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Water
Education
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Perchlorate
 What
is Perchlorate?
 Perchlorate
is both a naturally occurring and man-made chemical.
Most of the perchlorate manufactured in the United
States is used as the primary ingredient of solid
rocket and missiles propellant. It is also use as
a propellant for fireworks. Wastes from the manufacture
and improper disposal of perchlorate-containing chemicals
are increasingly being discovered in soil and water.
How
Can Perchlorate Affect Human Health?
Perchlorate
interferes with iodide uptake into the thyroid gland.
Because iodide is an essential component of thyroid
hormones, perchlorate disrupts how the thyroid functions.
In adults, the thyroid helps to regulate metabolism.
In children, the thyroid plays a major role in proper
development in addition to metabolism. Impairment
of thyroid function in expectant mothers may impact
the fetus and newborn and result in effects including
effects on the developing nervous system, changes
in behavior, delayed development and decreased learning
capability. Changes in thyroid hormone levels may
also result in thyroid gland tumors.
Does
perchlorate cause cancer?
Perchlorate
is associated with disruption of thyroid function
which can potentially lead to thyroid tumor formation.
Does
My Water Contain Perchlorate?
There
have been confirmed perchlorate releases in at least
20 states throughout the United States (see map).
If you are in an area that has confirmed perchlorate
occurrence, it is best to contact your water provider
to see if they have been monitoring for perchlorate.
If you are on a private well, you will need to have
your water tested for perchlorate. Currently in the
United States, the full extent of perchlorate contamination
is not known, and is under significant research.
What
Is Being Done about Perchlorate?
There
is currently no national primary health level set
for perchlorate. Many states have their own action
level for perchlorate, or are currently accessing
the health data regarding perchlorate in order to
set a state level. In the future, EPA may issue a
Health Advisory that will provide information on protective
levels for drinking water for the United States. This
is one step in the process of developing a broader
response to perchlorate including, for example, technical
guidance, possible regulations and additional health
information.
What
can I do to remove perchlorate from my water?
Watts
Premier currently has the first and only point of
use water treatment device that is certified by NSF
and California Department of Health Services to remove
96% of perchlorate from your drinking water. (http://www.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/).
Nearly all of our reverse osmosis (5
stage manifold with perclorate claim) water treatment
systems are capable of reducing perchlorate from your
drinking water. If you have any additional questions
regarding perchlorate, our line of reverse osmosis,
or what specific products are certified for perchlorate,
please feel free to contact us directly, at 800-752-5582.
For
more information about perchlorate, follow these links:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/clo4qa.html
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/chemicals/perchl/perchlindex.htm
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