What can percholorate do? Here's a bit of an answer.

Information about perchlorate exposure
Comments 11
November 22, 2010 10:59 AM
From Staff Reports

BARSTOW • San Bernardino County’s Department of Public Health has released a statement describing the effect of perchlorates on the body for the benfefit of Barstow residents concerned about their exposure:

The release in part reads:

“The county and the state do not know how much perchlorate residents have consumed. However, even though the levels detected last week — 4 to 97 parts per billion — exceed state guidelines, these levels would most likely not have a health impact on even the most sensitive individual.

“Any effects from perchlorate exposure are long-term. People exposed to perchlorate do not experience immediate symptoms. Adverse health effects associated with perchlorate exposure at harmful levels are expected to be similar to those caused by iodine deficiency in humans. In those cases signs include: impairment in physical development, behavior, movement, speech, hearing, vision, and intelligence. Fever and nausea are NOT symptoms of perchlorate exposure.

“People concerned about having been exposed to perchlorate do not require emergency medical attention. People concerned about having been exposed to perchlorate should advise their doctors, who in turn will determine whether testing and treatment are necessary.

“Perchlorate is a chemical that can interfere with human thyroid gland function, potentially causing symptoms of thyroid gland dysfunction and affecting fetal growth during pregnancy. The most sensitive individuals include pregnant women and their fetuses, lactating women, especially those who are getting less than a sufficient amount of iodine, infants, and individuals with thyroid problems.”