Rocket fuel chemical in baby formula

Well, it looks like there is something else parents need to worry about when it comes to poisonous chemicals.

Traces of a chemical used in rocket fuel were found in samples of powdered baby formula, and could exceed what's considered a safe dose for adults if mixed with water also contaminated with the ingredient, a government study has found.

Article

I wasn't really aware of how common perchlorate is in our drinking water.

So why is it bad? According to the following article: Article

Perchlorate in drinking water is a health concern because it alters the production of thyroid hormones by the body, chemicals that are essential for proper development of the fetus and for normal metabolic functioning of the body. Particularly at risk are people with thyroid conditions, as well as pregnant women and their fetuses. Thyroid dysfunction characterized by hypothyroidism (reduced function of the thyroid gland) can result or be aggravated in persons who already have low thyroid function from consuming perchlorate in drinking water. Fetal and infant development can be retarded by exposure to perchlorate including that contained in breast milk from a mother who is consuming drinking water containing perchlorate.

How does perchlorate get into drinking water? From what I read, it is caused naturally but according to the same article link above:

The source of perchlorate of drinking water at many sites, including many of those in California, is the defense industry and the past production of solid rocket propellants using perchlorate. Poor disposal practices, industrial accidents, and agricultural fertilizers are suspected as the sources of contamination of drinking water by perchlorate. Perchlorate has been detected in the public drinking water in at least 22 states. Produce grown in those states that is irrigated by contaminated water has reached around the nation.

Was a real scientific study of perchlorate done without government strongarming?: Source

On January 10, a National Academy of Sciences (NAS) panel released a report evaluating the potential health threats posed by perchlorate, a toxic rocket fuel ingredient. Documents obtained from a series of Freedom of Information Act requests and lawsuits against the White House, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency indicate that the panel was subjected to massive pressure to downplay the hazards of the chemical. This behind-the-scenes campaign included extraordinary involvement by White House and DOD staff to limit the scope of the NAS panel's inquiry and select the panelists, and collaboration among the White House, Pentagon and defense contractors to influence the panel.

Here's a Link to the EPA's site regarding drinking water and perchlorate.

Seems to me, this is something we don't want in our water or food. But it looks like the defense industry can't be bothered to clean up their mess or be held accountable. Any thoughts?

reply to post by JohnHolmes


Another reason to NOT consume tap water without some way of filtering it. This is just another nail in the coffin, as if fluoride and pharmaceuticals weren't a good enough reason.