United States               /                      .
         Environmental Protection     Office Of Water .       EPA 811-F-95-Q04-C
         Agency               4603              October 1995

wEPA  NATIONAL PRIMARY  DRINKING

         WATER REGULATIONS


         Contaminant Specific Fact Sheets
         Volatile Organic Chemicals - Consumer Version
            Acrylamide              Epichlorohydrin
            Benzene                Ethylbenzene
            Carbon tetrachioride      Styrene
            Chlorobenzene           Tetrachlorqethylene
            o-Dichlorobenzene        Toluene
            p-Dichlorobenzene        1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
            1 ^^Dichloroethane       1,1,1 -Trichloroetharie
            1,1-Dichloroethylene      1,1,2-Trichloroethane
            cis-ahd trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
            Dichloromethane    :     Trichloroethylene
            1,2-Dichlorbpropane      Vinyl Chloride
                         Xyjenes (Total)

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                   United States
                   Environmental Protection
                   Agency
                            Office of Water
                            46O1
    EPA 811-F-95-004 a-C
          October 1995
                    National Primary Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                    Acrylamide
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 ih amounts greater than the health standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
WHAT is
ACRYLAMIDE
AND HOW IS IT USED?
WHY is ACRYLAMIDE
BEING REGULATED?
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS:
MCLG:
MCL:
ZERO'
TREATMENT
TECHNIQUE •
  Acrylamide is an organic solid of white, odorless, flake-
like crystals. The greatest use of acrylamide is as a coagulant aid in drinking water
treatment. Other uses of include: to improve production from oil wells; in making
organic chemicals and dyes; in the sizing of paper and textiles; in ore processing;
in the construction of dam foundations and tunnels.'
  The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
this chemical at home or work.


  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 acrylamide has been set at zero because EPA believes this level
of protection would not cause any of the potential health problems described
below.                              ''.': '.' •-;   '..'/_  '....' :';.
  There  are currently no acceptable means of detecting acrylamide in drinking
water. In this case, EPA is requiring water suppliers to use a special treatment
technique to control its amount in water. Since acrylamide is used in drinking water
treatment processes, it is being controlled simply by limiting, its use for this
purpose.   .                  ^
  Thiese 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: EPA has found acrylamide to potentially cause the following health
effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL
for relatively short periods of time:  damage to the nervous
system, weakness and ^coordination in hind limbs.
  Long-term: Acrylamide has the potential to  cause  the
following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the
MCL: damage to the nervous system, paralysis; cancer.       AMRESCO ACRYL^O
                                                    ACRYLAGEL
                                                   . OPTIMUM
October 1995
              Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper

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 RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
 1987 ro 1993

                Water

 TOTALS (In pounds)   36.287

 Top Five 'States*
 Ml               12,200
 WA             '  8.000
 CT               5.690
 LA               4.367.
 PA               2,505
 AL               1.262

 Mtjdr Industries*
 Plastics and resins    1'9,002
 Pulp mitts           8.000
 Indust organlcs       3,107
 Indust Inorganics      2,510
Land

 5,818
   0
   0
   0
  500
   20
 1.258
 2,177
   0
 2,200
  500
 * Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
 releases greater 100 Ibs.
  Demand for acrylamide in the early 1990s
was about 120 million pounds. The main
source of concern for acrylamide in drink-
ing water is from its use as a clarifier during
water treatment. When added to water, it
coagulates and traps suspended solids for
easier removal. However,, some acrylam-
ide does not coagulate and remains in the
water as a contaminant. Improvements in
the production and use of acrylamide have
made it possible to control this contamina-
tion to acceptable levels.
  From 1987 to 1993, according to EPA's
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory, acryl-
amide releases to land and water totalled
over 40,000 Ibs. These releases were pri-
marily from plastics industries. The largest
releases occurred in Michigan.
                                                 How MUCH ACRYLAMIDE
                                                 IS PRODUCE) AND
                                                 RELEASED TO THE
                                                 ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                     :       WHAT HAPPENS TO
  Acrylamide does not bind to soil and will move into soil rapidly, but it is degraded   ACRYLAMIDE
by  microbes within  a few days in soil and water.  Its has little tendency to   WHEN IT is RELEASED ro
accumulate in fish.    .                                    .        ...         THE ENVIRONMENT?
                                          •.•'•••'•'.'.'•'     ' . '   .-  ;    .   How WILL   ;'."•     .
  The regulation for acrylamide became effective in 1992. EPA requires your   ACRYLAMIDE
water supplier to show that when acrylamide is added to water, the amount of   ^™^JJ MiD
uncoagulated acrylamide is less than 0.5 ppb.                                 MY DRINKING WATER?
  If the treatmenttechnique for acrylamide faijs, the system must notify the public  How WLL / Kmw JF
via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as providing  ACRYLAMIDE is IN MY
alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to  DRINKING WATER?
public health.
Learn more about your drinking water!
  EPA strongly encourages people to 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.

-------
                    United States
                    Environmental Protection
                    Agency      . '  •  •
                             •Office of Water
                             46O1
    EPA 8U-F-95-Q04 b-C
     -  ••'.-'". October 1995
                    National Primary Drinking
                    Water^
                    Benzene
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some
communities' drinking water. 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

                                                   MCL:   SPPB
WHATIS
BENZENE
AND HOW IS IT USED?
WHY is BENZENE
BEING REGULATED?
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
  Benzene, is a clear, colorless aromatic liquid. It is highly
flammable. The greatest use of benzene is as a building blockfor making plastics,
rubber, resins and synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester. Other uses include:
as a solvent in printing, paints, dry cleaning, etc.
  The list of trade names given below may help you find put whether you are using
this chemical at home or work.            .

  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 benzene has been set at zero because EPA believes this level
of protection would not cause any of the health effects 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 5 parts per billion (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. All
community water supplies must abide by these regulations.

  Short-term: EPA has found benzene to potentially cause the following health
effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short
periods of time: temporary nervous system disorders, immune
system depression, anemia.              ,   ;
  Long-term; Benzene has the potential to cause the following
effects from  a lifetime exposure at  levels above  the MCL:
chromosomeabberatiohs, cancer.            ,"'....
                                                                         TRADE NAMES AND
                                                                         SYNONYMS:
                                                                          BENZOL 90
                                                                          PYRQBENZOL
                                                                          POLYSTREAM
                                                                          COAL NAPHTHA
                                                                          PHENE
October.1995
               Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper '

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 RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
 1987 TO 1992
TOTAL

Top She States*
TX
AL'
IA
CO
NM
IL

Major Industries*
Petroleum refining
Prfmaiy Metal Ind.
Industrial chemicals
Alkalies, chtorino '
                Water     Land

                564,546   1,539,385
                  1436
                 199642
                 137599
                    0
                    0
                    •3
                 32,411
                133.339
                 73.000
                122.240
 1135994
      0
   4347
   40793
   38199
   34110
•1.049.800
  18.078
 250.103
      0
 * Water/Land totals only include facilities with
 releases greater than a certain amount- usually
 1000 to 10.000 tos.
  Production of benzene has increased:
from about 9.9 billion Ibs. in 1984 to over
12 billion Ibs. in 1993.
  Benzene  is released to air primarily
from fumes and exhaust connected with
its use in gasoline. Other sources are
fumes from its production  and use  in
manufacturing other chemicals. In addi-
'tion, there are discharges into water from
industrial effluents and losses during spills.
  From  1987 to 1992,.according to the
Toxics Release  Inventory,'releases  of
benzene to water and land totalled over 2
million Ibs. These releases were primarily
from petroleum refining industries, with
the greatest releases occuring in Texas.
                                                                           How MUCH BENZENE
                                                                           IS PRODUCED AND
                                                                           RELEASED TO THE
                                                                           ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                           WHATHAPPENSTO
                                                                           BENZENE
                                                                           WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                                                           THE ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                           HOWWILL
                                                                           BENZENE
                                                                           BE DETECTED IN AND
                                                                           REMOVED FROM
                                                                           MY DRINKING WATER?
                                      If benzene is released to soil,  it will
either evaporate very quickly or leach to groundwater. It can be broken down by
some soil microbes. It may also be degraded in some ground waters. If benzene
is released to surface  water, most of it should evaporate within a few hours.
Though it does not degrade by reacting with water, it may be degraded  by
microbes. It is not likely to accumulate in aquatic organisms.

  The regulation for benzene became effective in 1989. Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA required your water supplierto collect water samples every 3 months for one
year and analyze them to find out if benzenes is present above 0.5 ppb. If it is
present above this level, the system must continue to monitor the benzene levels.
  If contaminant levels are found to.be consistently above the MCL, your water
supplier rnusttake steps to reduce the amount of benzene so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
for removing benzene: Granular activated charcoal in combination with Packed
Tower Aeration.                          .

  If the levels of benzene exceed the MCL, 5 ppb, the system must  notify the  HOWWILL IKNOWIF
public via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as, BENZENE is IN MY
providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious  DRINKING WATER?
risks to public health.


Learn more about your drinking water!

  EPA strongly encourages people to leam more    Your state Department  of Health/Environment is also a
abouttheirdrinking water, andtosupport local efforts valuable source of information.
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking    For ne|p 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 in your state, contact the:
your water is treated.                              Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
October 1995
                                      Consumer Version
                                                                                       Page 2

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                    United States
                    Environmental Protection
                    Agency     :
                              Office of Water
                              4601     . ;
EPA8V1-F-95-004 C-C
      October 1995
                    National Primary Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                    Carbon Tetrachioride
 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

                                                    MCL:  5 PPB
 WHAT is
 CARBON TETRACHLO-
 RIDE
 AND HOW IS IT USED?
.   Carbon tetrachloride is a clear heavy organic liquid with a sweet aromatic odor
 similar to chloroform. Most of it is used to make ehlorofluorocarbon propellants
 and refrigerants/though  this has been declining steadily. Other uses have
 included: asdry cleaning agent and fire extinguisher, in making nylon, asasolvent
 for rubber cement, soaps, insecticides, etc.
   The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
 this chemical at home or work.                                _
WHY is CARBON.
TETRACHLORIDE
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 carbon tetrachloride has been set at zero because EPA believes
 this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health problems
 described below.  '':, ••;'_.   .
   Based on this MCLG, EPAhas 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.
  •      '      .  .''"''-'  ' .     ••'".,-','•"      V ',  •     'L. '      ' ''"'  '
  The MCL has been set at 5 part per billion (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 standards are met, are called National Primary
 Prinking Water Regulations. All public water supplies must
 abide by these regulations.                ;
  Short-term: EPA has found carbon tetrachloride to poten-
tially cause the following health effects when people are
exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short
.periods of time:liver, kidney and lung damage.       ;
  Long=ignm Carbon tetrachloride has the potential to cause
 TRADE NAMES AND
 SYNONYMS:  '  •
  .PERCHLOROMETHANE
  METHANE TETRA-
  CHLORIDE
  BENZINOFORM
  UNIVERM
  NECATORINA :
  pAcsiouN   •
  FLUKOIDS
  R10 (REFRIGERANT)
  TETRAFORM
  TETRASOL
  pREONlO
  HALON104.
October 1995
               Consumer Version
                                                                Printed on Recycled Paper

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 RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
 1987 TO 1993

                Water

 TOTALS (in pounds)   52.719
 Top Hve States*
 TX
 wv  '
 LA
 AL
 CA
22,922
    4.
 7,720
 8.205"
   20
 Mijor Industries*
 Alkalies, chlorine     31,147
 Inorganic chemicals    8,796
 Petroleum refining     4,450
 Misc. Indust Organtes   3,266
 Agricultural chems.  .   817
          Land

          23,078
   75
14,443
 2.213
   0
 2.400
          17,545
            460
           1,530
            377
           2,400
 * Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
 releases greater than a certain amount - usually
 1000 to 10.000 Ibs.
the following effects from a lifetime expo-
sure at levels above the MCL: liver dam-
age; cancer.         ,

  Production of carbon tetrachloride in 1988
was 761 million Ibs Carbon tetrachloride is
released to land and water from landfills, in
wastewater from industries, from agricul-
tural activities.
  From 1987 to 1993, according to the
Toxic Release Inventory, carbon tetrachlo-
ride releases to water and land totalled
nearly 76,000 Ibs.  These releases were
primarily from chemical manufacturing in-
dustries. The largest releases occurred in
Texas.
  Carbon tetrachloride evaporates quickly from surface waters and soil. It does
not bind to soil and may leach into ground water. It has a low potential to
accumulate in aquatic life.   •


  The regulation for carbon tetrachloride became effective in  1989. 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 carbon tetrachloride is
present above 0.5 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 must take steps to reduce the amount of carbon tetrachloride so that it
is consistently below that level. The following treatment methods have been
approved by EPA for removing carbon tetrachloride: Granular activated charcoal
in combination with  Packed tower aeration..
How MUCH CARBON
TETRACHLORIDE
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
                                                           WHAT HAPPENS TO
                                                           CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
                                                           WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                                           THE ENVIRONMENT?
                                                           HOW WILL
                                                           CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
                                                           BE DETECTED IN AND
                                                           REMOVED FROM
                                                           MY DRINKING WATER?
  If the levels of carbon tetrachloride exceed .the MCL, 5 ppb, 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
                                                            CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
                                                            is IN MY DRINKING
                                                            WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!

  EPA strongly encourages people to leam more
abouttheir 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.
  four 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 fdr information on
                             drinking water in general, call:
                               ERA'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
                             46bi
    EPA 811-F-95-004 d-C
          October 1995
                    National Primary  Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                    Chlorobenzene
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public
or private, drinking water supplies. Itmay 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:

                                                   Mcu:
           0.1 PPM

           0.1 PPM
WHAT is
CHLOROBENZENE
AND HOW IS IT USED?
  Chlorobenzene is a colorless organic liquid with a faint, almond-like odor, the
greatest use of Chlorobenzene is in the manufacture of other organic chemicals,
dyestuffsand insecticides. It is also a solvent for adhesives, drugs, rubber, paints
and dry-cleaning, and as a fiber-swelling agent in textile processing.
  The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
this chemical at home or work;                            »       .
WHY is CHLOROBEN-
ZENE
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 Chlorobenzene has been set at Q.I 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 publicwater systems to detect and remove contaminants
using 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 tp 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. All public
water Supplies must abide by these regulations.
  Short-term: EPA has fotind chjorobenzene to potentially
cause the following health effects when people are exposed to
it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time:
anesthetic effects and impaired liver and kidney function.
  Long-term: Chlorobenzene has the potential to cause the
following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the
MCL: liver, kidney and central nervous system damage.
      TRADE NAMES AND
      SYNONYMS:
       BENZENE CHLORIDE
       "CHLORBENZOL ,
       MONOCHLOROBENZENE
       PHENYL CHLORIDE
       IP CARRIER T 40
       TETROSINSP
 October 1995
               Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper

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 RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
 1987 TO 1993

                 Water

 TOTALS On pounds)  326,017

 Top Five States*
 WV            262,653
 OH             20.598
 NJ              13,710 '
 LA              16,460
 SC       ,       1.401

 Major Industries
 Alkalis, chlorine     261,058
 Plastics, resins      23.756
 Cyclic crudes, dyes   21.657
 Indus, organlcs      13,460
 Gum, wood chems        '0
Land

36.910
  263
12,500
13,261
  265
 5,939
   67
13.312
 6,637.
 "9.375
 4,909
  Production of chlorobenzene in 1988 was
270 million pounds, and was expected to
decrease. Major environmental releases of
chlorobenzene are,.due to  its use as a
solvent in pesticide^'?
  From 1987 to 1993, according to EPA's
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory, chloro-
benzene releases to water totalled.over
326,000 Ibs. Releases to land totalled nearly
37,000 Ibs. These releases were primarily
from alkali and chlorine industries which
use  chlorobenzene in chlorination  pro-
cesses. Most of these releases occurred in
West Virginia..
 * Wator/Land totals only include facilities with
 releases greater than a certain amount- usually
 1000 to 10.000 Ibs.         	
                                     Releases into water and onto land will
either evaporate or be slowly degraded by microbes in the soil or water. Since it
does not bind to soils,  it can be expected to leach into the groundwater. Little
accumulation is expected in fish and food products.
HOW MUCH
CHLOROBENZENE
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
                                                 WHAT HAPPENS TO
                                                 CHLOROBENZENE
                                                 WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                                 THE ENVIRONMENT?
  The regulation for chlorobenzene became effective in 1989^Between 1993 and  How WILL
 1995, EPA required your water supplier to collect water samples every 3 months  CHLOROBENZENE .
 for one year and analyze them to find out if chlorobenzene is present above 0.5  BE DETECTED IN AND
 ppb.  If it is present above this level, the system must continue to monitor this  REMOVED FROM
 contaminant         '                                 :             v        MY DR.NKINO WATER?
  If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water
 supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of chlorobenzene so that it is
 consistently below'that level. The  following treatment methods have been
 approved by EPA for removing chlorobenzene: Granular activated charcoal in
 combination with Packed Tower Aeration.


  Ifthe levels of chlorobenzene exceed the MCL, 0.1 ppm, the system must notify  How WILL I KNOW IF
 the public via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such  CHLOROBENZENE is IN MY
 as  providing alternative drinking water supplies,  may be required to prevent  DRINKING WATER?
 serious risks to public health.
Learn more about your drinking water!

  EPA strongly encourages,people to leam more   Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
aboirt their drinking water, and to support local efforts valuable source of information.
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking.  For ne|p in |ocatjng these agencies or for information on
water. Your water bill or telephone book's govern- drinking water in general, call:
meht 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 Chernjca|S in your state, contact the:
your water is treated.        .                   Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
 October 1995
                                       Consumer Version
                                                             Page.

-------
                   .United States
                   -Environmental Protection
                   Agency         .
                             Office of Water
                             46O1
EPA 811-F-95-004 e-C
      October ,1995
                    National Primary Drinking
                   Water Regulations
                         •. • •  '••••''..   ' **   •  -i   «•••••
                    o - Dichlorobenzene
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 EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA).
                                                DRINKING WATER
                                                STANDARDS:   ' .

                                                  MCLG:  0.6 PPM

                                                  MCL:  ' 0.6 PPM
WHAT is
o-DCB
AND HOW IS IT USED?
WHYISO-DCB
BEING REGULATED?
 WHAT ARE THE
 HEALTH EFFECTS?
  Ortho-dichlordbenzene, (o-DGB) is a colorless organic liquid with a pleasant,
 aromatic odor. The greatest use of o-dichlorobenzene is as a chemical interme-
 diate for making agricultural chemicals, primarily herbicides. Other present and
 past uses include: solvent for waxes, gums, resins, Wood preservatives, paints;
 insecticide for termites and borers; in making dyes; as a coolant,  deodorizer,
 degreaser.
  The list of trade names given below may help you find out whetheryou are using
 this chemical at home or work.       4          :

  In 4 974, 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 o-DCB has been set at 0.6 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 ah 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 0.6 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 shquld 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, All public
 water supplies must abide by these regulations.

   Short-term:  p-DCB 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: o-DCB has the potential to cause the following
 effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MGL:
 damage to the nervous system, liver, kidneys and blood cells.
   TRADE NAMES AND
   SYNONYMS:
    ORTHO-DlCHLORO-
     BENZOL
    DllANTIN .
    DOWTHERM E
    CHLOROBEN
    DllATINDB
 October1995
                                  Consumer Version
                                              Printed on Recycled Paper

-------
RELEASES TO WATER AND LANO:
1987 TO 1993

               Water  ,

TOTALS (in pounds)   75,967
                           Land

                          171,663
 Top Fiv* States*
 NJ              19.602     165,661
 WV      .       39,653         0
 OR              7.260         0
 SC              1.502      4.628
 TX               1.418      1.000
 Major Industries
 Industrial Ofjjanfes    15,416      98.092
 CydJccmdes.dyes     7,639      67.418
 Alkalis, chlorine      38,029         0
 Paper mills          7.260         0
 Gum, wood chems.      250      4.378

 • Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
 releases greater than a certain amount - usually
 1000 to 10,000 tos.
  Production of o-DCB was estimated at
43 million IDS. in 1991. Its use in manufac-
turing  and solvents may be  significant
sources of discharges into water. Dichloro-
benzenes also enter water systems from
the use of o-DCB as a deodorant in indus-
trial wastewater treatment. Chemical waste
dump leachates and industrial wastewater
are the major source of pollution of dichlo-
robenzenes to Lake Ontario.
  From 1987  to 1993,  according to the
Toxic Release Inventory, o-DCB releases
to land and water totalled 248 million Ibs.,
mostly to land. These releases wer prima-
rily form organic chemical manufacturing
industries. The largest releases occurred in
New Jersey.
   If released to soil, o-DCB can bind to soil particles. However, its detection in
groundwater indicates that leaching can occur. It will evaporate from soil or
surface water and will be broken down by microbes. OrDCB is likely to accumulate
in fish and other aquatic life.                             .


   The regulation for o-DCB became effective in 1992. Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA required your water supplierto collect water samples every 3 months for one
year and analyze them to find out if o-DCB is present above 0.5 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 must take steps to reduce the amount of o-DCB so that it is consistently
below that level: The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
for removing o-DCB: Granular activated charcoal in combination with Packed
Tower Aeration.             ,     ,
                     1                 • t                  •'.'"'•

   If the levels of o-DCB exceed the MCL, 0.6 ppm, 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 &DCB
                                                                           IS PRODUCED AND
                                                                           RELEASED TO THE
                                                                           ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                          WHATHAPPENSTO
                                                                          o-DCB
                                                                          WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                                                          THE ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                          HOW WILL
                                                                          o-DCB
                                                                          BE DETECTED IN AND
                                                                          REMOVED FROM
                                                                          MY DRINKING WATER?
                                                                          HOW WILL I KNOW IF
                                                                          o-DCB is IN MY DRINK-
                                                                          ING 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.
 October 1995
                                     Consumer Version
                                                                                       Page 2

-------
                    United States
                    Environmental Protection
                    Agency
                             Office of Wsiter
                             4601
    EPA, 81-\-F-35-004 f-C
          October 1995
                    National Primary Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                    p-Dichlorobenzene
This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in-some public
or private drinking water supplies. If 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:

      MCL:
                                                        - PPM/PPB

                                                        -PPM/PPB
WHAT is
p-DCB
AND HOW IS IT USED?
WHY is p-DCB
BEING REGULATED?
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
  Para-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB) is an organic solid of white crystals with a
mothball-like odor, ft is, used mainly as an insecticidal fumigant against clothes
moths and as a deodorant for garbage and restrooms. It is also used as an
insecticide and fungicide on crops, and in the manufacture of other organic
chemicals and in plastics, dyes, Pharmaceuticals.
  The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
this chemical at home or wo*.
  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 p-DCB has been set at 75 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 MOLGs as possible,
considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
using suitable treatment technologies.
  The MCL has been set at 75 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 standards are met, are called National Primary
Drinking Water Regulations.  All public water supplies must
abide by these regulations.
  Short-term: EPA has found p-DCB 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, headaches, and irritation of the eyes and respiratory
tract.  '  .'. •'''..,-  •-••-'.:- ••-. • ••'.'"  ' ';.•' '.•-•-'•
      TRADE NAMES AND
      SYNONYMS: ,
       • PARADICHLOROBEN-
       2ENE .       ;
       PARADICHLOROBENZOL
       PARAMOTH
       DI-CHLORICIDE
       PARADI .
       PARADOW-    •
       PERSIA-PERAZOL
       EVOLA
       PARAZENE
 October 1995
              Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper

-------
 RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
 1987 TO 1993
 TOTALS (in pounds)

 Top Hv* States*
 WV
 TX
 DE
 GA
 LA
                Water

                33,675
                27,676
                 1,280
                 1.870
                <  750
                  503
 Major Industries
 Alkalies, chlorine      27,676
 Industrial org. chem.    3.076
 Agricultural chem.       750
 Cydte crudes, Intermed.   600
Land

 4.482
 •  0
 3.132
 200
   0
   0
                             0
                           3.350
                            1 0
                             0
 * Water/Land totals ontyinclude facilities yvtth
 releases greater than a certain amount- usually
 1000 to 10,000 tbs.           	
chemical manufacturing plant in West Virginia'.
   Long-term: p-DCB has the potential to
 cause the following effects from a lifetime
 exposure, at levels above the MCL:  ane-
 mia, skin lesions, appetite loss, damage to
 liver and changes in blood.


