PERCHLORATE

Rocket propellants, fireworks, flares, some explosives; natural deposits in arid soils and Chilean nitrate fertilizers; contamination of groundwater near military/aerospace sites [1][2].

Drinking water from contaminated systems or private wells; foods irrigated with contaminated water (leafy greens, fruits) and milk; on-the-job at manufacturing/cleanup sites [1][3].

Interferes with the thyroid’s ability to take up iodine, which can reduce thyroid hormone; critical for fetal/infant brain development; high exposures may cause goiter; not known to cause cancer [1][2].

Pregnant people and fetuses, infants and children, people with thyroid disease or low iodine intake, formula-fed infants using tap water, and workers exposed at facilities [1][3].

Check your water quality report or test private wells; consider certified treatment (reverse osmosis or ion exchange) if perchlorate is present; use alternative water for infant formula; use iodized salt as advised; follow workplace protections [2][1].