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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

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Health Advisory Levels

Hazardous Waste Site Health Risk Assessment Program

A Health Advisory Level (HAL) is developed when a chemical is found in drinking water and no regulatory standard (MCL) exists for the chemical. The HAL concentration of a chemical in drinking water is a value that, based on the available data, is virtually certain not to cause adverse human health effects if consumed over a lifetime. HALs provide guidance for the public and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on the potential for these chemicals to cause harm to humans.

The maximum contaminant level (MCL) is a standard established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, under the Safe Drinking Water Act. It represents an acceptable level of a chemical under specified conditions that ensures the safety of a public drinking water supply. MCLs are used by DEP to regulate the level of chemicals allowed in drinking water. Find the Health Advisory Levels for Florida here.

Acronyms used:

HAL = Health Advisory Level

MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level

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