Beryllium
Harford County Department of Public Works
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
2014 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
2015 | ND | 5 | 0 | ND |
2016 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
2017 | ND | 5 | 0 | ND |
2018 | 0.0220 ppb | 5 | 1 | ND - 0.110 ppb |
2019 | ND | 6 | 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 |
---|---|---|
2014-04-14 | 140414_03_L50154 | ND |
2014-04-14 | 140414_03_L50154 | ND |
2014-04-15 | 140415_02_L50154 | ND |
2015-02-13 | 150213_01_205474 | ND |
2015-02-13 | 2054742001 | ND |
2015-04-06 | 2063480001 | ND |
2015-04-06 | 2063479001 | ND |
2015-04-10 | 2064511001 | ND |
2016-04-04 | L6167674_1 | ND |
2016-04-04 | L6167673_1 | ND |
2017-04-05 | L6756568_1 | ND |
2017-04-05 | L6756571_1 | ND |
2017-04-07 | L6720051_7 | ND |
2017-07-11 | 2245208001 | ND |
2017-10-06 | 2267469001_A | ND |
2018-02-12 | 2295319001_A | 0.110 ppb |
2018-05-07 | 8051043_03 | ND |
2018-05-07 | 8051039_03 | ND |
2018-11-07 | E19001557003 | ND |
2018-11-07 | E19001557005 | ND |
2019-02-05 | 9020935_01 | ND |
2019-05-14 | 9050790_01_A | ND |
2019-05-14 | 9050787_01 | ND |
2019-07-31 | E20000439002 | ND |
2019-09-10 | 9080712_01 | ND |
2019-12-03 | 9110887_01 | ND |