< return to the Groundwater Contamination menu

What is Perchlorate and why is it a problem?
Perchlorate is a chemical compound made from chlorine and oxygen and can be found in nature and is also man made. It is a by product of many manufacturing processes as well as a direct byproduct of munitions testing and rocket fuel. Fireworks, air bag inflation systems and nuclear power plants all use Perchlorate. It is a strong chemical compound and will remain in the environment long after exposure. Perchlorate has been associated with thyroid function problems and has been determined by the CDC as a threat to women of childbearing years and small children.

The Center for Disease Control has issued a statement in the beginning of 2009 stating that Perchlorate has been found in the drinking water supplies in 35 states and has been found to be in the food supply. Farmers who irrigate their crops with this groundwater are finding high levels of the chemical in the crops they produce. This is especially true in produce that contains a high level of water in its makeup such as lettuce. Studies in California have found high contamination levels in the milk that is being produced in the area. Further testing is being conducted around the country to determine the extent of the contamination. As of December 2009, the Colorado River has the largest amount of contamination from Perchlorate. This is a very serious problem since the Colorado River is the main source of drinking and irrigation water in the western states. Contamination is not limited to this area and has been found in places such as Massachusetts and Texas.

The EPA and the CDC has determined that this chemical is very dangerous to women of childbearing years because it is an iodine suppressant. Iodine is a necessary component to thyroid function. Without iodine your thyroid will not work which is especially dangerous in pregnant women. Thyroid function and iodine levels are critical in pregnant women to help correct fetal development. This is one reason that pregnant women take prenatal vitamins throughout pregnancy to ensure that they have enough iodine in their system. Lack of iodine during fetal development can lead to severe and irreversible birth defects.

Perchlorate poisoning has the same symptoms as hypothyroidism and can be a direct cause of that problem. Lower IQ, developmental problems both physically and mentally and growth problems have all been associated with overexposure to this chemical. Speech, hearing and some vision problems have also been related to thyroid suppression and energy/metabolism problems may also be at risk. The state of Massachusetts has determined that exposure to this chemical is such a large risk after finding it in their groundwater that they have enacted stricter regulations than even the EPA has on record. This state has determined that even bathing in this contaminated water may pose a risk, especially in small children, since there is a possibility of swallowing the contaminated water. There is also risk associated with inhaling dust that contains high amounts of this chemical compound. Dust contamination occurs at work places that put off a lot of this compound as a byproduct of their manufacturing process. Rubber production, enamel paint and even leather tanning companies all have high exposure to this compound.

If you feel that you have suffered from Perchlorate poisoning contact our Law Firm for a free perchlorate case evaluation.