   74 million Ibs. of p-DCB were consumed
 by industry in 1986, and demand was pre-
 dicted to increase. Chemical waste dump
 leachates and direct manufacturing efflu-
 ents are reported to be the majof source of
 p-DCB pollution in Lake Ontario.
   From 1987 to  1993, according to the
 Toxic Release Inventory, p-DCB releases
 to water totalled  almost  34,000 Ibs. Re-
 leases to land totalled nearly 4,500  Ibs.
. These releases were primarily from a single
How MUCH p-DCB
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                           WHAT HAPPENS TO
                                                                           p-DCB
it. win wvc*j-«./i ULW MI •** **%*• **«**.. .j—, _..__.	— * •    ,             ,       s     •   WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
will largely evaporate. p-DCB is not likely to accumulate in most aquatic life,   ^HE ENVJRONUENT?
  p-DCB only moderately binds to soil so it may leach to ground water. Otherwise,
it will evaporate and be slowly broken down by microbes. If released to water, it
                  .     ___ —. ^_. •    ••••  •  *_  • _	— - _!._.£,_. m^ MM^»*«4> ***««i iM-d A ttrf^
though it may in some fishes.

  The regulation for p-DCB became effective in 1989. Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA required your water supplier to collect water samples every 3 months for one
year and analyze them tofind out if p-DCB is present above 0.5 ppb.Jf 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 p-DCB so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
for removing p-DCB: Granular activated charcoal in combination with Packed
Tower Aeration.           •             .                                .

  If the levels of p-DCB exceed the MCL, 75 ppb, 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
          iffl
                                                                           HOW WILL
                                                                           p-DCB
                                                                           BE DETECTED IN AND
                                                                           REMOVED FROM
                                                                           MY DRINKING WATER?
                                                                           HOW WILL I KNOW IF
                                                                           p-DCB is IN MY DRINK-
                                                                           ING WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!

  EPA strongly encourages people to 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.

-------
                    United States
                    Environmental Protection
                    Agency
                              Office of Water
                              4601 /"•.'-
EP^8TVF-95-004 g-C
     A October f 395
                     National  Primary  Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                     1,2-bichIoroethane
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

                                                    Mcu:  5 PPB
 WHAT is
 1,2-
 DlCHLOROETHANE
 AND HOW IS IT USED?
WHYISl,2-
DlCHLOROETHANE
BEING REGULATED?
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
   1,2-Dichloroethane is a colorless, oily, organic liquid with a sweet, chlorpform-
 iike odor. The greatest use of 1,2-dichloroethane is in making chemicals involved
 in plastics, rubber and synthetic textile fibers. Other uses include: as a solvent for
 resins and fats, photography, photocopying, cosmetics, drugs; and as afumigant
 for grains and orchards.                                        j     "
   The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
 this chemical at home or work.                ......

   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 1,2-dichloroethane has been set at zero 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 theability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
 using suitable treatment technologies.
  The MCL has been set at 5 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 remove this contaminant should it occur in drinking
 water.- -•'••."•.;...;•'_.  "' . ••.  •'.''-.'••;•."',•',     .-  . ••; ;.  •'••-
  These drinking water standards and the regulations for
 ensuring these standards are met, are called National Primary
 Drinking Water Regulations. Ail public water supplies must
 abide by these regulations.                     ;
  Short-teim: EPA has found 1,2-dichloroethane to poten-
tially cause the following health effects when people are
exposed to it at levels above the-MCL for relatively short
periods of time: central'nervous system disorders, and ad-
verse liing, kidney, liver circulatory and gastrointestinal ef-
fects. .      '   .'.-'-•   ''•''•''.'-  '  ''-':- -  •      - '   •• \
  TRADE- NAMES AND .
  SYNONYMS:
   1,2-ETHYLENE
    DICHLORIDE
   GLYCOL DICHLORIDE
  . FREON 150
   BORER SOL
   BROCIDE
   DESTRUXOL
    BORER-SOL
   DICHLOR-MULSION '
   DUTCH OIL    ;
   GRANOSAN '   .
October1995
               Consumer Version
                                                                 Printed on Recycled Paper

-------
 REIEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
 1987 TO 1993

                Water

 TOTALS (In pounds)  433.056
 Top Six States*
 NJ
 LA
 TX
 MO
 NY
 KY
192,700
136.508
' 36,459
  6,786
 11,330
 10,309
 Mtjor Industries
 Industrial organtes   211,146
 Alkalies, chlorine    120,283
 Cyclic etudes, intermed. ,32,945
 Agricultural chemicals  11,918
 Industrial gases      15,497
 Plastics materials, resins 6,908
 Photographic equip.  • 11.566
 Other Chemicals    ,  8.179
 Pharmaceuticals      7,525
 Petroleum refining     1,730
           Land

           22,616
 '231
2,292
7,028
8,730
   0
   0
             363
            3,254
             119
            8,980
               0
            6,895
               0
               0
             521
            1.479
 • Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
 releases greater than a certain amount- usually
 1000 to 10,000 Ibs.
Dichloroethane is not expected to
    Long-term: 1.2-Dichloroethane has the
  potential to cause the following effects from
  a lifetime exposure at  levels above the
  MCL: cancer.

    Production of 1,2   jhloroethane was 18
  billion Ibs. in 1993. SI is  released in waste
  water, spills, and/or improper disposal pri-
  marily from its use as a cleaning solvent, in
  making other organics, and in pesticides.
    From  1987 to 1993,  according to the
  Toxics Release Inventory, releases to wa-
  terand land totalled over455,000 Ibs. These
  releases were primarily from facilities which
  make industrial organic chemicals, alkalis
  and chlorine. The largest releases occurred
  in New Jersey and Louisiana.

    While releases to water or soil will evapo-
  rate quickly, 1,2-dichloroethane will also
  leach into groundwater rapidly where it is
  likely to persist for a very long time. There
  is little degradation  by  microbes.  1,2-
accumulate in fish.
HowMUCH 1,2-
DlCHLOROETHANE
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
  The regulation for 1,2-dichloroethane became effective in 1989. Between 1993
and 1995, EPA required your water supplier to collect water samples every 3
months for one year and .analyze them to find but if 1,2-dichloroethane is present
above 0.5 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 must take steps to reduce the amount of 1,2-dichloroethane so that it is
consistently below that level. The  following treatment methods have been
approved by EPA for removing 1,2-dichloroethane: Granular activated charcoal
in combination with Packed Tower Aeration.

  If the levels of 1,2-dichloroethane exceed the MCL, 5 ppb, the system must
notify the public via newspapers, radio, TV and pther means. Additional actions,
such as providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent
serious risks to public health.

Learn more about your drinking water!

  EPA strongly encourages people to  learn more
abouttheir drinking water, and to support local efforts
to protect  and upgrade the supply of safe drinking
water. Your water bill or telephone book's  gpvern-
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.             •
                                                             WHAT HAPPENS TO
                                                             1,2-DlCHLOROETHANE
                                                             WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                                             THE ENVIRONMENT?
                                                             HOWWILL
                                                             1,2-blCHLOROSTHANE
                                                             BE DETECTED IN AND
                                                             REMOVED FROM
                                                             MY DRINKING WATER?
                                                              HOW WILL I KNOW IF
                                                              1,2-DlCHLOROETHANE IS
                                                              IN MY DRINKING WATER?
                                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
                                                                                         Page 2

-------
                    United States
                    Environmental Protection
                   '/Agency
                             Office of Water
                             46OT
                                                       October 1995
                    National  Primary  Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                    1,1 -Dichloroethylene
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:  7 /PPB

                                                   MCL:  7 PPB
WHAT is
1,1-OCE
AND HOW IS IT USED?
  1,1 -Dichloroethylene (1,1 -DCE) is an organic liquid with a mild, sweet, chloro-
form-like odor. Virtually all of it is used in making adhesives, synthetic fibers,
refrigerants, food packaging and coating resins such as the saran types.
  The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
this chemical at home or work.
WHYis1,1-DCE
BEING REGULATED?
  In 1974, Congress passed the Safe prinking 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 1,1-DCE has been set at 7 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, EPAhassetan 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 7 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.  •  ' ' ' '  ' . -' -'.''•  •.  ;.-;- •  . •  • ',-.. :'.   • .;•  " .  ':•'• .  v  '.•:-'  '•  '-    •'
  These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
dards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Ail public
water supplies must abide by these regulations.
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
October 19,95
  Short-term: EPA has found 1,1-DCE to potentially cause
the following health effects when people are exposed to it at
levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time: liver
.damage.
  Long-term: 1,1-DCE has the potential to cause the follow^
ing effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL:
liver and kidney damage, as well as toxicity to the developing
fetus; cancer.
                                                                      TRADE NAMES AND
                                                                      SYNONYMS:
                                                                       1.1-DCE
                                                                       ;1,1-DlCHLOROETHENE
                                                                       ASYM-DICHLORO-
                                                                        ETHYLENE
                                                                       VlNYLJDENE CHLORIDE
              Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper

-------
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987 TO 1993
*
TOTALS (tn pounds)
Top States:
KV
TX
LA

Wafer
10.101
2,880
2,061
2,079
Major Industries
Plastics materials, resins 3,942
Alkalies, chlorin* 4,173

Land
1.488
286
150
3
1.299
154
J
                                   An estimated 90,700 tons/yr of 1,1-DCE
                                 were produced in the USA during the early
                                 1980s. It may be released by evaporation
                                 or in wastewater during its production and
                                 use in the manufacture  of plastic wrap,
                                 adhesives, and synthetic fiber. It may also
                                 form in groundwater that has been con-
                                 taminated by similar solvents.
                                   From 1987 to 1993,: according to the
                                 Toxics Release Inventory, releases to wa-
                                 ter and land totalled over 11,500 Ibs. These
                                 releases were primarily from facilities which
                                 make plastics materials/resins. The largest
                                 releases occurred in.Kentucky.
  Releases to water will primarily be lost to the atmosphere through evaporation.
1,1-DCE will evaporate from soil and will leach into the groundwater where its fate
is unknown, but degradation is expected to be slow. Its tendency to accumulate
in aquatic life is unknown but expected to be minor.
                              -i"                             ' '

  The regulation for 1,1-DCE became effective in 1989. Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA required yburwatersupplierto collect water samples every 3 months for one
year and analyze them to find out if 1,1-DCE is present above 0.5 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 must take steps to reduce the amount of 1,1 -DCE so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
for removing 1,1-DCE: Granular activated charcoal in combination with Packed
Tower Aeration.

 • If the levels of 1,1-DCE exceed the MCL, 7 ppb, 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 1,1-DCE
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
WHATHAPPENSTO
1,1-DCE
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
HOW WILL
1,1-DCE
BE DETECTED IN AND
REMOVED FROM
MY DRINKING WATER?
 HOW WILL I KNOW IF
 1,1-DCE 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 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 chemicals in your state, contact the:        '
your water is treated.                            Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
 October 199
                                      Consumer Version

-------
                    United States
                    Environmental Protection
                    Agency
                              Office of Water
                              46O1
EPAS-n-F-95-004 i-C
      October 1995
                    National Primary Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                    cis- and trans-1,2-DichIoroethylene
 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).
 WHAT ARE
 CIS- AND TRANS-1,2-
 DCE
 AND HOW ARE THEY
 USED?
                                                 DRINKING WATER
                                                 STANDARDS:
                                                  MCLG:
                                                                     Met:
      cis- 0.07 PPM
      TRANS- 0.1 .PPM

      CIS- 0.07 
-------
-to cause liver, circulatory and nervous system damage from long-term exposure
 at levels above the MCL. The trans form Is approximately twice as potent as the
 cis form in its ability to depress the central nervous system.


  Releases to the environment are expected to be limited to manufacturing plants
 in the Gulf Region of the United States. Since cis-and trans-1,2-DCE are not listed
 chemicals in the Toxics Release Inventory, data on releases during manufacture
 and handling are not available.
  Trans-1,2-dichIoroethylene may be released to.the environment in air emis-
 sions and wastewater during its production and use as a solvent and extractant,
 in organic synthesis, and in the manufacture of perfumes, lacquers, and thermo-
 plastics.                         ,                                 .

