Regulation of Perchlorate at Low Levels in Drinking Water: A High Stakes Decision

Potential health effects of perchlorate

The NAS has said that at levels of 245 ppb and higher, perchlorate can prevent the thyroid gland from absorbing iodide from the bloodstream, a process known as "inhibiting iodide uptake." Iodide is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones that the body uses for normal growth and development and metabolism. NAS has said that inhibition of iodide uptake is a nonadverse effect, and occurs naturally in every person as a result of diet and other factors.

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