Mounting Evidence of Perchlorate Dangers
Posted by
Helen ZukinOctober 30, 2006 3:00 AMPerchlorate found to cause thyroid damage. Further evidence of perchlorate dangers to humans.
A recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia has found that low levels of perchlorate, previously considered safe, can cause thyroid disease in women. Perchlorate is a common ingredient in rocket fuel and is a widespread contaminate of groundwater throughout the country. It has been found in many foods, including vegetables, fruit and milk. Perchlorate is so pervasive in the environment that it has even been found in the breast milk of mothers.
Perchlorate interferes with the thyroid gland's uptake of iodine which it uses to produce thyroxine, the hormone that controls the metabolism. The study raises specific concern for pregnant women as fetuses are especially sensitive to thyroid changes and need thyroxine for nervous system and brain development.
The CDC study builds on other recent studies which have shown that perchlorate exposure interferes with the endocrine system of animals and fish. A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry reported that female fish exposed to perchlorate produced fish with birth defects.
Beginning in the 1940's, tons of perchlorate was disposed of at military sites across the country where it leached into groundwater and got into the food chain. Communities surrounding military sites are particularly at risk for perchlorate exposure.
Kiesel Boucher Larson has expertise in the field of chemical exposure cases and is committed to helping exposed communities understand and effectively deal with the risks of toxic exposure.