ROCKET FUEL CONTAMINATES WELLS

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@igc.org>]

ROCKET FUEL CONTAMINATES WELLS

On Thursday, California state officials announced the closure of 18
drinking water wells in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Bernadino
counties due to contamination with "perchlorate," according to the
Associated Press. All of the wells in the Southern California town of La
Puente were closed.

Ammonium perchlorate is a primary constituent of solid rocket fuel, and
the state has been testing wells near manufacturers of rockets and
fireworks. Statewide, 69 of 232 wells tested were found to have the
chemical, and the 18 with concentrations above 18 parts per billion -
"the safe level" - were shut down. Water from other contaminated wells
is being blended with uncontaminated sources to reduce the
concentration.

The Associated Press reports, "In high doses, the chemical affects the
thyroid and the production of hormones needed for normal development. In
extreme cases, it can cause brain damage in fetuses and a fatal form of
anemia in adults." Less is known about the health impact of lower
exposures.

Lenny Siegel
Director, SFSU CAREER/PRO (and Pacific Studies Center)
c/o PSC, 222B View St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/968-1126
lsiegel@igc.org