   If 1,2-dichloroethylenes are released on soil, it should evaporate and leach into
 the groundwater where it will break down very slowly. If released to water, they
 will mainly evaporate. Neither of the two forms of this contaminant are likely to
 accumulate in aquatic life.


   The regulation for cis- and trans-1,2-DCE became effective in 1992. 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 cis-and trans-1,2-DCE is
 present above 0.5 ppb.  If it i.s 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 cis- and trans-1,2-DCE so that
 it is consistently below  that level. The following treatment methods have  been
 approved by EPA for  removing cis- and trans-1,2-DCE: Granular activated
 charcoal in combination with Packed Tower Aeration.               .
              ,       .                            '       '•*','        »

   If the levels of cis-and trans-1,2-DCE exceed their MCLs, the system  must
 notify the public via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additionalactions,
 such as providing alternative drinking water supplies, maybe required to prevent
 serious risks to public health.
                             HOW MUCH CIS- AND
                             TRANS-1,2-DCE
                             IS PRODUCED AHD
                             RELEASED TO THE
                             ENVIRONMENT?
                             WHAT HAPPENS TO
                             CIS- AND TRANS-1,2-
                             DCE WHEN THEY ARE
                             RELEASED TO THE
                             ENVIRONMENT?
                             HOW WILL
                             CIS- AND TRANS-1,2-
                             DCE BE DETECTED IN
                             AND REMOVED FROM
                             MY DRINKING WATER?
                              HOW WILL I KNOW IF
                              CIS-AND TRANS-1,2- .
                              DCE ARE IN MY DRINK-
                              ING WATER?
 Learn more about your drinking water!

   EPA strongly encourages people to 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.

-------
                    United States
                    Environmental Protection
                    Agency
                                                 Office of Water
                                                 46O1   ,
.EPA81VF-95-004 j-C
      October 1995
                    National Primary Drinking
                    Water Regulations            •
                    Dichloromethane
..        ,,-•'.--,.   • • - .    •      •          >,     _.      • .•
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

                                                                      MCL:   SPPB
 WHAT is
 DICHLOROMETHANE
 AND HOW IS IT USED?
 WHY IS DlCHLO-
 ROMETHANE
 BEING REGULATED?
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
                      Dichloromethane (DCM) is a colorless organic liquid with a sweet, chloroform-
                    like odor. The greatest use of DCM is as a paint remover. Other uses include:
                    solvent and cleaning agent in a variety of industries, a fumigant for strawberries
                    and grains; and to extract substances from foodstuffs.
                                          '   •  '   ' ' "'   '    ' '    ."'..."•      •    , ''   ">•
                      The list of synonyms given.below may help you find out whether you are using
                    this chemical at home or work.

                      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 dichloromethane has been set atzero 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 S.parts per billion (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
                   1 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 dichloromethane to potentially cause the following
                    health effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively
                    short periods of time: Damage to the nervous system and to blood.
                      Long-term: Dichloromethane has the potential to cause the
                   following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the
                   MCL: liver damage; cancer.                ,
                                                                      TRADE NAMES AND
                                                                      SYNONYMS:
                                                                       DCM
                                                                       METHYLENE CHLORIDE
October1995
                                  Consumer Version
                                                                Printed on Recycled Paper,

-------
 RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
 1987 TO 1993

                  Water   Land

 TOTALS (in pounds)  1.544,694   556,830
 Top Ten Stales*
 CT
 NY
 GA
 NJ
 Wl
 sc
 Ml
 KS
 MO
 TX
940,158
 58,400
166.700
138.302
    0
 20,860
 39.575
    0
    0
 15,910
 Mtjor Industries* '
 Medtdnats, botanicals  1,106,858
 Photographic supplies    58,400
 Mtsc Indust organles    141,942
 Custom plastics, resins      , 0
 Pharmaceuticals        37.575
 Potato/com chlps&snacks 2,000
 Air conditioning/heating      0
 Steel pipe, tubing          0
    0
155.755
    0
  2,721
139,920
 52,810
 32,900
 33,489
 27,295
 ,  823
            0
        155.755
         53.741
        139.920
            0
         32,900
         33,489
         27,295
 * Water/Land totals only include facilities with
 releases greater than a certain amount- usually
 1000 to 10.000 toss.
   Production of DCM has been decreas-
 ing: from a high of 561 million IDS. in 1986,
 to roughly 410 million IDS. in  1993. It is
 released in wastewater primarily from the
 following industries: Paint and ink, alumi-
. num forming, coal mining,  photographic
 equipment and supplies, pharmaceutical,
 organic chemical/plastics, rrietal foundries
 and laundries. DCM is also formed during
 the chlorination of water.
   From 1987 to 1993, according to EPA's
 Toxic Chemical Release Inventory, DCM
 releases to land and water totalled over 2.1
 million IDS. These releases were primarily
 from medicinals and botanicals industries.
 The largest releases occurred in Con.necti-
 cutand New York.

   Most DCM is released to air where it is
 degraded by sunlight within a few months.
 Releases to water evaporate very quickly.
 It will evaporate from soil but can also leach
 through soil to ground water.  DCM is not
 likely to accumulate in aquatic life.
                                                          HOW MUCH DlCHLO-
                                                          ROMETHANE
                                                          IS PRODUCED AND
                                                          RELEASED TO THE
                                                          ENVIRONMENT?
  The regulation for dichloromethane became effective 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 dichloromethane is present
above 0.5 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 must take steps to reduce the amount of dichloromethane so that it is
consistently below that level. The following treatment  methods have been
approved by EPA for removing dichloromethane: Granular activated charcoal in
combination with Packed Tower Aeration.    ,
                       •  "  •               • *    '    "      -'*,".'-'•
  If the levels of dichloromethane exceed the MCL, 5 ppb, 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
                                                   DICHLOROMETHANE
                                                   WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                                   THE ENVIRONMENT?
                                                           HOW WILL
                                                           DICHLOROMETHANE
                                                           BE DETECTED IN AND
                                                           REMOVED FROM   .
                                                           MY DRINKING WATER?
                                                           HOW WILL I KNOW IF
                                                           DICHLOROMETHANE is IN
                                                           MY DRINKING WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!

  EPA strongly encourages people to learn more
abouttheir 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
                                                                                        Page 2

-------
                    United States.
                    Environmental Protection
                    'Agency
                              Off ice of Water
                              46O1   "   .
October 19$5
                    National Primary Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                    1,2-DichIoropropane
This js a factsheet about a chfemical that may be found in some public
or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if
found in amounts greater than the heajth standard set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
                                                 DRINKING WATER
                                                 STANDARDS:

                                                   MCLG:  ZERO

                                                   Met:   5 PPM
 WHAT is
 1>
 DlCHLOROPROPANE
 AND HOW IS if USED?
WHYIS1.2-
DlCHLOROPROPANE
BEING REGULATED?
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
   1,2-Dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) is a colorless organic liquid with a chloroform-
 like odor. The greatest use of 1,2-dichloropropane is in making other organic
 chemicals.  It is also used in making lead-free gasoline; paper coating, soil
 fumigant for nematodes, and insecticide for stored grain.
   The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
 this chemical at home or work.

   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 1,2-DCP has been set at zero 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 staridard:ealled a Maximum
 Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible,
 considering theability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
 using suitable treatment technologies.
   The MCL has been set at 5 parts per billion (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.-,.-  .--., .•  '  .-'•-.'  -/ '  •"'.'./•'".''''' • •  ;••  -'•.   •  '•       '  • 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.                     V

   Short-term: EPA has found 1,2-rDCP to potentially.cause
 the following health effects when people are exposed to it at
 levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time:
 damage to the liven kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, and the
 gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.  .            "-•--
   Long-term: 1,2-DCP has the potential to cause the follow-
 ing effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL:
 the liver, kidneys, bladder, gastrointestinal tract and the respi-
                                                                      TRADE NAMES AND
                                                                      SYNONYMS:.
                                                                       f'ROPYLENE'
                                                                        DICHLORIDE
                                                                       NEMATOX- •
                                                                       VIDDEN D   ' .
                                                                       DowFUMEEB-5
October1995
               Consumer Version
                                                                Printed on Recycled Paper

-------
 RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
 1987.ro 1993

                Water

 TOTALS (fn pounds)   98.504
 Top Flvs'Stotes
 NY
 LA
 VA
 TX
 NJ
30,000
25.5£i6
14.629
12,290
10.463
 Mijor Industries
 Alkalies, chlorine     37,297
 Photographic equip.   30,000
 Gum, wood chemicals'  14,629
 Plastics, resins      10,463
 Misc. Indust Organlcs   4,793
          Land

          .5,470
3.205
 260
 250
1,206
   0
           1,216
           3.205
            250
             0
            250
 • Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
 releases greater than a certain amount- usually
 1000 to 10,000 tos.
ratory tract; cancer.

  Production of 1,2-DCP  has decreased
greatly since a 1980 report of 77 million Ibs.
Dow Chemical, the only listed producer,
discontinued its production in  199.1. It may
be released into the atmosphere or in waste-
water during its production or use as an
intermediate in chemical manufacture.
There were also significant releases during
its former use as a soil fumigant.' It may also
leach from municipal landfills.
  From 1987 to 1993, according to EPA's
Toxic Chemical Release  Inventory, 1,2-
dichloroprppane releases to land and water
totalled nearly 104,000 Ibs. These releases
were primarily from chemical industries.
The largest releases occurred in New York.
  1,2-DCP released to soil will largely evaporate. However, it has been detected
in groundwater. Releases to surface water will also evaporate, and are not likely
to accumulate in aquatic life.


  The regulation for 1,2-DCP became effective in 1992. Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA req uired your water supplierto collect water samples every 3 months for one
year and analyze them to find out.if 1,2-DCP is present above 0.5 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 must take steps to reduce the amount of 1 »2-DCP so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods  have been approved by EPA
for removing 1,2-DCP: Granular activated charcoal in combination with Packed
Tower Aeration.
                                                How MUCH 1,2-
                                                DlCHLOROPROPANE
                                                IS PRODUCED AND
                                                RELEASED TO THE
                                                ENVIRONMENT?
                                                           WHATHAPPENSTO
                                                           1,2-DlCHLOROPROPANE
                                                           WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                                           THE ENVIRONMENT?
                                                           HOW WILL
                                                           1,2'DlCHLOROPROPANE
                                                           BE DETECTED IN AND
                                                           REMOVED FROM
                                                           MY DRINKING WATER?
   If the levels of 1,2-DCP exceed the MCL, 5 ppb, the system must notify the  HOW WILL I KNOW IF
public via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as  IJ-DICHLOROPROPANE
providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious  is IN MY DRINKING
risks to public health.         -
                                                            WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!

  EPA strongly encourages people to 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 locgl 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
                                                                                        Page 2

-------
                     United States
                     Environmental Protection
                     Agency          -
                              Office of Water
                              46O1
     EPA 81^-95-004 >C
          ' October 1935
                     National  Primary Drinking
                         ater Regulations
                     Epichlorohydrin
 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
 EPICHLOROHYDRIN
 AND HOW IS IT USED?
 WHY is EPICHLORO-
 HYDRIN
 BEING REGULATED?
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS:
MCLG:
Met:
, ZERO.
TREATMENT
TECHNIQUE.
  .Epichlorohydrin is a colorless organic liquid with a pun-
 gent, garlic-like odor. The greatest use of epichlorohydrin is used to make glycerin
 and as a building block in making plastics and other polymers, some of which are
 used in water supply systems. It is also used in the paper and drug industries and
 as an insect fumigant.               '
  The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
 this chemical at home or work.
  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 railed Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
  The MCLG for epichlorohydrin has been set at zero because EPA believes this
level of protection would not cause any of the potential health problems described
.below.-"   •'.  '".-•  .•'''y" •••'-•''.-'''•• • ;;,  .-  ''.•".•'•-'• ,'.- '..-...
  There are currently no acceptable means of detecting epichlorohydrin in
drinking  water.  In this case, EPA is requiring water suppliers to use a special
treatment techniquf to control its amount in water. Since epichlorohydrin is used
in drinking water treatment processes, it is being controlled simply by limiting its
use for this purpose.   .!
  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?
. October 1995
  Short-term: EPA has found epichlorohydrin to potentially cause the following
health effects when people are exposed to it at levels above
the MCLfor relatively short periods of time: skin irritation;
detrimental effects on liver, kidneys, central nervous system.
  Long-term: Epichlorohydrin has the potential to cause the
following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the
MCL: stomach, eye and skin irritation; chromosome aberra-
tions; adverse changes in blood; cancer.
                                                                       TRADE NAMES AND
                                                                       SYNONYMS:
                                                                        CHLOROMETHYL-.
                                                                         ETHYLENE OXIDE
                                                                        CHLOROMETHYL-  ,
                                                                         OXIRANE
                                                                        GLYCIDYL CHLORIDE
              Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper

-------
                                    Production and imports of epichlorohy-
                                  drin in the mid-1980s totalled 511 million
                                  jbs. The main source of concern for epi-
                                  chlorohydrin in drinking water is ftren its
                                  use as a clarifier during water treat    nt
                                  When added to water,  it coagulates  end
                                  traps suspended solids for easier removal.
                                  However, some  epichlbrohydrin may not
                                  coagulate and may remain in the water as
                                  a contaminant.                      ....  .


