C6H6
Benzene
volatile organicSDWA code: 2030
EPA Limit (MCL)
5.000 ppb (0.005 mg/L)
Health Goal (MCLG)
Zero (0)
No level is considered safe
Unit of Measure
mg/L
How concentrations are reported
Health Effects
Anemia; decrease in blood platelets; increased risk of cancer (leukemia) with long-term exposure.
The EPA has set the health goal (MCLG) at zero, meaning no level of exposure is considered risk-free.
How It Gets Into Water
Discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills; a component of gasoline
Official EPA Guidance
For authoritative information on Benzenein drinking water, visit the EPA's official resource page.
View EPA Guidance ↗