[CPEO-MEF] Perchlorate

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

In response to Laura Olah, the perchlorate ion is a likely contaminant
wherever solid rocket propellant was manufactured, tested, washed,
treated, or discarded, as well as the one domestic site where ammonium
perchlorate is produced (Henderson, Nevada). The active ingredients of
the standard mixes of solid rocket fuel, whether used for tactical
rockets, larger missiles, or space booster rockets, are ammonium
perchlorate and aluminum powder.

I believe ammonium perchlorate, the most common source of perchlorate,
has also been used in blasting (mining, road construction) and in small
explosive devices, such as auto air bags, but I could use confirmation
on this part.

LS
-- 


Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 222B View St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/968-1126
lsiegel@cpeo.org
http://www.cpeo.org

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