EPA to limit rocket fuel chemical in tap water

[The Straight Story]

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency is setting the first drinking water standard for a toxic rocket fuel ingredient linked to thyroid problems in pregnant women and young children, the Obama administration is to announce on Wednesday.

Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa Jackson will say that setting the standard will spark new technologies to clean up drinking water, according to a press release obtained by The Associated Press. Based on monitoring conducted from 2001 to 2005, 153 drinking water sources in 26 states contain perchlorate. The standard could take up to two years to develop.


Perchlorate is also used in fireworks and explosives. In most cases, water contamination has been caused by improper disposal at rocket testing sites, military bases and chemical plants.

"As improved standards are developed and put in place . clean water technology innovators have an opportunity to create cutting edge solutions that will strengthen health protections and spark economic growth," Jackson says in the statement.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41386995/ns/health-health_care/from/toolbar

[LiberalEsto]

1. How very thoughtful of them

I wonder when they'll get off their asses and do something about all the other crap in our drinking water.