A new study found Perchlorate, a toxic chemical used in rocket fuel, in every one of 36 samples of breast milk taken from nursing mothers in 18 states.
The study by Texas Tech University comes after Environmental Protection Agency adopted a reference dose of perchlorate in drinking water that is not expected to cause adverse health effects in humans. The level is consistent with the recommended reference dose included in the National Academy of Science’s January 2005 report.
Perchlorate is a man-made and naturally occurring chemical. It interferes with iodide uptake into the thyroid gland. Because iodide is an essential component of thyroid hormones, perchlorate disrupts how the thyroid functions. Impairment of thyroid function in pregnant mothers may impact the fetus and result in such effects as changes in behavior, delayed development and decreased learning capability. Drinking water contaminated with perchlorate is the most likely way that perchlorate can be ingested.
The study is the first ever to look for the rocket fuel contaminant in human breast milk. It confirms many scientists’ long-standing suspicion that significant levels of perchlorate could be passed on to nursing infants.
Perchlorate has been used in various items, including missile and rocket propellants, munitions and fireworks, flares, automobile airbags and pharmaceuticals. It may also occur naturally and has been found in some fertilizer. Perchlorate has been detected in drinking water supplies of 22 states nationwide, as well as in certain foods.
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