                                    Epichlorohydrin readily evaporates from
                                  near-surface soils and  surface waters. It
                                  will not bind to sediments in water bodies.
                                  If spilled on land,  it may  leach into the
                                  groundwater but it is easily broken down by
a number of chemical reactions. It will not accumulate jn aquatic life.
                                     >.    ,**••' *f          '""*
  The regulation for epichlorohydrin became effective in 1992. EPA requires your
water supplier to show that when epichlorohydrin is added to water, the .amount
of uncoagulated epichlorohydrin is less than 2 ppb.
RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987 TO 1993

TOTALS (In pounds)
Top Five States :
AL
LA
NJ
TX
AR • •
Mtjor Industries
Industrial organlcs ,
Plastics and resins
Industrial Inorganics
Agricultural chemicals
Alkalis, chlorine

Water
-42.705

29.385
6,924
2.164
200
1,594

25,137
6.392
4.200
2,207 ,
2,100

Land]
22.849
• .
18,476
2.663
16*
' ' 1.396
0
..
14.941
2,509
1.600
1,532
1,033
                              How MUCH EPICHLORO-
                              HYDRIN  . •, •
                              IS PRODUCED AND
                              RELEASED TO THE
                              ENVIRONMENT?
                              WHAT HAPPENS TO
                              EPICHLOROHYDRIN
                              WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                              THE ENVIRONMENT?
                              HOW WILL
                              EPICHLOROHYDRIN
                              BE DETECTED IN AND
                              REMOVED FROM
                              MY DRINKING WATER?
  If the treatment technique for epichlorohydrin fails, the system must notify the   HQW ^ f KWO|y lp
 public via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as   EplCHLOROHyDR,N /s IN
 providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious   MY DRINKING WATER?
 risks to 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:
  Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
 October 1995
                                      Consumer Version
                                                                                      Page 2

-------
                    United States
                    Environmental Protection ,
                    Agency      '
                               Office of Water
                               4601
EPA 8U-F-35-004TO-C
      October 1995
                    National Primary Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                    Ethylbenzene
 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:  0.7 PPM

                                                    MCL:   0.7 PPM
, WHAT is
 ETHYLBENZENE
 AND HOW IS IT USED?
 WHYIS ETHYLBEN-
 ZENE ,
 BEING REGULATED?
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
    Ethylbenzene is a colorless organic liquid with asweet, gasoline-like odor; The
 .greatest use - over 99 percent - of ethylbenzehe is to make styrene, another
  organic liquid used as a building block for many plastics. It is also used as a solvent
  for coatings, and in making rubber and plastic wrap.
    The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using -
  this chemical at home or work.

    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 ethylbenzene has been set atd.7 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 MGLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
  Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as dose to the MCLGs as possible,
-  considering theability of publicwatersystemsto detectand remove contaminants
  using suitable treatment technologies.
   The MCL has also been set at 0.7 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 Water Regulations. All public
 'Water supplies must abide by these regulations.   .

"'-.   Short-term: EPA has found ethylbenzene to potentially  cause the following
  health effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively
  short periods of time: drowsiness, fatigue, headache and mjld eye and respiratory
  irritation.                     "~
   Long-term: Ethylbenzene has the potential to cause  the
  following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the
  MCL: damage to the liver, kidneys, central nervous system
  and eyes.                                    -.'.'..-,•
                                                                      TRADE NAMES AND
                                                                      SYNONYMS: '
                                                                        ETHYLBENZOL
                                                                        PHENYLETHANE
October 1995
                Consumer Version
                                                                Printed on Re'cycled Paper

-------
 RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
 1387 TO 1993

                 Water.
 Top Ttn States
 IX
 VI
 It
 PR
 VA
 DE
 NJ
 NM
 WV
 IA

 M^Jor Industries
 Petroleum refining
 Plastics, resins
 IndusL Organtes
 Pharmaceuticals
 Metal containers -
                  9,870
                  1,233
                    31.
                     0
                  17,997
                  3,460
                  1,892
                     0
                    250
                  4,383
                  55,201
                  12,384
                  10,683
                  14,090
                     0
                           Land
 TOTALS (in pounds)   47,293    714,580
480,164
 72.245
 44,789
 23,980
 . 1,950
 13,324
 11.510
 13.076
 12,755
  4,552
718,884
  9.212
  9.781
    0
 11,510
 * Water/Land totals only IndiKie facilities with
 releases greater than a certain amount- usually
 1000 to 10,000 Ibs.          '   ,
   Production of ethylbenzene has  in-
 creased: from 6.9 billion Ibs. in 1982 to 11.8
 billion Ibs in 1993. It is released to the air
 primarily from  its use in gasoline.  More
 localized may be due to waste water and
 spills from its production and industrial use.
   From 1987 to 1993, according to EPA's
 Toxic  Chemical Release Inventory, ethyl-
 benzene releases to water and land to-
 talled  over 761,000 Ibs. These releases
 were primarily from petroleum refining in-,
 dustries. The largest.releases occurred in
 Texas. The largest direct releases to water
.occurred in Virginia.

   Ethylbenzene will evaporate rapidly from
 water, and will be degraded by microbes. It
 binds  only moderately to aquatic sediment
 and to soils. Thus, it may leach to ground
 water if released to land. Ethylbenzene has
 little potential for. accumulating  in aquatic
 life.   .
                                                  How MUCH ETHYLBEN-
                                                  ZENE
                                                  IS PRODUCED AND
                                                  RELEASED TO THE,
                                                  ENVIRONMENT?
WHATHAPPENSTO
ETHYLBENZENE
WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
THE ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                                    FROM
                                                                             MY DRINKING WATER?
  The regulation for ethylbenzene became effective in 1992. Between 1993 and   How WILL
 1995, EPA required your water supplier to collect water samples every 3 months   ETHYLBENZENE
.for one year and analyze them to find but if ethylbenzene is present above 0.5 ppb.   BE DETECTED IN AND
 If it is present above this level, the system must continue to  monitor this   BEHOVED FROM
 contaminant.  .  •                           .                           .
  If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water
 supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of ethylbenzene so that it is
 consistently  below that  level. The  following treatment  methods have been
 approved  by EPA for removing  ethylbenzene;  Granular activated charcoal in
 combination with Packed Tower Aeration.     •
  If the levels of ethylbenzene exceed the MCL, 0.7 ppm, the system must notify   How WILL I KNOW IF
the public via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such   ETHYLBENZENE is IN MY
as  providing  alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent   DRINKING WATER?
serious risks to public health.                                            .                  ,-
Learn more about your drinking water!

  EPA strongly encourages people to leam more    Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
abouttheirdrinkingwater, and to support Jocal efforts  valuable source.of information.
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking    por ne|p 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 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
                             46O1
    EPA811-F-95-004 n-G
         -, October 1995
                    National Primary Drinking
                    Wafer Regulations
                    Styrene
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:

                                                   MCL:
           0.1 PPM

           0.1 PPM
WHAT is
STYRENE
AND HOW IS IT USED? .
  Styrene is an oily organic liquid with an aromatic, almost floral odor, initially,
styrene was used primarily in the synthetic rubber industry, but it is currently used
as a building block for polymers in making plastics, resins, coatings, and paints.
  The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
this chemical at home or work.
WHY is STYRENE
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 dp 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 fprstyrene hasbeen setatO.1 parts per million (pprh) 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 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 0.1 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 Water Regulations. All public
water supplies must abide by these regulations.
WHATARETHE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
  Short-term: EPA has found styrene to potentially cause the
following health effects when people are exposed to it at levels
above the MCL for relatively short periods of time: nervous
system effects such as depression, loss of concentration,
weakness, fatigue and nausea.                      .
  Long-term: Styrene has the potential to cause the following
effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: liver
and nerve tissue damage; cancer.
                                                                       TRADE NAMES AND
                                                                       SYNONYMS:
                                                                        VINYL BENZENE
                                                                        PHENETHYLENE
                                                                        ClNNAMENE  '. •
                                                                        DiARExHF77
                                                                        STYROLENE
                                                                        STYRON   .
                                                                        •STYROPO.L
October 1995
              Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper

-------
 RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
 1987*01993           :

                Water
                           Land
TOTALS (tn pounds)  275,888    1,796.451

Top T«n States*
TX              160,411    572.294
WV               1,600    555.360
IN                  0    124,794
Wl                  0    102,973
OH                  0      90,358
GA                  0      79.000
LA               53.430.    .   0
FL                  0      38,800
NY                  32      33.192
KY                  0      18.000

M«/or Industries*   .   •
Adhesive*, sealants      0    537,360
Concrete products       0    398,424
Synthetic rubber     152,215    149.147
Misc. plastic products    515    201,713
Plastics and resins    25,133      71,363
Boatbuilding, repair      220      83,256
Car parts, access.       0      79,250
Misc. Indust organtcs  34,275      43,290
Travel trailers, campers    0      45,129
Custom plastic resins    720      44,320

• Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
releases greater than a certain amount- usually
1000 to 10.000 Ibs.
  Production of styrene was 10.7 billion Ibs
in 1993. It is released into the environment
by emissions and effluents from its produc-
tion and its use in polymer manufacture.
Consumers may be exposed to styrene
through contact with resin products used in
fiberglass boat construction and repair, and
in auto body fillers. Styrene may also leach
from.polystyrene containers used for food
products.                         .
  From 1987 to  1993, according to  EPA's
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory,  sty-
rene. releases to land and water totalled
over 2 million Ibs. These releases were
primarily from adhesives and sealants in-
dustries. The (argest releases occurred in
Texas. The largest direct releases to water
occurred in Louisiana.

  Styrene released to water rapidly evapo-
rates and is degraded by microbes. It does
not bind well  to soils and may leach  to
groundwater, but its rapid breakdown mini-
mizes  this process. It does not tend  to
accumulate in aquatic life.
                                                                             How MUCH STYRENE
                                                                             IS PRODUCED AND
                                                                             RELEASED TO THE
                                                                             ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                             WHATHAPPENSTO
                                                                             STYRENE
                                                                             WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                                                             THE ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                            HOW WILL
                                                                            STYRENE
                                                                            BE DETECTED IN AND
                                                                            REMOVED fROM
                                                                            MY DRINKING WATER?
  The regulation for styrene became effective in 1992. Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA required your water supplierto collect water samples every 3 months for one
year and analyze them to find out if styrene is present above .0.5 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 must take steps to reduce the amount of styrene so that it is consistently
below that level: The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
for removing styrene: Granular activated charcoal in combination with Packed :
Tower Aeration.

  If the levels of styrene exceed the MCL, 0.1 ppm, the system must notify the   HOWWILL IKNOWIF   •
public via newspapers,  radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as   STYRENE is IN MY
providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious   DRINKING WATER? .
risks to public health.

Learn more about your drinking water!

