Carbon Tetrachloride
Carbon tetrachloride is an industrial solvent that can enter water from chemical spills. It damages the liver and kidneys and is a potential carcinogen.
Carbon tetrachloride is a volatile organic compound once widely used in industry and consumer products. Banned for most uses in the 1970s, it can still contaminate water through industrial spills or improper disposal. This colorless, sweet-smelling liquid is measured in parts per billion (ppb). The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level of 5 ppb in drinking water due to its health risks. Regular testing helps ensure water supplies remain safe from this historical pollutant.
- People affected
- 12.5M
- Utilities with this contaminant
- 320
- States with this contaminant
- 34
Utilities with the highest levels of this contaminant
| Utility | Service Areas | Level | Population Served | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
HU Huntington Park-City, Water Dept. | Huntington Park, CA | 1.755 ppb | 15,275 | View |
SA San Gabriel Valley Water Co.-El Monte | Los Angeles County, CA | 0.763 ppb | 254,300 | View |
HI Hicksville Wd | Oyster Bay (T), NY | 0.703 ppb | 48,000 | View |
GL Glendale-City, Water Dept. | Glendale, CA | 0.610 ppb | 201,334 | View |
JE Jericho Wd | Oyster Bay (T), NY | 0.597 ppb | 58,000 | View |
TA Talladega Water And Sewer Board, City Of | Talladega, AL | 0.443 ppb | 20,250 | View |
SI Sioux City Water Supply | Sioux City, IA | 0.333 ppb | 85,797 | View |
CI City Of Mercedes | Hidalgo County, TX | 0.317 ppb | 15,700 | View |
CI City Of Brenham | Washington County, TX | 0.317 ppb | 19,048 | View |
CI City Of Odessa | Ector County, TX | 0.240 ppb | 123,334 | View |
Sources
- https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/DRINKINGWATER/MONITORING/Documents/health/ccl4.pdf
- https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/chemical/carbontet.htm
- https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/wash-documents/wash-chemicals/carbon-tetrachloride-background-document.pdf
- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/carbon-tetrachloride/routes_exposure.html