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By Dr. Rita Evelyne Joshua, Publishing Associate: Researcher and Writer at Save the Water™ | February 21, 2026
Edited by Apurva Makashir, Publishing Vice President at Save the Water™
Perchlorate contamination has been detected in soil, water, and air since 1950. This has raised serious concerns in recent years, with their documentation in food and breast milk.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new limits for perchlorate in drinking water to protect public health. The agency has suggested a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 0.02 mg/L, with alternative proposed limits of 0.04 mg/L or 0.08 mg/L. Thus, this proposal reflects growing concern about the health risks associated with perchlorate exposure, particularly its impact on thyroid function and fetal development.
Perchlorate is a highly stable and water-soluble chemical. Industries widely use it in rocket fuel, missiles, fireworks, explosives, matches, and some fertilizers. Additionally, it can also form as a by-product during water disinfection processes that use chlorine-based compounds such as bleach and sodium hypochlorite. Manufacturers use it in antistatic plastics found in food packaging as well.
Perchlorate occurs naturally in certain regions, including Chile and the southwestern United States. However, industrial activities have significantly increased their presence in the environment. Now, perchlorate contamination is widespread in China, the US, Canada, parts of India, and Chile.
Perchlorate dissolves easily in water and does not bind strongly to soil. Therefore, it spreads quickly into groundwater and surface water. As a result, it contaminates drinking water sources.
Industrial facilities that manufacture fireworks, rocket fuel, and explosives often release perchlorate into nearby soil and water. Additionally, fertilizers such as saltpeter and its derivatives can also leave residues in soil. When farmers irrigate crops with contaminated water, plants absorb perchlorate, which then enters the food chain.
Furthermore, researchers have detected perchlorate in meat, seafood, vegetables, and baby formula. They have also found it in shellfish, shrimp, and crawfish. In some studies conducted in the United States, China, and the European Union, perchlorate contamination exceeded recommended safety limits.
Surprisingly, scientists have even discovered perchlorate deposits in remote regions such as Antarctica and Greenland, likely transported through the atmosphere.
Perchlorate interferes with the thyroid gland’s abilityiodine. Iodine plays a critical role in balancing hormones for growth, reproduction, metabolism, and brain development. When perchlorate blocks iodine uptake, can lead to hypothyroidism and other thyroid disorders.
Additionally, infants and young children face the greatest risk when consuming perchlorate-contaminated water or food. Higher levels of perchlorates can affect early brain development and other aspects of children's growth.
Studies also show perchlorate can pass from mother to baby through breast milk, which also affects the normal function of the thyroid.
Regulatory agencies worldwide have set safety limits to reduce exposure:
The European Union set the maximum dietary exposure at 1.4 µg/kg body weight (0.0014 mg/kg).
The World Health Organization (WHO) set a guideline value of 0.07 mg/L for perchlorate in drinking water.
Several U.S. states have already established enforceable limits while the EPA finalizes federal standards.
Communities and industries can reduce perchlorate contamination by:
Treating contaminated water using ion-exchange resins, reverse osmosis, or biological treatment methods.
Using perchlorate-free fertilizers.
Monitoring industrial waste disposal.
If you live near a perchlorate-contaminated area, such as the firework industry, test your water before using it.
The US EPA took a positive step by setting standards to regulate perchlorate contamination in the environment. These standards help control perchlorate exposure through food and water. However, authorities must focus on implementing remediation strategies and actively monitoring contaminated sites to ensure a clean and safe environment for the future.
Save the Water™ is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to conduct research to identify and remove harmful contaminants in water and to raise public awareness about water contamination and its health impacts.
