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In 2011, EPA determined that perchlorate meets the Safe Drinking Water Act criteria for regulation as a contaminant. The California enforceable drinking water standard is 6 µg/L for Perchlorate in while Massachusetts (2 µg/L). EPA Technical Fact Sheet.
EXPOSURE
Most naturally occurring sources of perchlorate appear to be geographically limited to arid environments. Highly soluble in water; migrates quickly from soil to groundwater. Primary pathways for human exposure include ingestion of contaminated food and drinking water. Ingested perchlorate is readily and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and excreted rapidly primarily via the urine. Surveys conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have detected perchlorate in food crops and milk (FDA 2008). Skin absorption and inhalation of perchlorate are also exposure pathways. City Water Filter have a product to address both water based exposure routes.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Short-term exposure to high doses Perchloric acid is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and short-term exposure to high doses may cause sore throat, coughing, labored breathing, coughing, nausea, cause eye and skin irritation, deep burns, loss of vision, abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea. If you are experiencing these symptoms please seek medical advise
Short-term exposure to high doses Perchloric acid is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and short-term exposure to high doses may cause sore throat, coughing, labored breathing, coughing, nausea, cause eye and skin irritation, deep burns, loss of vision, abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea. If you are experiencing these symptoms please seek medical advise
In the long term, the thyroid gland is the primary target of perchlorate toxicity in humans. At high concentrations perchlorate can affect the Thyroid Gland by inhibiting the uptake of iodine. Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating metabolism and are critical for normal growth and development in fetuses, infants and young children. This means Perchlorate acts as an endocrine disruptor.
USES FOR PERCHLORATE
Perchlorate used as rocket fuel and in explosives. It is primarily associated with release from defense and military operations. Natural sources include certain fertilizers and potash ores.
Although it is a strong oxidant, perchlorate is very persistent in the environment. Various perchlorate-containing materials are used for specialized applications in chemical industries. Because of its exceptional oxidizing capacity, perchlorate is widely used by the industry, in the manufacture of munitions, explosives and fireworks, a few specific medicinal applications and in small amounts in other high volume consumer products
Although it is a strong oxidant, perchlorate is very persistent in the environment. Various perchlorate-containing materials are used for specialized applications in chemical industries. Because of its exceptional oxidizing capacity, perchlorate is widely used by the industry, in the manufacture of munitions, explosives and fireworks, a few specific medicinal applications and in small amounts in other high volume consumer products
