Overview/Background: Perchlorate compounds occur naturally and have historically been used as fuel oxidizers for solid rocket engines. Perchlorate has also been used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis. In the environment, perchlorate is highly mobile and persistent. With recent advances in analytical capabilities, perchlorate has been detected at parts per billion (ppb) levels in water supplies across the U.S., as well as in produce, meat, and dairy products.
U.S. EPA and several states are currently developing health-protective standards for perchlorate. The mode of action of perchlorate in humans is the competitive inhibition of thyroidal iodide transport. At issue is the level of perchlorate that can be safely consumed without risk of adverse effects.
Chemical of concern: Perchlorate
Service Areas: Risk assessment, toxicological study and analysis, risk communication, exposure assessment
Objective: The primary purpose of Intertox's research has been to provide decision makers with good science on which to base their decisions.
Approach/action: Intertox has provided a wide range of services with regard to perchlorate, including the following:
- Led efforts to comment on U.S. EPA’s development of a reference dose and California’s development of a Public Health Goal and proposed Proposition 65 listing.
- Co-authored Greer et al., 2002 (the “Greer Study”), considered by many to be the most definitive study assessing the potential human health risk from exposure to perchlorate at environmental levels.
- Conducted a screening risk assessment associated with the consumption of lettuce that had been found to have detectable levels of perchlorate.
- Presented scientific testimony to the California Senate Select Committee Meeting on Perchlorate Contamination in January of 2004.
- Worked with a team comprised of University of Nebraska faculty and sponsor representatives to coordinate the 2003 Perchlorate State-of-the-Science Symposium (PS3 2003).
Client Benefits: Using rigorous scientific methodology, Intertox has served its clients and the public interest by providing sound, accurate and unbiased scientific data. We have synthesized this technical information for translation to lay audiences and provided ongoing scientific insights for government officials and other entities interested in understanding and applying the best available science to the decision making process.