Can Fireworks Be Dangerous to Your Thyroid?
Tuesday July 1, 2008
As America gears up for the traditional Fourth of July fireworks displays, scientists are looking at ways to make fireworks more environmentally friendly, while minimizing potential health risks. Chemical & Engineering News has an interesting story, Pyrotechnics For The Planet, that focuses on the use of potassium perchlorate in fireworks, and the connection between perchlorate to thyroid problems. You can also read Roland Piquepaille's blog recap of the situation at ZDNet. Also, learn more about how the thyroid is affected by perchlorate -- which is a byproduct of rocket and firework production that is contaminating water supplies around the nation.
Photo: clipart.com
Comments
Geez Louise this is a bit off the charts,
I won’t be back for a while!
Isn’t this a bit alarmist?
This is not off the wall at all! Perchlorate contamination of our water supply is affecting thyroid patients all over the country, and the contamination is sneaky because most don’t even know it is there! We need to not only educate ourselves on the use of this dangerous chemical, we need to protect ourselves from the long term effects.
I have to agree with Catherine. I’ve seen reports about perchlorates negatively affecting thyroid function in reputable news sources for quite some time. Defense contractors like Lockheed-Martin are dealing with a lot of lawsuits because of it. States are beginning to get on the bandwagon by limiting drinking water exposure, but even at the lower levels new research is showing negative effects. I’m guessing that once a year fireworks probably have a negligible effect compared to industry and fertilizer, but you never know. Do a google search or just click on Mary’s links to read more. You’ll end up being more upset that you haven’t heard enough about it on the news!