Perchlorate in Baby Food: How Did It Get There?

In summary, the conversation discusses the presence of perchlorates, a type of rocket fuel, in various sources such as baby food and drinking water. The article mentions that perchlorate has been found in many water supplies, including the Colorado River, and can be passed along through cow's milk. It also mentions that perchlorates are not highly toxic in solution, but can be unstable in salt form.
  • #1
Woody101
I just read the following article on MSN News http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30028134/wid/11915773?GT1=31036 and I was wondering what kind of perchlorates? The only perchlorate rocket fuel I am famaliar with is ammonium perchlorate used in the solid fuel boosters on the Space Shuttle. That was the same stuff that gave Pepcon in Henderson, NV a new address with 17 different zip codes back in the late 80s. Anybody got any idea of how it could get into baby food?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
Interesting article. Here is another one: http://www.organicconsumers.org/perchlorate.htm

Which tastes better; antifreeze, lead, or rocket fuel?
 
  • #3
The story reported that the baby food that contained cow's milk had the highest contamination levels. Perchlorate has been found in 350 water supplies in California including the Colorado River.

Perchlorate contaminates more than 350 drinking water sources in California alone. Nationally, perchlorate contamination of drinking water has been confirmed by testing in 22 states. Among contaminated sources is the Colorado River, which not only provides drinking water for Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas and other cities, but also irrigates 1.4 million acres of farmland in California and Arizona. Many crop and feed plants, including lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and alfalfa, concentrate perchlorate in their tissues when grown with contaminated water. This perchlorate, in turn, can be passed along in cows' (or human's) milk.

http://www.ewg.org/reports/rocketmilk
 
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  • #4
http://www.enzian.org/images/brouhaha/2008/Rocket_Baby.jpg
 
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  • #5
Perchlorates aren't terribly dangerous or toxic in solution. The perchlorate ion (solvated) is unusually stable, which is related to why perchlorate salts are so very unstable.
 

Related to Perchlorate in Baby Food: How Did It Get There?

1. What is "rocket fuel" in baby food?

"Rocket fuel" is a term used to refer to the chemical compound perchlorate, which is sometimes found in trace amounts in certain types of baby food. Perchlorate is commonly used as a propellant in rockets and missiles.

2. How does "rocket fuel" end up in baby food?

Perchlorate can contaminate food and water sources through various industrial processes, such as the production of explosives and fertilizers. It can also occur naturally in certain areas with high levels of rock erosion. In some cases, perchlorate can be found in the soil where crops are grown, and can then be transferred to food products.

3. Is "rocket fuel" harmful to babies?

The presence of perchlorate in baby food is a concern because it is known to interfere with the function of the thyroid gland, which is essential for proper development and growth. However, the levels of perchlorate found in baby food are typically very low and are not expected to cause significant harm to babies. The FDA has set a safe daily limit for perchlorate intake and regularly monitors levels in baby food products.

4. How can parents avoid "rocket fuel" in their baby's food?

Parents can reduce their baby's exposure to perchlorate by choosing baby food products that have been tested and found to have low levels of the compound. They can also opt for homemade baby food made from fresh, organic ingredients, as these are less likely to contain perchlorate. Additionally, ensuring that drinking water is from a safe source can also help reduce perchlorate intake.

5. What is being done to address the issue of "rocket fuel" in baby food?

The FDA has been working with manufacturers to reduce or eliminate perchlorate contamination in baby food products. In 2016, the agency issued a guidance document for industry to help minimize perchlorate levels in baby food. The FDA also continues to monitor levels of perchlorate in food and water sources, and takes action when necessary to ensure safety for consumers.

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