A chemical commonly found in rocket fuel and fireworks is also found in drinking water and a wide array of food products, especially those popular with babies and children. The findings from Consumer Reports come decades after the chemical perchlorate was first found to be a contaminant in food and water.
In 2003, the Environmental Working Group found the chemical in 20% of grocery store lettuce it tested. Perchlorate has been linked to potential brain damage in fetuses and newborn babies, and thyroid issues in adults.
In Consumer Reports’ most recent tests, perchlorate was detected in measurable levels of 67% of 196 samples. It tested a total of 63 grocery products and 10 fast-food products.
The tests found perchlorate in the packaging of food most often. Foods in plastic containers had the highest levels, followed by food packaged in plastic wrap and paperboard.
Consumer Reports said foods often consumed by children had the highest levels of perchlorate. However, fresh fruits, vegetables and fast food also contained the chemical.
In 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set a reference dose for perchlorate of 0.7 micrograms per kilogram of bodyweight a day. Consumer Reports said none of the foods tested contained levels surpassing that suggested daily limit.
Consumer Reports’ tests also did not show why some foods had higher levels of perchlorate than others, but it said anti-static plastic could be part of the reason in some packaged goods.
Separately, Consumer Reports researchers said fresh produce could contain perchlorate because it’s irrigated with contaminated water.
The National Institutes of Health said most drinking water contamination comes from the manufacture, disposal and research of propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics. Accidental releases from factories and rocket launch failures are also listed as a cause.
