Rocket-Fuel Ingredient, Perchlorate In Our Tap Water By WaterTech, on 14-11-2008
Rocket-fuel ingredient perchloratehas been inmore than 90 percent of sodium hypochlorite samples from production facilities across North America, reports an article in the November issue of Journal AWWA, the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) peer-reviewed publication. The article, entitled “Occurrence of Perchlorate in Sodium Hypochlorite” and authored by Peter Greiner and colleagues, is the result of an NSF International survey. In response to recent findings of perchlorate in sodium hypochlorite, NSF surveyed sodium hypochlorite products used to treat drinking water to better understand the occurrence of perchlorate as a contaminant. The authors found a trend of increasing perchlorate concentration as the hypochlorite aged. They also discovered that the duration and conditions of storage can affect the levels of the contaminant in a utility’s hypochlorite supplies — and ultimately its drinking water. According to an abstract of the article, “The investigation provided a basis for recommendations to minimize perchlorate formation and lower the potential for its unintended addition to drinking water. Sodium hypochlorite should be stored in the dark at cool temperatures, diluted if possible, and used within a few weeks of manufacture.” Perchlorate, a chemical also used in the manufacture of fireworks, is considered a contaminant of health concern because exposure to high levels over extended periods may adversely affect thyroid activity. Some states are beginning to regulate perchlorate absent a federal standard. To access the article abstract, click here (AWWA membership is required to view full article). For related information, click here. http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=70952 http://www.noonehastodietomorrow.com//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=517&Itemid=115 ~~~ Occurrence of perchlorate in sodium hypochlorite Peter Greiner, Clif McLellan, Dale Bennett, and Angie Ewing Perchlorate is a contaminant of health concern because exposure to high levels over extended periods may adversely affect thyroid activity. In response to recent findings of perchlorate in sodium hypochlorite, NSF International surveyed sodium hypochlorite products used to treat drinking water to better understand the occurrence of perchlorate as a contaminant. Perchlorate contamination was found to occur in more than 90% of sodium hypochlorite samples from production facilities across North America. Results also indicated a trend of increasing perchlorate concentration as the hypochlorite aged. The duration and conditions of storage can affect the levels of the contaminant in a utility’s hypochlorite supplies and ultimately its drinking water. The investigation provided a basis for recommendations to minimize perchlorate formation and lower the potential for its unintended addition to drinking water. Sodium hypochlorite should be stored in the dark at cool temperatures, diluted if possible, and used within a few weeks of manufacture.—MPM Full Text in PDF (Login required) http://www.awwa.org/publications/AWWAJournalArticle.cfm?itemnumber=42398
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