
What’s in your water?
Styrene
Liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems
EWG guideline0.5 ppb
Legal limit100 ppb
ppb = Parts per billion
Styrene is a volatile cancer-causing chemical used for manufacturing Styrofoam (polystyrene) and other plastics. Releases from industrial production sites and hazardous waste landfills cause styrene contamination in drinking water.
States affected
42
Utilities affected
289
Population affected
2,953,542
You should know
VOCs, also known as Volatile Organic Compounds, are gases emitted into the air from products or processes. They are widely used in various industries and products like paints, varnishes, wax, disinfection and even cosmetic products. Since there is such a wide variety of pollutants, health risks also vary greatly depending on levels of exposure and length of time exposed. Some effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, liver, and kidney damage.
Learn more about VOCs here.
Health concerns
- Liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems
What’s in your water?
States reporting contamination
State
Utilities
Above guidelines
Population affected
Alabama
2
0
42,1K
New Mexico
1
1
160
Montana
1
0
65
New York
30
3
137,6K
Oregon
2
0
1,3K
Nebraska
1
0
810
Oklahoma
2
0
370
North Carolina
3
1
516
Michigan
48
7
196,2K
Indiana
2
0
1,2K