed by the water system.
Instead, EPA is requiring water systems to control the cprrosiveness of their water
if the level .of copper at home taps exceeds an Action Level.
The Action Level for copper has also been set at 1.3 ppm because EPA
believes, given present technology and resources, this is the lowest level to which
water systems can redspnab.ly be: required to, control this contaminant should it
occur in drinking water at their customer's home taps.
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
watersupplies must abide by these regulations.
Short- and Long-term effects: Copper is an essential nutrient, required by
the body in very small amounts. However, EPA has found copper to potentially
cause the following health effects when people are exposed to it at levels above
the Action Level for relatively short periods of time: stomach and intestinal
distress, liver and kidney damage, and anemia. Persons with Wilson's disease
may be more sensitive than others to the effects of copper contamination. .
How MUCH COPPER
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
Copperrnay occur in drinking water either by contamination of the source water
used by the water system, or by corrosion of copper plumbing: Corrosion of
plumbing is by far the greatest cause for concern. Copper is rarely found in source
water, but copper mining and smelting operations and municipal incineration may
October 1995
Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
WATER AND LAND:,
1987,To1993
Water
TOTALS (In pounds) 1,538.148
Lsnd
Top Ten States'
UT
NM
AZ
Mi
NY
MT
TN
MO
AL
MD
55.350
"0
2.636
19.763
66.057
0
301.417
250
41,213
78.601
be sources of contamination.
' *' '
From 1987 to 1993, according to the
ToxicsReleaseinventorycoppercompound ,
releases to land and water totalled nearly
450 million Ibs., of which nearly all was to
land. These releases, were primarily from
copper smelting industries. The largest re-
leases occurred in Utah. The largest direct
releases to water occurred in Tennessee.
All water is corrosive toward copper to
some degree, even water termed noncor-
rosive or water .treated to make it less
corrosive. Corrosivity toward copper is
greatest in very acidic water. Many of the
other factors that affect the corrosivity of
water toward lead can also be expected to
affect the corrosion of copper. .
The regulation for copper became effec-
tive in 1992. Between 1993 and 1995, EPA
required your water supplier to collect wa-
ter samples from household taps twice a
year and analyze them to find out if copper is present above 1,3 ppm in more than
10 percent of all homes tested. If it is present above this level, the system must
continue to monitor this contaminant twice a year.
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the Action level, your
water supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of copper so that it is
consistently below that level. The following treatment methods have been
approved by EPA for controlling copper. Corrosion control.
WOT Industries*
Primary copper smelting 7,591
Other nonferrous smelt 4,414
Plastic materials 44,422
Blast furnaces, steel 156.982
Poultry slaughtering 0
Copper rolling, drawing 17,253
tad. organic chems 28,936
Prepared feeds, misc. 1,038
Ind. Inorganic chems 220,503
442,082,245
153.501,500
130,682,387
104.61S.532
11,172,897
10,017,766
8,696,153
1,208,804
1,483.000
513,536
270,945
201,214.264
11,317.048
9.637,850
3.225,752
1.249,750
941,075
827.356
760.094
527,458
Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
releases greater than a certain amount - usually
1000 to 10,000 tos. .
If the levels of copper exceed the Action Level, the system must notify the public
via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Customers will be informed of what
they can do at home to lower their exposure to copper. Additional actions, such
as providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required'to prevent
serious risks to'public health. ,
WHATUAPPENSTO
COPPER
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
HOWWILL
COPPER
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
HOWWILL I KNOW IF
COPPER is IN MY DRINK-
ING WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!
EPA strongly encourages people to team more Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
abouttheirdrinking water, and to support local efforts valuable sources of information. '.;'
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking For nejp jn locating these agencies or for information on
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern- drinking water in general .call:
ment listings are a good starting point. EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791..
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the For additional information on the uses and releases of
1 chemicals they test for in your water, aswell as how chemicals in your state, contact the:
your water is treated. Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
October 1995
Consumer Version
Page 2
-------
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency ';.'..'
Office of Water
4601 ''
EPA811-F-95-002 j-C
. October 1995
National
Water
Antimony
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public
or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if
found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS:
. MCLG:. 6 PPB
MCL: 6 PPB
WHAT is
ANTIMONY
AND HOW IS IT USED?
