Perchlorate

BeschreibungConcern about environmental perchlorate exposure centers on its inhibition of iodide uptake into the thyroid. Decreased iodine intake may decrease thyroid hormone production. In the last few years, perchlorate has become a major inorganic contaminant in drinking water and has been detected in a number of public drinking water systems throughout the Unites States. In 1998, the US EPA added perchlorate to the Drinking Water Candidate Contaminant List.

VerwendenPerchlorate is a soluble oxychloro anion most commonly used as a solid salt in the form of ammonium perchlorate, potassium perchlorate, lithium perchlorate, or sodium per- chlorate, all of which are highly soluble. Ammonium perchlorate is the most widely used perchlorate compound. In their pure forms, these salts are white or colorless crystals or powders. Perchlorate salts dissolve in water and readily move from surface to groundwater. Perchlorate is known to originate from both natural and man-made sources. The most common uses for ammonium perchlorate are in explosives, military munitions, and rocket propellants. In addition, perchlorate salts are used in a wide range of nonmilitary applications, including pyrotechnics and fireworks, blasting agents, solid rocket fuel, matches, lubricating oils, nuclear reactors, air bags, and certain types of fertilizers. Improper storage and disposal related to these uses is the most typical route for perchlorate to enter into the environment. Monitoring data show that more than 4% of public water systems, serving between 5 million and 17 million people, have detected perchlorate in their finished water.