Chemical found in rocket fuel found in drinking water, food: Consumer Report
LOS ANGELES - A recent study by Consumer Reports has brought attention to the presence of perchlorate, a chemical commonly used in rocket fuel, fireworks, and airbags, in a significant number of everyday food items.
Perchlorate found in everyday foods: how worried should you be?
The study revealed that 67% of the 196 food samples tested contained varying levels of perchlorate, with baby and children foods, fast food, and fresh produce showing the highest concentrations.
While this discovery may raise alarms, the levels found in these foods did not exceed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recommended daily limit in any single serving. However, the cumulative effect of consuming multiple servings has sparked concerns about the potential health risks.
What is perchlorate and why is it in our food?
Perchlorate is a chemical compound that can occur naturally or be manufactured for industrial use. It is widely used in products like rocket fuel, fireworks, and airbags. Its presence in food, however, is less understood.
According to Consumer Reports, the perchlorate detected in food may come from two main sources: food packaging and contaminated water. Some types of plastics used in packaging, especially for baby and children foods, may contain perchlorate. Additionally, fruits and vegetables might absorb perchlorate if they are grown with water that has been contaminated.
How much perchlorate is considered safe?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a daily limit of 0.7 micrograms of perchlorate per kilogram of body weight. This limit is considered safe and unlikely to cause harm.
The Consumer Reports study found that none of the tested foods contained enough perchlorate in a single serving to exceed this limit. However, the report also suggested that consuming multiple servings of perchlorate-contaminated foods could potentially add up to concerning levels.
What are the potential health risks of perchlorate?
High levels of perchlorate can disrupt thyroid function by blocking iodide from entering the thyroid gland, which can reduce thyroid hormone production.
This disruption is particularly concerning for pregnant women, as proper thyroid function is crucial for fetal and infant brain development. Although the levels found in the study were within the EPA's recommended limits, the potential cumulative effect over time is something that health experts are monitoring closely.
How can consumers protect themselves?
Despite the presence of perchlorate in some foods, James E. Rogers, the director of product safety testing at Consumer Reports, advises that parents should not be overly concerned.
He recommends feeding children a wide variety of healthy foods to ensure they receive necessary nutrients while minimizing the potential harmful effects of contaminants. Diversifying one’s diet can help reduce exposure to any single contaminant, including perchlorate.