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What You Need to Know About Perchlorate
What it is, How it's used, and why the minute levels found in the environment pose no threat to human health.
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What is Perchlorate?
Perchlorate is a substance with chemical formula ClO4− that consists of one chlorine atom and four oxygen atoms. Perchlorates are often produced by natural processes but are also produced artificially.
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How It's Used
Perchlorates have been used for more than 50 years to treat thyroid disorders. They are also used extensively within the pyrotechnics industry. Ammonium perchlorate is a component of solid rocket propellant (not "rocket fuel"). Lithium perchlorate is used in oxygen “candles” on spacecraft, submarines and in other situations where a reliable backup oxygen supply is needed.
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Where It's Found
Though perchlorate can be man-made, it is well-documented that perchlorate is also naturally occurring; it is formed atmospherically. Naturally occurring perchlorate has been found in water supplies, soils, arid-region plants, organic farming fertilizers and even on Mars.
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History
Perchlorate has been used for decades in healthcare and industrial capacities, from medical treatments to solid rocket propellant (not "rocket fuel"). During this time, a wide array of institutions and organizations have intensively studied perchlorate and its effects. Learn more about the evolution of the use of perchlorate over the past 60 years.