  EPA strongly encourages people to leam more   Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
dbouttheir drinking water, and to support local efforts- valuable source of information.
to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking   For ne)p ir, 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 ^emicals in your state, contact the:
your water is treated.                             Community Right-to-Khow Hotline: (800) 535-0202.
October 1995
                                       Consumer Version
                                                                                        Page 2

-------
                     United States
                     Environmental Protection
                     Agency
                              Office of Water
                              4601
EPA81VF-95-004 O-C
      October 1995
                     National Primary
                     Water Regulations
                     Tetrachloroethylene
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:  -PPM/PPB

                                                    MCL:   - PPM/PPB
WHAT is
TETRACHLOROETHYL-
ENE
AND HOW IS IT USED?
      TETRACHLO
ROETHYLENE
BEING REGULATED?
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
  Tetrachloroethylene (TCE) is a colorless organic liquid with a mild, chloroform-
like odor. Its greatest use is in the textile industry, and as a component of aerosol
dry-cleaning products.                      /
  The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
this chemical at home or work.                <        .

  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 TCE has been set at zero 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 5 parts per billion (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.  •'.•  .:; '"' ,     •-;.'' ••'.•', ' "•" • '• .-.'  ' •  •• 'v '•".' -   ;•'•'••,'
  These drinking water standards  and  the regulations for
ensuring these standards are met, are called National Primary
Drinking Water Regulations. All public water supplies must
abide by these regulations.   .
  Short-term: EPA has found TCE to potentially cause the
following health effects when people are exposed to it at levels
above the MCL for relatively short periods of time: damage to
liver, kidney, and central nervous system.
  Long-term: TCE has the potential to cause the following
effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL:
detrimental effects to liver, kidney, and central nervous sys-
tem; cancer.        .                      X
 TRADE NAMES AND
 SYNONYMS:
   ETHYLENE TETRA-
   CHLORIDE
   PERCHLOROETHYLENE
   PCE    ,
   ANKILQSTIN
  ' DIDAKENE
   FEDAL-UN
  • NEMA
   PERCLENE
   PERSEC
   TETLEN
   TETRACAP
   TETRALENO : .
   TETROPIL
   ANTISAL 1
   DOW^PER
   PERAWIN
   PERCHLOR  ,
   PERCOSOLV
   P.ERK .
   PERKLONE
   TETRAGUER
   TETRALEX
   TETRAVEC
October 1995
               Consumer Version
                                                                  Printed on Recycled Paper

-------
 1987 TO 1993
               . AND LAND:
                 Water
 TOTALS (In pounds)  297,602
 Top HV9 States*
 LA
 SC
 NH
 NC
 IL
 TX
 OH
 IN '
 CO,
 IA
 23.639
104,728
 62,150
 42,192
    0
 36,144
    0
  1,300
    0
  5.112
 Major Industries*
 Alkalis, chlorine      '63.472
 Leather tannlng.finisWng 62,150
 Cotton fabric finishing  51,577
 Mlsc textile finishing •  48,082
 KnH outwear mills    45,808
 Misc. apparel, access.      0
 Transportation Equip.   3,750
 Ammunition            0
 Mlsc Chem. preparations    0
 Petroleum refining        0
 Ordance, accessories    '  0
          Land

          750,104
610,518
    0
    0
 13,102
 40.500
   720
 32,170
 27,000
 11,000,
    0
          611,242
              0
              0
           2,000
              0
           40,500
           27,000
           20.575
           11.102
         .  11.000
           10.100
 * Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
 releases greater than a certain amount - usually
 1000 to 10,000 tos.
  Production of tetrachloroethylei^ was
405 million Ibs in 1986. Major releases of
tetrachloroethylene to air and water are
from dry cleaning and industrial metal clean-
ing or finishing. Water pollution can occur
from tetrachloroethylene leaching from vi-
nyl liners in some types of pipelines used
for water distribution,  and during chlorina-
tibn water treatment.
 • From 1987 to 1993, according to EPA's
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory, tetra-
chloroethylene releases to land and water
totalled over 1 million Ibs. These releases
were primarily from alkali and chlorine in-
dustries which use it to make other chemi-
cals. The largest releases occurred in Loui-
siana and South Carolina.

  TCE released to soil will readily evapo-
rate or may leach slowly to the groundwa-
ter. Its break down by soil microbes is slow.
TCE released to water will primarily evapo-
rate and has little potential for accumulating
in aquatic life.  .
                                     The regulation for TCE became effective
In 1992. 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 TCE
is present above 0.5 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 must take steps to reduce the amount of TCE so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have been approved by EPA
forremovingTCE: Granularactivated charcoal in combination with PackedTower
Aeration.       '        .            '          ,

  If the levels of TCE exceed the MCL, 5 ppb, 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.      ,
Learn more about your drinking water!
                                                   How MUCH TETRACHLO-
                                                   ROETHYLENE
                                                   IS PRODUCED AND
                                                   RELEASED TO THE   .
                                                   ENVIRONMENT?
                                                   WHATHAPPENSTO
                                                   TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
                                                   WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                                   THE ENVIRONMENT?
                                                             HOWWILL
                                                             TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
                                                             BE DETECTED IN AND
                                                             REMOVED FROM
                                                             MY DRINKING WATER?
                                                             HOW WILL I KNOW IF
                                                             TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
                                                             is IN MY DRINKING
                                                             WATER?
  EPA strongly encourages people to 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
                                                                                         Page 2

-------
                     United States
                    .Environmental Protection
                     Agency
                              Office of Water
                              46OT
    EPA 811-F-35-004 p-C
          October 1995
                     National
.;\:/->.---;.:-:-:.:^ Wetter
                     Toluene          /....  ;;.-- -. .   ;:
 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:

                                                    Met:
            1 PPM

            1 PPM
 WHAT is
 TOLUENE
 AND HOW IS IT USED?
 WHY is TOLUENE
 BEING REGULATED?
 WHAT ARE THE
 HEALTH EFFECTS?
  Toluene is an organic liquid with a sweet, benzene-like odor. The largest
chemical use for toluene is to make benzene and urethane.
  The list of trade names given belowmay help you find but whether you are using
this,chemical at home or work.

  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 toluene has been set at 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 MCLGs as possible,
considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants
using suitable treatment technologies.
  The MCL has also b£en set at 1  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. ..''.  •. -.'.*•. , ':  • -  •  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 toluene to potentially cause the following health
effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short
periods of time: minor nervous system disorders such as
fatigue,^ nausea, weakness, confusion.
  Long-tern?:Toluene has the potential to cause the following
effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: more
pronounced nervous disorders such as spasms, tremors,
impairment of speech, hearing, vision, memory, coordination;
liver and kidney damage/  .
                                                                         TRADE NAMES AND
                                                                         SYNONYMS:
                                                                           METHYLBENZENE ,
                                                                           METHACIDE
                                                                           PHENYLMETHANE
                                                                           TOLUOL
                                                                           ANTISAL 1A
 October 1995
               Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper

-------
 RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
 1987 TO 1993

                 Water
           Land
 TOTALS* (In pounds)  732,310   3,672,041
 Top Ten States*
 TX
 CA
 CT
 OK
 VA
 VI
 IL
 Ml
 VW
 SO
 16,285
    0
316,068
    0
 27,500
  2.970
    56
    0
117.523
  6,000
 Mi/or Industries*
 Petroleum refining    227,196
 Medfdnats, botanicals  301,585
 Petroleum/coal prods.   38,856
 MJsc Ind. Chemicals   179,576
 Gaskets, sealing devices 4,002
 Wood office furniture       0
 Plastics, resins       57,661
 Wood home furniture    30,000
 Paints, allied products   5,927
969,210
930,000
    0
287.000
216,000
191.504
180,824
129,226
 .1,377
 89.578
         2,580.941
           1.108
         ' 287.000
          107,159
          216,000
          129.226
           39,139
           65.444
           88.024
 * Water/Land totals only include facilities with
 re leases greater than 10,000 Ibs.
  Production of toluene was 6.4 billion Ibs
in 1993. It is released into the atmosphere
principally from the volatilization of petro-
leum fuels and toluene-based solvents and
thinners and from motor vehicle exhaust. It
is also released in wastewaters or by spills
on land during the storage, transport and
disposal of fuels and oils.
  From 1987 to 1993, accbrding to EPA's
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory, tolu-
ene releases to land and water totalled over
4 million Ibs., primarily from petroleum re-
fining industries. The largest releases oc-
curred in Texas and California. The largest
releases directly to water occurred in Con-
necticut and West Virginia..

  Toluene released to soil will be lost by
evaporation from near-surface soil and by
leaching to the groundwater. Its breakdown
by soil microbes is slow. Toluene evapo-
rates within a few hours when released to
water, and it has little tendency to accumu-
late in aquatic life.
  The regulation for toluene became effective in 1992. Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA required yourwatersupplierto collect water samples every 3 months for one
year and analyze them to find out if toluene is present above 0.5 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 MGL, your water
suppliermusttake steps to reduce the amount of toluene so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatment methods have beenapproved by EPA
for removing toluene: Granular activated charcoal in combination with Packed
Tower Aeration.
     1                          - •                 * t            '
  If the levels of toluene exceed the MCL, 1 ppm, the system must notify the public
via newspapers, radio, Wand other means. Additional actions^uch as providing
alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to
public health.                                                ,      . •

Leafn more about your drinking water!
                                                            How MUCH TOLUENE
                                                            IS PRODUCED AND
                                                            RELEASED TO THE
                                                            ENVIRONMENT?
                                                   WHATHAPPENSTO
                                                   TOLUENE
                                                   WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                                   THE ENVIRONMENT?
                                                             HOW WILL
                                                             TOLUENE
                                                             BE DETECTED IN AND
                                                             REMOVED FROM
                                                             MY DRINKING WATER?
                                                             HOW WILL I KNOW IF
                                                             TOLUENE is IN MY
                                                             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.
 October 1995
                       Consumer Version
                                                                                         Page 2

-------
                    United States
                    Environmental Protection.
                    Agency
                                 Office of Water
                                 4601
     EPA 81T-F-95-OQ4 q-C
    :      October 1995
                    National Primary Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                    1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
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:  ', 0.07 PPM

                                                      Met:   0.07 PPM
WHAT is
1,2,4-TRICHLOROBENZENE
AND HOW IS IT USED?
WHYIS
1,2,4-TRICHLOROBENZENE
BEING REGULATED?
WHATARETHE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
      1,2,4-Trichlorbbenzene is an aromatic, colorless organic liquid. The greatest
    use of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene is primarily as a dye carrier. It is also used to make
    herbicides and other organic chemicals; as a solvent; in wood preservatives; in
    abrasives. It was once used as a soil treatment for termite control.
      The list of trade names given below may help you find putwhetheryou are using
    this chemical at home or work.
     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 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene has been set at 0^07 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 MCM3, EPA has set an enforceable.standard called a Maximum
    Contaminant Level (MCLJ. 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 0.07 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 '-•> •  ;, ."'  : .'' •  •..  ':"•
     These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these stan-
*•.   dards are met, are called National Primary Prinking Water Regulations. All public
    water supplies must abide by these regulations.
     Short-term: EPA has found 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene to potentially cause the
   following health effects when people are exposed to it at levels
   above the MCL for relatively short periods of time: changes in
   liver, kidneys and adrenal glands
                     , Long-term: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene has the potential to
                    cause the following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels
                    above the MCL: increased adrenal gland weights
                                                      TRADE NAMES AND
                                                      SYNONYMS:  '
                                                       HOSTETEX L-PEC
                                                       TRICHLOROBENZOL
October 1995
                  Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper

-------
 RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
 1987 TO 1993

                Water     Land

 TOTALS (In pounds)  157,541      22,835

 Top Rva States*
 NC              80,253      13,209
 VA              36,970   •      0
 GA              17,639      8,951
 VW             20,300         0
 NY  '             1.150 '        1

 Major Industries*
 Finishing plafife, mlsc  52,249         0
 Finishing plants, synlh. 47,976         0
 Weaving, finishing mills 20,139      8.951
 AtkalJes. chlorine     21,773         1
 Knitting mills, mlsc     9,077      9,994
 Knftouteiwear mills    1,300      3,200

 * Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
 releases greater than 100 Ibs.
                                        RELEASED TO THE
                                        ENVIRONMENT?
  Current production figures  on 1,2,4- How MUCH
trichlorobenzene are not available.  EPA
estimated. 1983 production to be in the is PRODUCED AND
.range of 3 to 8 million Ibs., with imports over
3 million Ibs. Major environmental releases
of  1,2,4-trichlorobenzene are due to its
manufacture and use as a dye carrier.  _
  From 1987 to 1993, according to EPA's
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory, 1,2,4-
trichlorobenzene releases to land and wa-
ter totalled over 180,000 Ibs.  These re-
leases were primarily from textile finishing
industries. The largest releases occurred^
North Carolina and Virginia.
  1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene  (1,2,4-TCB)
binds well to the soil and therefore will not
leach appreciably to the groundwater when
                                         WHATHAPPENSTO
                                         1,2^-TRKHLOROBENZENE
                                         WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                         • •       •      —       < •          rrrid* 11 iw r\*.*^-*t*j».
released to land. However, 1,2,4-TCB has been detected in some groundwater  n^ ENVIRONMENT?
samples which indicates that it can be transported there by some process. If
released to water it will largely evaporate within a few hours. It has some potential
to accumulate in fish.           ,.
  The regulation for 1,2,4-trichiorobenzene became effective in 1994. Between  HOWWILL
1993 and 1995, EPA required your water supplier to collect water samples every  IJ^TRKHLOROBENZENE
3 months for one year and analyze them to find out if 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene is  BE DETECTED IN AND
present above 0.5 ppb. If it is present above this level, the system must continue  REMOVED FROM
to monitor this contaminant.                                                 MY DUNKING WATER?
  If contaminant levels are found to be consistently above the MCL, your water
supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene so that
It is consistently below that level. The following treatment methods have been
approved by EPA for removing 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene: Granujar activated char-
coal in combination with Packed Tower Aeratjon.                                             .


