Beryllium
Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority
Beryllium is a toxic metal that is both naturally occurring and released into the environment from industrial pollution and incineration. Beryllium can damage lungs, bones and the digestive system.
Testing results - average by year
Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
2015 | ND | 4 | 0 | ND |
2016 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
2017 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
2018 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
2019 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines
EWG Health Guideline 1 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppb for beryllium was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against harm to the stomach and intestines.
EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 4 ppb
The legal limit for beryllium, established in 1992, was based on a toxicity study in laboratory animals published in 1970. This limit does not include any additional consideration of children’s health.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
Date | Lab ID | Result |
---|---|---|
2014-04-21 | ND | |
2014-04-21 | ND | |
2015-09-23 | 13327710 | ND |
2015-09-23 | 13327721 | ND |
2015-12-01 | 13573064 | ND |
2015-12-01 | 13573068 | ND |
2016-07-21 | 14652493 | ND |
2016-07-21 | 14652503 | ND |
2017-05-25 | 16174984 | ND |
2018-05-02 | 18E0265-01 | ND |
2019-05-30 | 19E2844-01 | ND |