EPA to limit rocket fuel chemical in tap water

[tabatha]

Toxic ingredient linked to thyroid problems in pregnant women, young children

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency is setting the first drinking water standard for a toxic rocket fuel ingredient linked to thyroid problems in pregnant women and young children, the Obama administration is to announce on Wednesday.

Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa Jackson will say that setting the standard will spark new technologies to clean up drinking water, according to a press release obtained by The Associated Press. Based on monitoring conducted from 2001 to 2005, 153 drinking water sources in 26 states contain perchlorate. The standard could take up to two years to develop.

Perchlorate is also used in fireworks and explosives. In most cases, water contamination has been caused by improper disposal at rocket testing sites, military bases and chemical plants.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41386995/ns/health-health_care/from/toolbar

[mhatrw]

1. perchlorate is highly toxic stuff n/t