National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Contaminant Specific Fact Sheets, Volatile Organic Chemicals, Consumer Version


         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)

-------

-------
                   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. .

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 '

-------
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!

-------
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

-------
 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

-------
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!

-------
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!

-------
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!

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.

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;

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
-------
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
-------
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.. . >

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
-------
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!