WHYIS ANTIMONY
BEING REGULATED?
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
' How MUCH ANTIMONY
IS PRODUCED AND,
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
Antimony is a metal found in natural deposits as ores containing other elements.
The most widely used antimony compound is antimony trioxide, used as a flame
retardant. It is also found in batteries, pigments, and ceramics/glass.
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act, This law requires EPA
to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause
health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health
risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
" The MCLG for antimony has been set at 6 parts per billiori (ppb) because EPA
believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health
problems described below. ; / , ,
Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible,
considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
using suitable treatment technologies. ^
The MCL has also been set at 6 ppb because EPA believes, given present
technologyand resources, this is the lowest level to which water systems can
reasonably be required to remove 4his contaminant should it occur in drinkihg
water. ,;_.'. '.;'., "v^ '-.'-'-.'':' '';:/. ' .'.:-'.A ','.' -.' '''-''.'.,.,- ' ' .. '
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public
water supplies must abide by these regulations.
Short-term: EPA. has.found antimony to potentially cause the following health
effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short
periods of time: nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Long-term: Antimony has the potential to cause the^ following effects from a
lifetime exposure at levels above.'the MCL:AND/QR- Antimony is a (known/
potential drinkirig water) human carcinogen. OR- No reliable data are available
concerning health effects from long-term exposure to antimony in drinking water.
In 1984,64.5 million Ibs. antimony ore was mined and refined. Production of the
most commonly .used antimony compound, the trioxide, increased during the
1980s to about 31 million Ibs, reported in 1985. Industrial dust, auto exhaust and
home heating oil are the main sources in urban air.
October 1995
Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper
-N
-------
RELEASES WATER AND LAND:
1987 TO 1993
Water .
Land
TOTALS (In pounds) 330.064 12.003.373
Top Ten Staffs *
AZ
MT
TX .
IA
Wl
MO
WA
ID
TN
AL
505
'0
24.817
55.414
1.445
784
63,220
2.600
687
27.536
From 1987 to 1.993, according to .the
Toxics Release Inventory antimony and
antimony compound releases to land and
water totalled over 12 million IDS. These
releases were prims rlly from copper and
lead smelting and Wining industries. The
largest releases occurred in Arizona and
Montana. The greatest releases to water
occurred in Washington and Louisiana.
' * >
Little is known about antimony's fate once
released to soil. Some studies indicate that
antimony is highly mobile in soils, while
others conclude that it strongly adsorbs to
soil. In water, it usually adheres to sedi-
ments. Most antimony compounds show
little or no tendency to accumulate in aquatic
.life.
The regulation for antimony became ef-
fective in 1994. Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA required your water supplier to collect
water samples every 3 months for one year
and analyze them to find out if antimony is
present above 6 ppb. if it is present above
this~ level, the system must continue to
monitor this contaminant.. .
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water
supplier musttake steps to reduce the amount of antimony so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
for removing .antimony: Ion Exchange, Lime Softening, Reverse Osmosis,
Electrodialysis.
Jf the levels of antimony exceed the MCL; the system mustnotifylhe public via
newspapers, radio, Wand other means. Additional actions, such as providing
alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to
public health. .
Mijor Industries*
Copper smelting, refining 505
Other nonferrous smelt 17,015
Sec. nonferrous smelt 1,459
MIsc IndusL Organtes , 18.424
Porcelain plumb, fixtures 1,445
Petroleum refining 111,527
MIsc Inorgante chems. 4,962
Plastics, resins. 20
Storage batteries 0
Synthetic fibers 26.803
7.074.128
2,338.697
840,392
344.762
* 392,000
188.266
99,915
140.250
,108,325
,69.503
7,074.128
2.383.947
803,398
581.465
392.000
202,251
140,250
60.372
, 45.952
12.535
* Water/Land totals only include facilities with
releases greater than a certain amount usually
1000 to 10,000 tos.
WHATHAPPENSTO
ANTIMONY
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
HOWWILL
ANTIMONY
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
HOWWIU.IKNOWIF
ANTIMONY is IN MY
DRINKING WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!
EPA strongly encourages people fo leam more
about their drinking water, and to support local efforts
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern-
ment listings are a good starting point.
