CDC: Rocket fuel chemical found in baby formula [OMG!]

ATLANTA – Traces of a chemical used in rocket fuel were found in samples of powdered baby formula, and could exceed what’s considered a safe dose for adults if mixed with water also contaminated with the ingredient, a government study has found.

The study by scientists at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked for the chemical, perchlorate, in different brands of powdered baby formula. It was published last month, but the Environmental Working Group — a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization — issued a press release Thursday drawing attention to it.

[EWG is also know for A) their works to force the government to give loans to black farmers due to years of discrimination, B) claims that the State mandated fire retardant chemicals in furniture are killing off our pet population (guessing they aren't part of the spay and neuter advocates) C) claim that mining companies, by default, are intent only on despoiling the earth]

The chemical has turned up in several cities’ drinking water supplies. It can occur naturally, but most perchlorate contamination has been tied to defense and aerospace sites.

No tests have ever shown the chemical caused health problems, but scientists have said significant amounts of perchlorate can affect thyroid function. The thyroid helps set the body’s metabolism. Thyroid problems can impact fetal and infant brain development.

[Double emphasis on "No tests have ever shown the chemical caused health problems", but then note that it takes significant amounts to affect thyroid function (not necessarily negatively, since some medicines based on the chemical are perscribed for hypothyroidism) but that on line one it mentions that traces have been found. Traces of brown on the bottom of your tighty-whiteys may mean the chili you had for dinner was extra delicious, but it is significantly different than pooing your britches]

However, the extent of the risk is hard to assess. The government requires that formula contain iodine, which counteracts perchlorate’s effects. The size of the infant and how much formula they consume are other factors that can influence risk.

[So it seems that the government has already mandated the "antidote" to this potentially harmful rocket fuel is included in the formula. But then it is hard to assess, so lets err on the side of already including the antidote... so why is this a big deal since it already seems taken care of?]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, aware of the debate over perchlorate in food and water, has not recommended that people alter their diet or eating habits because of the chemical.

The study itself sheds little light on how dangerous the perchlorate in baby formula is. “This wasn’t a study of health effects,” said Dr. Joshua Schier, one of the authors.

The largest amounts of the chemical were in formulas derived from cow’s milk, the study said.

The researchers would not disclose the brands of formula they studied. Only a few samples were studied, so it’s hard to know if the perchlorate levels would be found in all containers of those brands, a CDC spokesman said.

“This study provides no data on potential health effects of perchlorate. Health authorities continue to emphasize that infant formula is safe,” said Haley Curtis Stevens of the International Formula Council, which represent formula manufacturers.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it was considering setting new limits on the amount of perchlorate that would be acceptable in drinking water. A few states have already set their own limits.

[This only makes sense since no tests have ever shown adverse health problems from the rocket fuel we so readily consume in trace amounts. We can always use more requirements and tests of products. It'll only drive the price up a smidge and make sure anyone with a kid needs their WIC formula]

The agency issued a statement Friday saying perchlorate exposure is a serious issue and “a top priority” for EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. EPA officials expect to announce a decision soon about future steps in dealing with the chemical.

[Of course, if I knew we got trace elements of rocket fuel in my food, I'd make it a top priority. Especially when it has been proven time and again to be such a dangerous chemical, especially in trace amounts]

The EPA has checked nearly 4,000 public water supplies serving 10,000 people or more. About 160 of the water systems had detectable levels of perchlorate, and 31 had levels high enough to exceed a new safety level the EPA is considering.

[And what is the basis of this safety level? How much will it cost to bring the water supply of our country into compliance with these new safety levels? At least it will be money well spent on keeping a dangerous chemical out of our bodies. I mean, its found in rocket fuel!!! That means it has to be bad. Of course carbon is found in oil, so we should be sure not to eat any foods with trace amounts of carbon in them. Oxygen is a key element in rocket engines, and in significant amounts can even cause oxygen toxcicity and death. We should regulate the air and make sure we aren't getting too much oxygen as well!]

And just because it wouldn’t feel right to not include a comic, this is from Sheldon.