DDE | A known carcinogen that is a by-product of the pesticide DDT. DDE has been found in fish tissue in Oklahoma, according to OWRB, and the “safe” limit proposed for the chemical would have been 0.00018 micrograms per liter for both fish tissue and in water. |
Alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane | A known carcinogen that is a component in certain insecticides. It has been found in groundwater in Oklahoma. The Human Health Criteria amount proposed would have been 0.0036 micrograms per liter for water and 0.0039 for fish. |
Heptachlor Epoxide | A chemical formed when animals or bacteria break down heptachlor, which is used to control fire ant populations and in power transformers. It is a known carcinogen that has been found in Oklahoma surface water. The Human Health Criteria amount proposed would have been 0.00032 micrograms per liter for both water and in fish. |
Chrysene | Belongs to a group of chemicals formed by the incomplete burning of hydrocarbons, such as coal, oil and gas, garbage and other organic substances. It is often found in coal tar, crude oil, and creosote, and is used in the production of dyes, plastics and pesticides, among other things. The proposed Human Health Criteria for this chemical, a known carcinogen, was set at 1.2 micrograms. |
Beta-Endosulfan | This chemical, used in restricted pesticides that were discontinued in 2016, has been detected in fish tissue in Oklahoma and is a registered pesticide in the state. It is not considered a carcinogen, but the proposed Human Health Criteria limit for this chemical was 20 micrograms per liter for water and 40 micrograms per liter for fish. |
Benzo(b)Fluoranthene | A chemical used in research and found in coal and coke oven emissions and petroleum products. It has been measured in Oklahoma waters below quantification limits and is a known carcinogen. The proposed Human Health Criteria amount for this chemical was 0.012 micrograms per liter in water and 0.013 micrograms per liter in fish. |