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the
chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how
your water is treated.
Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
valuable source of information.
For help in locating these agencies or for information on
drinking water in general, call:
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791.
'For.additional information on the uses and releases of
chemicals in your state, contact the:
Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
October 1995
Consumer Version
-------
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency ' : '.'.';'
Office of Water
4601
EPA 811-F-95-002 k-C
October 7995
National
Water
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public
or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if
found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DRINKING WATER .
STANDARDS:
. MCLG: 4 PPB
MCL: 4 PPB
WHAT is
BERYLLIUM
AND HOW1 IS IT USED?
Beryllium is a metal found in natural deposits as ores containing other elements,
and in some precious stones such as emeralds and aquamarine. The greatest use
of beryllium is in making metal alloys for nuclear reactors and the aerospace
industry. '.''- -v-.-- --^''.. ' ; ^ '--' - \ ' - ' .-;
WHY is BERYLLIUM
BEING REGULATED?
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA
to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause
health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible, health
risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
The MCLG for beryllium has been set at 4 parts per billion (ppb) because EPA
believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health
problems described below. : ' : ,
Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contarninant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible,
considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
using suitable treatment technologies.
"The MCL has ,ajsb beefi set at 4 ppb because EPA believes, given present
technology and resources, this .is the lowest level .to which water systems can
reasonably be required to remove this contaminant should it occur in drinking
'water.- -,;. ';\ ^ ' , -^ ''. ':.:".' , '''.'.'. ' -. .:.-;,- -'' :..;- -.'. ;", ' ,..-
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. AH public
water supplies must abide by these regulations.
Short-term: EPA has found barium tp potentially cause the following health
effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short
periods of time: inflammation of the lungs when inhaled; less toxic in drinking
' ' ' '
'Long-term: Beryllium has the potential to! cause the following effects from a
lifetime exposure at levels abovethe. MCL: damage'to bones and lungs; cancer,
October 1995
Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND: ..
1987 TO 1993 .
Water
TOTALS (hi pounds) 1
Top Hv» States
PA
OH
Mi
TX
MN
Major Industries
Copper rolling, drawing
Nonferrous metal smelting
Nonfcrrous rolling, drawing
Aluminum foundries
Blast furr.rsjs, steelworks
PetroJecrr.i rafinlng
,314'
653
490 '
5
o
142
"405
481
4
5
250
142
Latid
341.721
174,250
166,292
1,000
174
0
180,502
151.790
8.000
1,000
250
174
Production of beryllium metal was
490,000 IDS. in 1986. It is released princi-
pally in the smoke stacks arid ash wastes of
power plants which bum coal. It is also
found in discharges from other industrial
and municipal operations. Rocket exhaust,
products also consist of various beryllium
compounds. '
From 1987 to 1993, according to the
Toxics Release Inventory beryllium releases
to land and water totalled over 340,000 IbS:
These releases were primarily from copper
rolling and drawing industries which use it
as a hardener in alloys. The largest re-
leases occurred ft Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Very little is known aboutwhat happens to beryllium compounds when released
to the environment. It appears unlikely to leach to ground water when released to
land. Erosion or runoff of beryllium compounds into surface waters is not likely to
be in a soluble form. . . ;
The regulation for beryllium became effective in 1994. Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA required your water supplierto collect watersamples once aind analyze them
to find out if beryllium is present above 4 ppb. If it is present above this level, the
system must continue to monitor this contaminant every .3 months.
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the IMCL, your water
supplier musttake steps to reduce the amount of berylliumso that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
for removing beryllium: Activated Alumina, Coagulation/filtration, Ion Exchange,
Lime Softening, Reverse Osmosis. . . ......
How MUCH BERYLLIUM
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT? , : .
WHATHAPPENSTO
BERYLLIUM
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
HOW WILL
BERYLLIUM
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
if the levels of beryllium exceed the MCL, the system must notify the public via
newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as providing
alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to
public health. , . . : . ./; ; .
HOW WILL I KNOW IF
BERYLLIUM is IN MY
DRINKING WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!
' EPA strongly encourages, people to learn more
about their drinking water, and to support local efforts
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern-
ment listings are a good starting point.
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the
chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how
your water is treated. .
Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
valuable source of information.
For help in locating these agencies or for information on
.drinking water in general, call:
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791.
'For additional information on the uses and releases of
chemicals in your state, contact the:
Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
-------
United States .
Environmental Protection
- Agency
Office of Water
4601
EPA811-F-95-002 I-C
October
National Primary Drinking
Water Regulations
Cyanide
This is a factsheet.about a chemical that may be found in some public
or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if
found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS:
MCLG: 0.2 PPM
MCL: 0.2 PPM
WHAT is
CYANIDE
. AND HOW IS IT USED?
Cyanide is a carbon-nitrogen chemical -unit which combines with many organic
and inorganic compounds. The most commonly used form, Hydrogen cyanide, is
mainly used to make the compounds needed to make nylon and other synthetic
fibers and resins. Other cyanides are used as herbicides.
WHY is CYANIDE
BEING REGULATED?
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA
to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause
health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health
risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
The MCLG for cyanide has been set at 0.2 parts per million (ppm) because EPA
believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health
problems described below.
Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible^
considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
using suitable treatment technologies.
The MCL has been set at 0,2 ppm because EPA believes, given present
technology and resources, this is the lowest level to which water systems can
reasonably be required to remove this contaminant should it occur in drinking
water: : -''."-.,-;L .-" ;,: '/ ' ,: . -' '. ' .'.'.' ,/ .' '.''. .
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public
water supplies must abide by these regulations.
WHATARETHE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
Short-term: EPA has found cyanide to potentially cause the following health
effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short
periods of time: rapid breathing, tremors and other neurological effects.
Long-term: Cyanide has the potential to cause the following effects from a
lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: weight loss, thyroid effects, nerve
damage,';' ,';; .'.-''*.' "' ' ' _- ",.'.. ','.;- "': '
October 1995
Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987 TO 1993
TOTALS (hi pounds)
Top Ten States
CA
PA
IN
OH
TX
MD
Mtjor Industries
Blast-furnaces '+ steel
Metal heat treating
I nd organic chems
Plating* polishing
Water
939.611
0
208.239
187.377
160.203
54,379
89.438
747,970
0
49.098
29.486
Land
641,082
430,886
4.909
20.242
850
83.394
23.503
53.404
430.886
82,912
29,636
Production of the most common cya-
nides was roughly 5 billion pounds a year in
the fate 1980s and early 1990s. The major
cyanide releases to water are discharges
from metal finishing industries, iron and
steel mills, and organic chemical indus-
tries! Releases to soil appear to be prima-
rily from disposal of cyanide wastes in
landfills and the use of cyanide-containing
road salts. Chlorinatioh treatment of some
wastewaters can produce cyanides as a
by-product.
From 1J987 to 1993, according to the
Toxics Release Inventor/ cyanide com-
pound releases to land and water totalled
about 1.5 mijlion Ibs. These releases were
primarily from steel mills and metal heat
How MUCH CYANIDE
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
treating industries. The largest releases occurred in California and Pennsylvania.
Cyanides are generally not persistent when released to water or soil, and are
not likely to accumulate in aquatic life. They rapidly evaporate and are broken
down by microbes. They do not bind to'soils and may leach to ground water.
The regulation for cyanide became effective in 1992, Between 1993 and 1995,
"EPA required your water supplierto collect water samples once and analyze them
to find out if cyanide is present above 0.2 ppm. If it is present above this level, the
system must continue .to monitor this contaminant every 3 months.
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water
supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of cyanide so thsit it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA ,
for removing cyanide: Ion Exchange, Reverse "Osmosis, Chlorine.
' .' f ' ' ' . ' '''."
If the levels of cyanide exceed the MCL, the system must notify the public via How WILL I KNOW IF
newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as providing CYANIDE is IN MY
alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to DRINKING WATER?
public health.
WHATHAPPENSTO
CYANIDE
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
HOW WILL
CYANIDE
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!
EPA strongly encourages people to learn more Your state Department of Health/Environment is,also a
abouttheir drinking water, and to support local efforts valuable source of information.
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking j=0r help in locating these agencies or for information on
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern- Drinking water in general, call:
ment listings are a good starting point. EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800)426-4791.