  If the levels of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene exceed the MCL, OiOT ppm, the system  HOW WILL! KNOWIF
must notify the  public via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional  I^^-TRICHLOROBENZENB
actions, such as providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to  IN MY DRINKING WATER?,
prevent serious risks to 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 js also a
           valuable source of information.
             For help in locating these agencies or for information ori
           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
                                                     Page 2

-------
                    United States  -    •
                    Environmental Protection.
                    Agency
                             Office of Water
                             4601
EPA 811 -F-95-004 T-C
      October 199B
                    National  Primary Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                    1,13^TrichIoroethane
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

                                                   Met:   0.2 PPM
WHATIS
1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE
AND HOW IS IT USED?
WHY is 1,1,1-
TRICHLOROETHANE
BEING REGULATED?
 WHAT ARE THE
 HEALTH EFFECTS?
  1,1,1-TrichIoroethane (1,1,1-TCE) is an organic liquid with a chloroform-like
 odor It is largely used as a solvent removing grease from machined metal
 products, in textile processing and dyeing and in aerosols.
  The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
 this chemical at home or work.


  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 1,1,1-TCE 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, £PA 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;          ::-,j'".'
  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.  •.••:':"•'•/'.' -: '•'•'"••'"';••.  '"'•'  ""   '..-'••••'•' '• ;•'".,; ': ,--
  These drinking wafer standards and the regulations for
 ensuring these standards are met, are called National Primary
 Prinking Water Regulations. All public water supplies must
 abide by these regulations.
  ; Short-term: EPA has found 1,1,1-TCE to potentially cause
 the following health effects when people are exposed to ft at
 levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time:
 damage to the liver, nervous system and circulatory system.
   Long-term: 1.1.1 -TCE has the potential to cause the follow-
 ing effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL:
 liver, nervous system and circulatory system damage.
   TRADE NAMES AND
   SYNONYMS:
    CHLOROETHENE
    METHYLCHLOROFORM
    AEROTHENETT
    ALGYLEN
    ALPHA-!"
    CHLORTEN
    GEMALGENE
    GENKLENE
    DOWCLENE >• '
    SOLVENT 111
    TRICHLORAN
    INHIBISOL
 October 1995
                                   Consumer Version
                                              Printed on Recycled Paper

-------
 RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
 1987 TO 1993

                Water

 TOTALS (frFpounc     22.403

 Top SJ* States'
AR
IN
VA
UT
                -    0
                   ,0
                    0
                 15.000
                    0
                 40.000
    If,'.
 Major Industries
 Gray Iron foundries     1,084
 Aircraft             546
 Manufacturing industries  1,018
 Wood furniture   •       0
 Fabricated structural metal  0
 Plating, polishing      6,152
 Turbines, generators   40,317
                          Land

                         812,873
                         109,070
                          73.258
                         ,67,000
                          46,096
                          51.822
                              0
                          76.158
                          73,258
                          72,572
                          53,038
                          51,425
                          41.647
                            966
 * State totals only Include facilities with releases
 greater than 1 0,000 Ibs.
  Demand for  1,1,1-trichloroethane was
705 million Ibs. in 1989.1,1,1-TCE is likely
to enter the environment by evaporation or
in wastewaterfrom its production or use in
metal cleaning. It can also enter the envi-
ronment in  leachates and volatile^|r₯i|s-
sions from landfills.
  From 1987 to 1993, according to EPA's
ToxicChemical Release Inventory, releases
to water and .land totalled over 1 million Ibs.
These releases were primarily from metal
fabrication industries. The largest releases
occurred  in California and Georgia. The
largest direct releases to water occurred in
Utah and Indiana.


  1,1,1-TCE will evaporate rapidly from
water and soil. It does not bind to soils nor
is it broken  down by microbial action, so it
may leach  to  ground water.  It has little
                                                                           HOW MUCH 1,1,1-
                                                                           TRICHLOROETHANE
                                                                           IS PRODUCED AND
                                                                           RELEASED TO THE
                                                                           ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                            WHAT HAPPENS TO
                                                                            1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE
                                                                            WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                                                            THE ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                            HOW WILL     *
                                                                            1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE
                                                                            BE DETECTED IN AND
                                                                            REMOVED FROM
                                                                            MY DRINKING WATER?
tendency to accumulate in aquatic life.
                    »         :          '               . '         j

  The regulation for 1,1,1-TCE became effective in 1989. Between 1993 and
1995 EPA required your water supplier to collect water samples every 3 months
for one year arrd analyze them to find out if 1,1,1-TCE is present above 0.5 ppb.
If  ft 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 1,1,1-TCE so that,it is
consistently below-that level. The following treatment methods have been
approved by EPA for removing 1,1,1-TCE: Granular activated charcoal in.
combinatiqn with Packed Tower Aeration.

   lfthelevelsof1,1,1-TCEexceedtheMCL,0.2ppm,thesystemmustnotifythe   How WILL I KNOW IF
public via newspapers, radio, TV and  other means. Additional actions, such as   IJ.I-TRICHLOROETHANE
providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious   /s ,N MY DRINKING
risks to public health.           „     .                     .                   WATER?
Learn more about your drinking water!

  EPA strongly encourages people to learn more   Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a
abouttheirdrinkingwater, and to support local efforts  valuable source of 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.

-------
                    United States    ..'.,
                    Environmental Protection
                    Agency
                             Office of Water
                            . 46O1
    EPA 8U-F-95-004 s-C
       .   October 1995
                    National Primary Drinking
                   Water Regulations
                    1,1,2-Trichloroethane
This is a factsheet about a chemical that rrfay.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:
MCL:
3 PPB
5 PPB
WHAT is
1,1,2-
TRICHLOROETHANE
AND HOW IS IT USED?
WHYis 1,1,2-
TRICHLOROETHANE
BEING REGULATED?
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
  1ii,2-Trichloroethane '(1,1,2-TCE) is ah organic liquid with a chloroform-like
odor. It is only used to make vinylidene chloride which is in turn used to make
synthetic fibers and plastic wraps such as the saran wrap.
  The list of trade names given below may help you find put whether you are using
this chemical at home or work;

  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 i ,1,2-TCE has been set at 3 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 tp detect and remove contaminants
using suitable treatment technologies.
  The MGL  has 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 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. All public
water supplies must abide by these regulations.

  Short-term: EPA has found 1,1,2-TCE to potentially cause the following health
effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL
for relatively short periods of time: irritation of gastrointestinal
tract; red or hemorrhaged lungs; pale liver.
  Long-term: 1,1,2-TCE has the potential to cause the follow-
ing effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the(MCL:  BETA y
damage to liver and kidneys; cancer.       '              VIN^L TRICHLORIDE.
                                                                      TRADE NAMES AND
                                                                      SYNONYMS:
                                                                      , BETA TRICHLORO-
October 1995
              Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper

-------
ROEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987ro1993'

               Water     Land

TOTALS (hi pounds)   30.326       756

Top Hva States*
LA              14,481       332
TX               9.699   ,    294
NY               4.570   ,    130
MD                750         0
KY              '447         0

MajorIndustries*
Alkalies, chlorine     -21,783       361
Photograph equipment  4.570       130
Moat packing plants     981         0
Petroleum refining      959         0
Blast furnaces, steelworks 750       ,  0

•Water/Land totals only Include facilities with
releases greater than a certain amount- usually
1000 to 10,000 Ibs.
                                    An estimated 124 million Ibs. of 1,1,2-,
                                  TCE was produced in the US during 1974,
                                  based  on the manufacture of vinylidene
                                  chloride. It evaporates during its use in the
                                  manufacture of vinylidene chloride and as a
                                  solvent. It is also released in wastewater
                                  from these  uses, and in leachates and
                                  volatile emissions from landfills. The EPA
                                  estimates the gross annual discharge of
                                  1,1,2-TCE waste  in  the US to be 4 million
                                  Ibs.
                                    From 1987-to 1993, according to EPA's
                                  Toxic Chemical Release Inventory, 1,1,2-
                                  TCE releases to  land and water totalled
                                  over 30,000 Ibs., of which about 98 percent
                                  was to water. These releases were prima-
                                  rily from alkali and chlorine industries. The
                                  largest releases occurred in Louisiana and
                                  Texas.       .
How MUCH 1,1,2-
TRicHLOROETHANE
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                           WHATHAPPENSTO
                                                                           1,1,2-TRICHLOROETHANE
                                                                           WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                                                           THE ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                           HOW WILL
                                                                           1,1,2-TRICHLOROETHANE
                                                                           BE DETECTED IN AND
                                                                           REMOVED FROM
                                                                           MY DRINKING WATER?
  When released into water, 1,1,2-TCE should primarily evaporate. In soils, it
should partially evaporate and partially leach into the groundwater. Its breakdown
by  microbes, if it occurs, is very slow. 1,1,2-TCE shows little tendency to
accumulate in aquatic life.

  The regulation for 1,1,2-TCE became effective 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 1,1,2-TCE is present above 0.5 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 must take steps to reduce the amount of 1,-1,2?TCE so that it is
consistently below that level. The  following treatment methods  have  been
approved by EPA for removing 1,1,2-TCE: Granular activated charcoal in
combination with Packed Tower Aeration.        .

  If the levels of 1,1,2-TCE exceed the MCL, 5 ppb, the.system must notify the   HOWWILL I'KNOWIF.
public via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as   IJ&TRICHLOROETHANE
providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious   ,s ,„ MY DRINKING
risks to public health.                                                        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 goven>
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
                             46O1-"
    EPA811-F-95-004 t-C
         'October 1995
                    National  Primary  Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                    Trichloroethylerie
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:

                                                   MCL:
           ZERO

           SPPB
WHAT is
 TRICHLOROETHYLENE
 AND HOW IS IT USED?
  Trichlorpethylene is a colorless or blue organic liquid with a chloroform-like
odor, the greatest use of trichloroethylene is to remove grease from fabricated
metal parts and some textiles.
  Trie list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
this chemical at home or work.
 WHYIS
 TRICHLOROETHYLENE
 BEING REGULATED?
WHATARETHE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
  In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This Jaw 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 trichloroethylene has been set at zero because EPA believes this
level of protection would not cause any of the potential health problems described
below. '     .   ..  r;  ''.'•'-      -'","''"••'.-.''    •-.  "•-.-   • •''    ,''  '  :'..'•
  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 rembvecontaminants
using suitable treatment technologies.  .'.-••
  The MCL has been set at 5 parts per billion (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 fpr
ensuring these standards are met, are called National Primary
Drinking Water Regulations. All public water supplies must
abide by these regulations.
  Short-term: EPA has found trichloroethylene to potentially
cause the following health effects when people are exposed to
it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time:
vomiting and abdominal pain.
  Long-term.-Trichlordethylene has the potential to causes the
following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the
MCL: liver damage; cancer.
      TRADE NAMES AND
      SYNONYMS:
      ' 1,1,2-TRICHLORO,
        ETHYLENE   • ..
       ACETYLENE TRI-
        CHLOROETHYLENE
       ALGYLEN
       ANAMETH
       BENZINOL •
       GHLORILEN
       ClRCpSOLV
       GERMALGENE
       LETHURIN   «
       PERM-A-CHLOR
       PETZINOL   ,
       PHILEX
       TRI-PLUS M
       VlTRAN
 October 1995
               Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper  .

