--> Abstract: Reconnaissance Study of Perchlorate Contaminated Sites, by Brian D. Smith and Dibyendu Sarkar; #90078 (2008)

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Reconnaissance Study of Perchlorate Contaminated Sites

Brian D. Smith and Dibyendu Sarkar
Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX

An environment free from substances that present adverse health effects or that impede an aesthetically pleasing neighborhood is an expectation of most Americans. Our expectation has been promulgated through a vast array of regulations. Since 1966, there have been no less than 25 major US environmental laws enacted. Designed to protect human health, control environmental contaminants, or restore an environment to its pre-anthropogenic condition, these laws offered promise in reducing risks or restoring the environment. What resulted is an amalgamation of statutes, regulations and principles that cover pollution, wastes and endangered species. This amalgamation, in some cases, has done nothing more than to create a bureaucracy of oversight and reporting that offers only a band-aid to the real human health risks found within the environment. This research focused upon perchlorate which is commonly used in the manufacture of solid proponents for missiles, fireworks, road flares, blasting agents and air bags. It is found at low levels in the drinking water of 35 states, is known to accumulate in milk, and is known to interrupt the normal functioning of the thyroid which may interfere with fetal development. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has not yet established drinking water limits. This research will evaluate the prevalence of perchlorate in drinking water at or near sites where it was used as a rocket fuel component, the sample activities, analytical methods and data analysis, applicable regulatory limits and the control measures employed and related regulatory limits. The end point of this study will be an assessment of the gap between health risks and employed site controls, an assessment of the effectiveness of governing policy, and the identification of what we believe to be an achievable environmental control where a significant gap exists.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas