Synthetic Chemical Known to Cause Cancer Found in the Water System of a Central Valley City

The Visalia Times-Delta has published an article about a cancer-causing chemical that was found in the water system in Tulare, California. According to their report, water samples taken earlier this year found levels of 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP) that exceeded the state’s drinking water standard.

While levels of 1,2,3-TCP were only slightly above the 0.005-micrograms per liter standard, news of this synthetic chemical in the drinking water supply has some residents quite concerned. Back in 1992, the state of California designated 1,2,3-Trichloropropane as known to cause cancer under Proposition 65. Proposition 65, also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, requires businesses to notify Californians about significant amounts of chemicals in the products they purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment. 

The California State Water Resources Control Board states that 1,2,3-TCP is a manmade chlorinated hydrocarbon with a high chemical stability. It is found at some industrial or hazardous waste sites, has been used as a cleaning and degreasing solvent, and is also associated with pesticide products. The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) reports that it is mainly used to make other chemicals and that small amounts dissolve in water.

“Exposure to 1,2,3-TCP can occur from drinking water or from breathing air that is contaminated,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Unfortunately, this chemical can stay in groundwater for a considerable length of time so when it is found in well water, the primary solution is to treat the water to reduce contamination levels. Those concerned about potential exposure to 1,2,3-TCP or other hazardous chemicals found in water, air, soil or occupational environments can turn to LA Testing for answers. With multiple laboratories across California, LA Testing offers comprehensive analyses of environmental and industrial hygiene samples for a wide range of chemical compounds and microbial contaminants.”

To learn more about 1,2,3-TCP or other environmental and industrial hygiene testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794

About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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