What is this perchlorate that can be in your water and food? Let's talk about it!

It's normal to feel a little scared and curious when we hear about the various chemicals in the food we eat and the water we drink, right? So, one chemical that we need to pay attention to is 'Perchlorate'. You may not have heard of this name. But it's very important to know how this affects our health, especially our thyroid gland.

Okay, so let's first see what this Perchlorate is?

Simply put, perchlorate is a man-made chemical. It has no color or odor. It is mostly used in making things like rocket fuel, gunpowder, fireworks, and road flares.

Now you might be thinking, "How can something in rocket fuel affect me?" The problem is, when this chemical gets into the environment, it can leach into our soil and water sources. Then, it can get into the water we drink and some of the foods we eat .

Research has shown that exposure to this chemical at low levels is normal. However, exposure at high levels can disrupt the functioning of the thyroid gland, a very important gland in our body. Health experts also suspect that it may affect the brain development of children and young babies in the womb.

Could Perchlorate be in the water we drink? What do we need to know about it?

This is a problem that many people have. Although some countries have not yet enacted health regulations on this issue, some states and expert groups are paying close attention to it.

This chemical is usually found in water sources near factories that produce or use things like rocket fuel. But sometimes it can be found in water in places where there is no obvious source.

How do you know about your water?

You can try to find out more about this by talking to your local water board. Their details are on your water bill.

If you are using private well water, it is best to have the water tested by an approved lab.

What to do if there is Perchlorate in the water?

But there are things you can do:

• Bottled water: If you have doubts, you can temporarily use bottled water.
• Water filter: Not all filters remove this chemical, but some say that this chemical can be removed with a specialized water filtration system called a point-of-use reverse osmosis (RO) . These are devices that are usually installed in a single faucet, such as under the kitchen sink .

Besides water, how else can this get into the body?

There are several other ways to be exposed to this chemical, not just through water. Let's see it clearly in a table.

What are the real health risks of Perchlorate?

Here's the important part. If we ingest high levels of perchlorate, it directly affects the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland at the front of our neck.

Think of it like the engine of our body. The hormones it produces control many things, including our metabolism and heart rate . These thyroid hormones are essential for the proper development of the brain in babies and young children.

How does perchlorate work?

The thyroid gland needs a mineral called iodine to produce its hormones. That's why we add iodine to the salt we eat. Now, this chemical called perchlorate prevents the thyroid gland from absorbing iodine. It's like closing a door.

Long-term exposure to high levels of perchlorate can lead to a condition called hypothyroidism , which, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, depression, and birth defects.

Who is most at risk?

Babies and children are at greater risk than adults because thyroid hormones are crucial for the development of their bodies and brains.

If I am pregnant, what should I do?

Don't worry. The best thing to do is to talk to your doctor and make sure you are getting the right amount of iodine. In our country, most people get the required amount due to the use of iodized salt. However, do not take any extra vitamins or minerals (supplements) for any reason unless your doctor recommends it.