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Perchlorate and Diet: Human Exposures, Risks, and Mitigation Strategies
Maricel V Maffini1, Leonardo Trasande2,3,4,5, Thomas G Neltner6
1, Germantown, MD, USA. drmvma@gmail.com.
Current Environmental Health Reports
|April 1, 2016
Summary
Perchlorate, an endocrine disruptor, contaminates food and water, potentially harming fetal brain development. Reducing its presence in food packaging and improving bleach management can lower exposure risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Perchlorate is an endocrine-disrupting chemical impacting thyroid function.
- Maternal thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy can affect fetal brain development.
- Widespread perchlorate contamination is found in the U.S. population and food supply.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify sources of perchlorate contamination in food.
- To propose strategies for reducing perchlorate exposure.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of perchlorate sources in food.
- Review of contamination pathways.
Main Results:
- Key sources include hypochlorite bleach and perchlorate-laden plastic food packaging.
- Poor management of bleach leads to perchlorate degradation.
- Localized contamination occurs during chemical manufacturing or processing.
Conclusions:
- Eliminating perchlorate from food packaging is recommended.
- Improved bleach management (concentration, storage) is crucial.
- These measures will reduce perchlorate contamination in food and water.
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