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Relative source contributions for perchlorate exposures in a lactating human cohort.
Andrea B Kirk1, Jason V Dyke, Shin-Ichi Ohira
1University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, USA.
The Science of the Total Environment
|December 21, 2012
Summary
Dietary sources contribute significantly to perchlorate exposure in lactating women, exceeding previous estimates. Understanding non-water perchlorate intake is crucial for accurate human exposure assessments and setting safe drinking water limits.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Human Health
Background:
- Perchlorate is a widespread contaminant in food and drinking water.
- It inhibits iodine uptake, posing potential health risks.
- Accurate assessment of non-water perchlorate exposure is vital for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify perchlorate intake from dietary sources versus drinking water in lactating women.
- To evaluate the contribution of non-water sources to overall perchlorate exposure.
- To inform the establishment of regulatory limits for perchlorate in drinking water.
Main Methods:
- Collection of drinking water, fluid intake records, 24-hour urine samples, and milk samples from participants.
- Analysis of perchlorate levels using isotope dilution ion chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
- Calculation of perchlorate intake from both water and dietary sources for each individual.
Main Results:
- Perchlorate intake from local drinking water was minimal, ranging from 0% to 36% of total intake.
- The mean and median dose from non-water sources was 0.18 μg/kg/day.
- Lactating women consumed more fluids than typically assumed in risk assessments.
Conclusions:
- Dietary sources represent a substantial, and potentially underestimated, source of perchlorate exposure for lactating women.
- Current risk assessments may underestimate total perchlorate exposure due to a focus on water sources.
- Findings highlight the need to consider dietary perchlorate intake in regulatory decisions and health advisories.
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