Perchlorate Debate

The Perchlorate Debate

New analytical tools have led to the discovery of previously undetectable levels of perchlorate, underscoring the need to ensure the best available science drives regulatory decisions.

In some cases, even a source for the presence of perchlorate is unknown. This fact - combined with the widely-held scientific view that exposure to the trace amounts now being detected is unlikely to pose a health risk - led the federal government to undertake a deliberative National Academy of Sciences (NAS) review to understand the connections between perchlorate and human health..

At the request of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NAS convened a world-class panel of experts to review the scientific database on perchlorate. Fortunately, there are more than 50 years of research available; dating back to when perchlorate was used as a medicine at levels thousands of times higher than those now found in the environment.

After nearly two years of review and study the NAS issued its report on the health implications of perchlorate in January 2005. The NAS committee concluded that a reference dose of perchlorate at 0.0007 milligrams per kilogram per day is appropriate and protective for all populations, including the most sensitive population - fetuses of pregnant women who might have hypothyroidism or iodide deficiency.

In February 2005, EPA established its official reference dose of perchlorate at 0.0007 milligrams per kilogram per day, and translated that number to a Drinking Water Equivalent Level of 24.5 parts per billion (ppb). Subsequently, EPA issued a Health Reference Level of 15 ppb to account for potential exposure to perchlorate from food.

Myths & Facts
Learn the truth behind common misconceptions about perchlorate.

Perchlorate and Health
It is an accepted fact in the medical community perchlorate’s effects, if they occur, are limited to the thyroid gland, and that the only consistently demonstrated effect, is not adverse.

Perchlorate & Water
Where perchlorate is being detected, data from US EPA indicates perchlorate levels are well any amounts that could have an impact on health.

Perchlorate & Food
National health and scientific organizations agree: there are no health risks associated with the levels of perchlorate found in food.

Economic Impact
A decision to put overly strict federal perchlorate standards in place would cost tax payers millions, and do very little to safeguard public health in America.