EDITOR: It is important to note that the 100 ppb level as a
standard for perchlorate is based on the research done on healthy
adults. This research was not done on pregnant women, infants,
children or elderly persons.
EDITOR:
It is important to note that the 100 ppb level as a standard for perchlorate is based on the research done on healthy adults.
This research was not done on pregnant women, infants, children or elderly persons.
Thyroid function affects hormone systems in the body. If perchlorate exposure, presumably chronic, causes hypothyroidism, and disrupts the hormonal balance of a pregnant mother, it is possible that signals that govern the developmental characteristics of the fetus may be affected. Without research into perchlorate’s effect on pregnancy, it would not be prudent to state unequivocally that there is no effect. Similarly with infants and children.
Although thyroid effects are the most prominently discussed perchlorate effect, perchlorate is also implicated in loss of bone density, which could have osteo-effects on elderly persons.
It is also worthy of note that we often regulate environmental exposure based on the health effects of sensitive individuals, not those individuals who are not affected. For instance, ozone standards are not set for healthy adults, but for people in ill health, children and the elderly. We are willing to pay to ensure a healthy environment for our loved ones. Perchlorate should be treated with no less care.
For my part, I hope perchlorate is not a menace in our water. However, I’m not willing to gamble that it is not. Until verifiable, reproducable proof is provided via credible research, I say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Make the MCL (maximum contamination level) low, and if it is proved safe, raise the MCL. The health of my loved ones is worthy of that much consideration.
Ellen Pyatt, Davis
