Update on CDC Report on trace perchlorate in baby formula

The AP recently made reference to a CDC study reporting that traces of perchlorate found in powdered baby formula could exceed what's considered a safe dose for adults if mixed with water also contaminated with perchlorate. The article acknowledged that the government requires that baby formula contain iodine, which counteracts the effects of not only perchlorate, but also nitrate and thiocyanate. All three ions inhibit the uptake of iodine by the thyroid by the same mode of toxicity.

Overall, the thyroid is susceptible to four major stressors, including iodine deficiency. The following points put these stressors in perspective, especially with regard to environmental remediation. 

1. Iodine deficiency has a much stronger effect on lowering the total iodide uptake by the thyroid in humans than can be compensated for by reducing environmental exposure to perchlorate, nitrate, and/or thiocyanate.
2. Reducing human exposure to perchlorate, nitrate and thiocyanate can not compensate for mild or moderate iodine deficiency in humans.
3. Lowering nitrate exposure in drinking water is a more effective approach to increasing maternal total iodide uptake than lowering the perchlorate Drinking Water Equivalent Level (DWEL) below the EPA Reference Dose level of 24.5 parts per billion.

In summary, there is a legitimate concern relating to exposure of infants and fetuses to nitrate and perchlorate because of their effect on developmental thyroid function.Such concerns can be addressed by ensuring adequate iodine intake, and exercising care in choosing how to meet dietary needs, including avoiding consumption of vegetables and fruit suspected or known to be hydrated with water containing one or more of the thyroid stressors mentioned above.

A full GFS Update on this topic can be found at www.gfschemicals.com.

For a broader perspective on issues such as these, the reader can Google "seattle perchlorate symposium" for numerous hits, or try the following link:

http://www.kleinfelder.com/perchlorate.2008.seattle/.