Properties

pH

Member of a class of organic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that occur naturally in coal tar and crude oil. It is produced commercially as an intermediate in producing soaps, plastics, and pharmaceuticals, and as an insecticide, herbicide, and fungicide.

Health Guideline Level (HGL)

0 ppb

Maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest science

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for acenaphthene in drinking water are based on potential adrenal and liver system effects.

Affected Organs & Systems:

Adrenal
Liver

Common Sources

  • Widespread in the environment due to the use of coal and oil
  • Primary source of PAHs in drinking water is release from pipe coatings made of coal tar
  • Also enter source water naturally through rainwater runoff or dust particles settling in surface water
  • Additional sources include wastewater and landfill runoff
  • Elevated levels of PAHs like acenaphthene are most often present near hazardous waste sites

How to Remove It

Water filters certified under the following NSF standards are effective at removing pH:

Filter recommendations for this contaminant are being updated.

Health Guideline Level

The HGL represents the maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest scientific research. It's often more protective than federal legal limits.

Contaminant Type

pH is classified as a Properties contaminant.

This contaminant primarily affects the adrenal, liver.

Check Your Water

Find out if pH is in your tap water.

Search Your City