EPA Will Consider Limiting Rocket Fuel in Drinking Water
Last year the EPA proposed not setting a national standard for perchlorate in drinking water. However, dangerous levels of perchlorate, which is a toxic component of rocket fuel, have been found in at least 395 locations in 35 states.
Nonetheless, the EPA previously held:
“that in over 99% of public drinking water systems, perchlorate was not at levels of public health concern. Therefore, based on the Safe Water Drinking Act criteria, the Agency determined there is not a ‘meaningful opportunity for health risk reduction’ through a national drinking water regulation.”
This was a controversial decision since perchlorate is highly toxic (it interferes with human thyroid functions) and has been found in drinking water at dangerous levels. As a result, many states took to regulating this chemical on their own.
With their announcement on Thursday, the EPA has decided to take a second look at their original decision not to regulate the chemical. The Agency is now seeking advice from the National Academy of Sciences to determine whether a national regulation for perchlorate in drinking water should be imposed. In the meantime, the Agency is recommending a maximum perchlorate level in drinking water of 15 parts per billion.
Most perchlorate contamination in drinking water stems from military and aerospace activities, but can also result from civilian activities such as fireworks.
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