Fact Sheet #3: Perchlorate (Cl04-)
1. Ammonium perchlorate is a man-made inorganic salt that is a strong oxidizer
which is used as a component of solid rocket fuel, munitions and in the
pyrotechnics fireworks industry. Ammonium perchlorate in fireworks produces
the blue colors. Perchlorate continues to be manufactured and used
nationwide.
2. Ammonium perchlorate is very soluble and is mobile in groundwater and
surface water. The chemical degrades very slowly in the environment.
3. Risk studies will determine whether or if there may be an impact to the
environment or human health. Until the scientific studies are completed at the
national level, we do not know the effects of low concentrations of
perchlorate. Currently it is known that the Las Vegas Wash is transporting
perchlorate contamination into Lake Mead which then feeds into the Colorado
River.
4. A form of perchlorate has been used in medication for hyperthyroidism
(Graves Disease). Potassium perchlorate disrupts the thyroids gland's ability
to properly utilize iodine to produce thyroid hormones.
5. Current location information on perchlorate contamination of groundwater and
surface water in Arizona is limited since the chemical is not a regulated
drinking water contaminant. Testing has been conducted by EPA along the
Colorado River with results ranging from "not-detected" to 9 parts per billion.
Other sampling conducted in Arizona along the CAP, in municipalities, Lake
Havasu, Jose De Sonita River, Salt River, Verde River, and near some
industrial parks ranged from "not-detected" to 6 parts per billion.
6. The Las Vegas area has groundwater contamination ranging from 630,000
parts per billion to 3,700,000 parts per billion. Utah has reported groundwater
contamination ranging up to 200 parts per billion.
7. Laboratory methods to test for perchlorate could not get below 400 parts per
billion detection level until the first part of 1997. Analysis of water samples
conducted in August of 1998 used a modified laboratory method which is able
to reach down to 1 part per billion using Ion Chromatography.
8. California currently has an interim health standard of 18 parts per billion. If
results are above this level, water systems in California are required to
remove that source from the drinking water system or to conduct public
notification. California is able to do this since they have the legal authorities
within their Department of Health.
9. There are currently no cost effective treatment technologies that can remove
perchlorate from the drinking water, groundwater or surface water. Research
is ongoing to find a cost effective treatment technology.
10. Risk studies on perchlorate and its effects on human health are underway,
and a revised reference dose is anticipated to be completed by the US EPA by
January of 1999. ADEQ is a member of the Interagency Perchlorate Steering
Committee (IPSC) which is a national group headed by the US EPA. It is the
goal of ADEQ to keep the communities in Arizona up to date on this emerging
issue.
Additional information and updates on the issues of perchlorate can be obtained from
the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline located in Washington, D.C. toll free at: (800)
426-4791. Updated information can also be obtained on the US EPA Perchlorate
website located at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/perchlorate/perchlorate.html |