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the por additional information on the uses and releases of
chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how chemica|sjn your state, contact the:
your water is treated. Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
October 1995
Consumer Version
-------
'United States
Environmental Protection
^.'Agency
Office of Water
4601 ;
EPA 811-^-95-00201-0
October 1335
National
Water
Nickel
u I at ions
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public
or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if
found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
WHAT is NICKEL AND
HOW is IT USED?
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS:
MCLG:
MCL:
Ol 1 PPM
0-1 PPM
Nickel is a metal found in natural deposits as ores containing other elements.
The greatest use of nickel is in making stainless steel and other alloys;
WHY is NICKEL
BEING REGULATED?
WHATARETHE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA
to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause
health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health
risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
The MCLG for nickel has been set at 0.1 parts per million (ppm) because EPA
. believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health
problems described below. , ;
.. Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MGLGs as possible,
considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
fusing suitable treatment technologies.
The MCL has been set at 0.1 ppm because EPA believes, given present
-technology and resources, this is the lowest level to which water systems can
reasonably be requiredjo remove this contaminant should it occur in drinking
water /-UV,-;,' .;:, ' ,: , './.." -:.:-, ',,-'. . ; "-. , . -,'. -.'. /
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public
. water supplies must abide by these regulations.
Short-term: Nickel is not known to cause any health problems when people
are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time.
Long-term: Nickel has the potential to cause the following effects from a
lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: decreased body weight; heart and liver
damage; skin irritation.
How MUCH NICKEL
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
Production of nickel was 84.6 million Ibs. in 1986. Nickel compounds can be
.jnade as a by-product during various industrial processes that use nickel
catalysts, such as coal gasification, petroleum refining, and hydrogenation of fats
and oils. They have also been identified in residual fuel oil and in atmospheric
October 7995
Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987 TO 1993
- l
Water .
Land
TOTALS (in pounds) 709,236 26.p79.419
Top Ten States *
OR
AR
ID
IN
PA
AZ
TX
MD
CA
GA
459
4.250
1,000
28.050
19,680
767
0
77,200
6.687
61,100
emissions from nickel refineries.
From 1987 to 1993, according to the
Toxics Release Inventory nickel releases
to land and water totalled nearly 27 million
Ibs. These releases were primarily from
nickel smelting/refining and steelworks in-
dustries. The largest releases.occurred in
Oregon arid Arkansas. The largest direct
releases to water occurred in Maryland and
Georgia. . i
Nickel is one of the most mobile of the
heavy metals when released to water, par-
ticularly in polluted waters, where organic
material will keep nickel soluble. Though
nickel does accumulate in aquatic life, it
does hot become magnified along food
chains. Nickel released to soil may leach
into ground water or be washed into sur-
face water.
The regulation for nickel became effec-
tive in 1994. Between 1993 and 1995, EPA
required your water supplier to collect water samples once and analyze them to
find out if nickel is present above .0.1 ppm. If it is present above this level, the
system must continue to monitor this contaminant every 3 months.
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water
supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of nickel so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been.approved by EPA
for removing nickel: Ion Exchange, Lime Softening, Reverse Osmosis.
Mtjor Industries*
Primaiy nonferroos meta 16,874
Blast furnaces* steel 304,891
Ind Inorganic cherhs
Ind organic chems
Petroleum refining
Primary copper
, Iron+tteel foundries
Gray Iron foundries
Inorganic pigments
22,689
109<141
186,499
1.272
,500
3,326
62,394
6,256.532
5.622,900
2,200,250
. 2,098,196
2,052.736
984,817
777.400
666.637
285,731
193,111
12,053.688
6,784.227
2,519.468
1.105.934
949.411
996,817
409.000
334.524
193.111
* Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
releases greater than a certain amount - usually
1000 to 10.000 tos.
If the levels of nickel exceed the MCL, the system must notify the public via
newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as providing
alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to
public health. . ..'- ;
WHAT HAPPENS TO
NICKEL '
WHEN IT is RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
HOWWILL
NICKEL
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
HOWWILL IKNOWIF
NICKEL is IN MY DRINK-
ING WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!
EPA strongly encourages people to leam more Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
abouttheir drinking water, and to support local efforts valuable sources of information.
