Perchlorate Sources Courses

Perchlorate is a naturally occurring and man-made anion used in a wide variety of products and applications. It is a salt of perchloric acid and is composed of one chlorine atom and four oxygen atoms, making it an oxyanion. Perchlorate is often used as an oxidizing agent and fuel in rocket and missile boosters, fireworks, safety flares and explosives. It is also found in the military, automotive and aerospace industries. Naturally occurring perchlorate sources occur in soil and groundwater, usually as a result of weathering of natural minerals, which contain perchlorate salts. In many parts of the world, particularly arid or semi-arid regions, perchlorate salts can be released from dry lakebeds and airborne deposits from nearby military or testing sites. For this reason, it is commonly found in drinking water supplies in these areas. Man-made sources of perchlorate are primarily a result of the production of this material for use in rocket propellant, pyrotechnics, automotive airbags and other products. Disposal practices associated with these industries, such as wastewater discharge, can result in perchlorate contamination in nearby water sources and aquatic life. People are also exposed to perchlorate in products they use every day such as detergents, pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals and food packaging. Additionally, workers in industries that use perchlorate can be exposed to it through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion. Perchlorate is a highly regulated substance, with the United States and many other countries instituting limits for its contents in drinking water. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration has set limits for its content in food packaging and other products that come in contact with food.