-------
  RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
  1987T01993

                 Water     Land

  TOTALS On pounds)  100,293     191,088

  Top Six States*
  PA                  0  ,   33,450
  1L         '   .   •   0     30.711
  GA    •           3.742  '   17.532
  TX                  0     21.000
  MA                  0 .   19.920
  WV              12,822         0
 Major Industries
 Stool pipe, tubes  '      31     39,288'
 Misc. Indust Organtes  27,708         0
 Car parts, access,     4,405     19.920
 Plating, polishing      3,342     20,100
 Wool fabric mills      3,942     18.081

 * State totals only Include facilities with releases
 greater than 10,000 Ibs.
  Production of trichloroethylene has  in-
creased from just over 260,000 Ibs. in 1981
to 320 million Ibs. in 1991. Major environ-
mental releases of trichloroethylene are
due to air emissions from metal degreasing
plants. Wastewater from  metal  finishirzg,
paint and ink formulation, electrical/elec-
tronic components, and rubber processing
industries also may contain trichloroethyl-
ene.
  From 1987 to 1993, according to the
Toxics Release Inventory, trichloroethyl-
ene releases to water and land totalled over
291,000 Ibs. These releases were primarily
from steel pipe and tube manufacturing
industries. The largest releases occurred in
Pennsylvania and  Illinois. The largest di-
rect releases to water occurred in West
Virginia.
   Trichloroethylene released to soil will either evaporate or leach into ground
water. If released to water, it will also quickly evaporate. It has only a moderate
potential to accumulate in aquatic jife.                  .

   The regulation for trichloroethylene became effective in 1989. Between 1993
and 1995, EPA required your water supplier to collect water samples every 3
months for one year and analyze them to find put if trichloroethylene is present
above 0.5 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 waier
supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of trichloroethylene so that it is
consistently below that  level. The following treatment methods have been
approved by EPA for removing trichloroethylene: Granular activated charcoal in
combination with Packed Tower Aeration.
                                   ; ' •  , "             -   ,   ' t    =,''..
   If the levels of trichloroethylene exceed the MCL, 5 ppb, 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
TRICHLOROETHYLENE
IS PRODUCED AND
RELEASED TO THE
ENVIRONMENT?
                                          WHATHAPPENSTO
                                          TRICHLOROETHYLENE
                                          WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                                          THE ENVIRONMENT?

                                          HOW WILL
                                          TRICHLOROETHYLENE
                                          BE DETECTED IN AND
                                          REMOVED FROM
                                          MY DRINKING WATER?
                                          HOW WILL I KNOW IF
                                          TRICHLOROETHYLENE 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
abouttheirdrinking 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 chemjqa|S jn your state, contact the:
your water is treated.                             Community Right-to-Know Hotline: (800) 535-0202,
 October 1995
    Consumer Version
                                                                                        Page z

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                    United States
                    Environmental Protection
                    Agency
                             Office of Water
                             4601
     EPA 8Tl-{:-95-004 u-C
           October 1995.
                     National primary Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                    Vinyl Chloride
 This is a factsheet about a chemical thatmay be found in some public
 or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if
 found in ambunts greater than the health standard set by the Unite_d
 States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
 WHAT is
 VINYL CHLORIDE
, AND HOW IS IT USED?
DRINKING WATER
STANDARDS: ,
MCLG:
Met:
TPPM/PPB
-PPM/PPB
  Vinyl chloride is a colorless organic gas with a sweet odor. It is used in the
 manufacture of numerous products in building and construction, automotive
 industry, electrical wire insulation and cables, piping, industrial and household
 equipment, medical supplies, and is depended upon heavily by the rubber, paper,
 and glass industries.
  The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
 this chemical at home or work.
 WHY is VINYL CHLO-
 RIDE
 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 vinyl chloride has been set at zero because EPA believes this
level of protection would hot cause any of the potential health problems described
below.       •    •• '-'' ''   •  ;"v,  ••••".'-  •.  .'. •'  -v .-'  ';'•'"•  ''
  Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCLJ. 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 parts per billion (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. All public
Water supplies must abide by these regulations.     "    ,.'••.•'   -•.-.;
  Short-term: EPA has found vinyl chloride to potentially
 cause the following health effects when people are exposed to
 it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time:
 damage to the nervous system.
  Long-term: Vinyl chloride has  the potential to cause the
 following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the
       TRADE NAMES AND
       SYNONYMS:
        CHLORETHENE
        CHLORETHYLENE
        MONOCHLOROETHENE'
        MONOVflNYL CHLORIDE
        (MVC)
        TROVIDUR
 October 1995
               Consumer Version
^Printed on Recycled Paper

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RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987 TO 1993
'•
TOTALS i unds)
Top Hva States
LA
DG
OH
PA
SC
Mtjo: \1ustrt«s
PlaslJcs, resins

Water
21,693

12,600
86 ,
3.360
0
0

19.489
";'._•
Land
17.038

. 0
8.829
0
3.290
3.100

13,375
                                 MCL: damage to the liver and-nervous
                                 system; cancer.

                                   Production of vinyl chloride in 1993 was
                                 nearly 14 billion Ibs. Its major release t the
                                 environment will be as emissions and m 4e-
                                 water at polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics
                                 production and  manufacturing  facilities.
                                 Small quantities of  vinyl chloride  can  be
                                 released to food since it is used to make
                                 many food wrappings and containers.
                                   From 1987 to 1993, according to EPA's
                                 Toxic Release Inventory, vinyl chloride re-
leases to water and land totalled over 38,000 Ibs. These releases were primarily
from'plastics materials and resins industries. The largest releases occurred in
Louisiana and Delaware.

  Vinyl chloride released to soil will either quickly evaporate, be .broken down by
microbes or may leach to the groundwater. It also rapidly evaporates from water,
but does not degrade there. It will not accumulate in aquatic life.


  The regulation for vinyl chloride became effective.in 1989. 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 vinyl chloride is present above 0.5 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 must take steps  to reduce the amount of vinyl chloride so that it is
consistently below that level. The following -treatment methods have been
approved by EPA for removing  vinyl chloride: Granular activated charcoal in
combination with Packed Tower Aeration.
                             How MUCH VINYL
                             CHLORIDE
                             IS PRODUCED AND
                             RELEASED TO THE
                             ENVIRONMENT?
                             WHAT HAPPENS TO
                             VINYL CHLORIDE
                             WHEN IT IS RELEASED TO
                             THE ENVIRONMENT?
                              HOW WILL
                              VINYL CHLORIDE
                              BE DETECTED IN AND
                              REMOVED FROM
                              MY DRINKING WATER?
  If the levels of vinyl chloride exceed the MCL, 2 ppbt the system must notify the  How WILL I KNOW IF
public via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as  VINYL CHLORIDE is IN MY
providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious  DRINKING WATER?
risks to public health.            .                                                            •
Learn more about your drinking water!

  EPA strongly encourages people to leam more
ibout their drinking water, and to support local efforts
 > 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
    EPA 811-F-95-004 v-C
     ,     October 1995
                    National Primary Drinking
                    Water Regulations
                    Xylenes
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: . 10 PPM

                                                   .Met:   10 PPM
WHAT ARE
XYLENES
AND HOW ARE THEY
USED?
WHY ARE XYLENES
BEING REGULATED?
WHAT ARE THE
HEALTH EFFECTS?
   A xylene is any of a group of very similar organic compounds. They are clear
 liquids with a sweet odor. The greatest use of xylenes is as a solvent which is much
 saferthan benzene. Other uses include: in gasoline as part of the BTX component
 (benzene-toluene-xylene); Xylene mixtures are used to make phthalate plasticiz-
 ers, polyester fiber, film and fabricated items.
   The list of trade names given below may help you find out whether you are using
 this chemical at home or work..             .               >

   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 xylenes has been set at 10 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 10 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 Water Regulations. All public
 water supplies  must abide by these regulations.            ,

   Short-term: EPA has found xylenes to potentially cause the
 following health effects when people are exposed to it at levels
 above the MCL for relatively short periods of time:  distur-
 bances of cognitive abilities, balance, and coordination.
   Long-term: Xylenes has the potential to cause the following
 effects from a  lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL:
 damage to the  central nervous system, liver and kidneys.
                                                                       TRADE NAMES AND
                                                                       SYNONYMS:
                                                                        DIMETHYL BENZENE
                                                                        XYLOL  '
                                                                        METHYLTOLUENE
                                                                        VIOLET 3 .
October 1995
               Consumer Version
Printed on Recycled Paper

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RELEASES TO WATER AND LAND:
1987T01993 ,

                Water
                           Land
TOTALS (In pounds)  875,943'  3,897.738
Top Ten States'
TX
NJ
II
IN
AL
CA
Ml
GA
VA-
WA
                 30,853
                 294.437
                    36
                   '  0
                 34.361
                     0
                     0
                 68.310
                 50.100
                . 27,860
Major Industries*
Petroleum refining    '131.817
Metal barrets, drums      5.
Textile finishing, misc. 278.454
Misc. Industrial chems.  95,706
Extruded Aluminum prod. 1,265
Furniture, fixtures        0
Cotton fabric finishing  68,310
Wood office furniture      0
Pharmaceuticals      52,285
Paper mills          52,480
2,099.734
 280.759
 206,990
 145.079
  59,022
  91,500
  86.774
  15.000
  33.000
  52,360
                         2,678.958
                           289.542
                               0
                           69.696
                           138.798
                           91.500
                           15.000
                           67.677
                            3,100
                            2,122
* Water/Land totals onry Include facilities with
releases greaterthari a certain amount- usually
1000 to 10,000 Ibs.
  Production of xylenes was 6.84 billion
Ibs. in 1993. Major environmental releases
of xylenes are due to evaporation from the
refining and use of petroleum products. It
may also be released by leaks or spills
during the transport and storage of gaso-
line and other fuels. Xylenes are a natural
products of many plants, and are a compo-
nent of petroleum and coal tar.
  From 1987 to 1993, according to EPA's
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory, xylene
releases to land and water totalled nearly
4.8 billion Ibs. These releases were prima-
rily from petroleum refining industries. The
largest releases occurred in Texas.  The
largest direct releases to water occurred in
New Jersey and Georgia.

  Most of the xylenes are released into the
atmosphere where they  are quickly de-
graded by sunlight. When released to soil
or water, xylenes will quickly evaporate.
They may leach into ground water and
persistthereforseveral years. There is little
potential for accumulation in aquatic life.
                                                                             How MUCH XYLENES
                                                                             ARE PRODUCED AND
                                                                             RELEASED TO THE
                                                                             ENVIRONMENT?
                                                    WHAT HAPPENS TO
                                                    XYLENES
                                                    WHEN RELEASED TO THE
                                                    ENVIRONMENT?
                                                                             HOW. WILL
                                                                             XYLENES
                                                                             BE DETECTED IN AND
                                                                             REMOVED FROM
                                                                             MY DRINKING WATER?
  The regulation for xylenes became effective in 1992. Between 1993 and 1995,
EPA required your water supplier to collect water samples every 3 months for one
yearand analyze them to find out if xylenes is present above 0.5 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 xylenes so that it is consistently
below that level. The following treatmentmethdds have been approved by EPA
for removing xylenes: Granular activated charcoal in combination with Packed
Tower Aeration.              ,                          .

  If the levels of xylenes exceed the MCL, 10 ppm, the system must notify the   HOWW,LL IKNOWIF
public via newspapers,  radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as   XYLENES ARE IN MY
providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious   DRINKING WATER?
risks to public health.

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   For ne|p in |ocatjng 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
                                                                                         "age,

-------