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking ppr ne|p jn |ocating these agencies or for information on
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern- drinking water in general, call:
ment listings are a good starting point. EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791.
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the For additional information on the uses and .releases of
chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how chemicals in your state, contact the:. ,,
your water is treated. . - Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
October1995
Consumer Version
-------
United, States ;
-. Environmental Protection
^Agency. '.:!'-' ':;'; "'
Office of Water
4601
EPA 811-F-95-QO2n-C
,. .. October 1995
National Primary Drinking
Water Regulations
i" ' '. , , ' - *': ' '".,"''''. ' ' .*, -'"?- ^B^^ - . ''..,' ,.
;- .';;;\::;;' v.'S Tellium (-^ ,-; : : '::(,;;
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may befound in some public
or private drinking water supplies: It may cause health problems if
found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS:
MCLG: 0.5 PPB
Met: 2 PPB
WHAT is THALLIUM
AND HOW is IT
USED?
WHY is THALLIUM
BEING REGULATED?
Thallium is a metal found in natural deposits as ores containing other elements.
The greatest use of thallium is in specialized electronic research equipment.
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA
to determine safe levels of chemicals In drinking water which do or may cause
health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health
risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
The MCLG for thallium has been .set at 0.5 parts per billion (ppb) because EPA
believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health
problems described below. -
Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contaminant Level (MGL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible,
considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
using suitable treatment technologies.
The MCL has been set at 2 ppb because EPA believes, given present
technology and resources, this is the lowest level to which water systems can
reasonably be required to remove this contaminant should it occur in drinking
water; - : ;;:;;^---^j^ .^.,,........^^.^,. ,.,..., ,..._..^:.^-.,_-.. ,. .. ...
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are.called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public
water supplies must abide by these regulations.
WHATARETHE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
Short-term: EPA has found thallium to potentially cause the following health
effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short
periods of time: gastrointestinal irritation; nerve damage.
Long-term: Thallium has the potential to cause the following effects from a
lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: changes in blood chemistry; damage
to liver, kidney, intestinal and testicular tissues; hair loss.,
How MUCH THALLIUM
IS PRODUCED, AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
Thallium is not produced in the US Approximately 4,500 Ibs. of thallium and its
compounds were reportedly imported in 1987. Man-made sources of thallium
pollution are gaseous emission of cement factories, coal burning power plants,
October 1995
Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper
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and metal sewers. The leaching of thallium
from ore processing operations is the major
source of elevated thallium concentrations
in water. Thallium is. a trace metal associ-
ated with copper, gold, zinc, and cadmium.
Thallium does not long persist if released
to water, but does tiave a r>trong tendency
to accumulate in aquatic life. If released to
land, it may bind to alkaline soils, but may
otherwise migrate to ground water. '
The regulation for thallium became effec-
tive in 1994. Between 1993 and 1995, EPA
required your water supplier to collect wa-
ter samples once and analyze them to find out if thallium is present above 2 ppb.
If it is present above this level, the system must continue to monitor this
contaminant every 3 months. v
If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water
supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of thallium so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
for removing thallium: Activated .alumina; Ion Exchange.
If the levels of thallium exceed the MCL, the system must notify the public via
newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as providing
alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to
public health. r
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987 TO 1993
Water .
TOTALS On pounds) 2.606
Top fifvo States
TX ° -6
OH . 1,500
MM 1,100
CO 0
IN ,0
Mijor Industries*'
Primary copper smelting 1.856
Petrokwm refining 750
Primary nonferrous metals 0
Blast furnaces, steehvories 0
Land .
2,770
'2.020
0
D
500
250
765
' 1.255
500
, 250
WHAT HAPPENS TO
THALLIUM
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?.
HOW WILL
THALLIUM
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
HOW WILL I KNOW IF
TKALUUM is IN MY
DRINKING WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!
EPA strongly encourages people to leam more Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
abouttheirdrinWng water; and to support local efforts valuable sources of information.
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking For ne|p jn locating these agencies or for information on
water. Your'water bill or telephone book's govern- drinking water in general, call: , .
ment listings are a good starting point. . EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791.
Your local water supplier can give you a list of the -ipor additional information on .the uses and releases of
chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how Chemicals in your state, contact the:
your water is treated. Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
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