FDA Warns of Bottled Water Dangers
The FDA turned up more scary information about perchlorate, which is the by-product of rocket fuel production. At certain levels, perchlorate can cause a variety of health problems, including thyroid disease. It has been found at contamination levels in water sources for many consumer products, including milk, lettuce, and bottled water.
Perchlorate is both a naturally occurring and manmade chemical. It is found naturally in nitrate fertilizer deposits in Chile. Most of the manmade perchlorate is found in US manufacturing of products such as pyrotechnics, gunpowder, fireworks, road flares, and it is the primary ingredient in solid rocket fuel. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in perchlorate levels found in soil, runoff water, and water sources around the country. More importantly are the health effects this chemical has at different levels.
The FDA has released some of their initial study data. You will see from the chart that many places all over the country have differing levels of contamination. The FDA is currently working with the EPA on reasons for the contamination. The EPA, along with other federal agencies, are also studying health effects of perchlorate so they can determine at what levels this chemical is harmful.
The best thing you as a consumer can do is contact your local municipal water supply to see if they have information and/or test results relating to perchlorate in your tap water. Make sure you always have your water filter bottle, and don’t buy bottled water unless you are familiar with the source of the water used. In many cases, bottled water is manufactured in one or two areas, and delivered all over the country. Make sure you ask where the water actually came from. Otherwise, it’s best to only drink water from sources close to home, like your tap water. You can always get that bottled water taste by filtering as you drink from your portable water filter.
