[CPEO-MEF] Perchlorate's risks clear, but not at what levels

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

Perchlorate's risks clear, but not at what levels
The Associated Press   Sunday, January 5, 2003
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(01-05) 10:46 PST (AP) --

QUESTION: What is perchlorate?

ANSWER: Perchlorate is an oxygen-rich chemical used in rocket fuel and
other explosives, including fireworks and flares. It easily dissolves in
water and has been found to contaminate sites in 22 states where it was
manufactured and handled. It is made up of chlorine and oxygen, and can
combine with sodium, potassium or ammonium to form salts. Ammonium
perchlorate is the form most frequently used in rocket fuel.

Q: Is perchlorate harmful?

A: The salt is a toxin, but there is disagreement about how much is bad
for you when ingested. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is
creating drinking water standards for the pollutant. "There's absolutely
no question that it is a very big risk. The question is at what level do
you avoid that risk?" said Kevin Mayer, the EPA's perchlorate
coordinator for the Southwest.

The complete list of Q&A's can be viewed at:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2003/01/05/financial1346EST0006.DTL

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