Take Action To Protect Children from Thyroid-Damaging Perchlorate

Last month, I blogged about the EPA's shocking decision NOT to set standards for perchlorate in drinking water. As you may know, perchlorate is a by-product of rocket fuel production that is contaminating water supplies around the country. Perchlorate has been shown to cause thyroid problems in pregnant women, infants and children.

According to the EPA, nearly 17 million Americans are exposed to unsafe levels of perchlorate -- independent researchers say the actual number of people at risk is more like 20 to 40 million. To date, unsafe levels of perchlorate have been found in the water supplies of in 35 states, at levels high enough to negatively affect thyroid function and pose health risks for fetuses and babies. Perchlorate contamination is especially widespread in California and the Southwest, where it's contaminated groundwater, the Colorado River, and produce grown in the area and consumed around the U.S.

A number of EPA scientists have worked for six years to get regulations in place regarding perchlorate, but the Pentagon and the White House have continually opposed regulation.

According to some members of the media, the EPA's latest response was a result of pressure from the White House not to regulate perchlorate. The Pentagon and Defense Department have consistently opposed perchlorate regulation because the primary organizations causing perchlorate contamination in the first place are military bases and rocket test sites. Cleanup of such sites -- which would be required if perchlorate was regulated -- would cost millions of dollars. Defense contractors have threatened to sue the Defense Department to help defray the costs, if perchlorate cleanup is required.

The EPA made their announcement, and then put in place a public comment period -- the timeframe during which the American public has a right to provide response -- only 30 days, which expire on November 10, 2008, just a few days after the national elections.

A number of environmental groups, medical practitioners, and thyroid experts are calling for an extension of the comment period, to allow for various groups to properly assess the EPA materials and submit comments.

As thyroid patients, many of us struggle with the idea of feeling like there is nothing we can do to prevent thyroid disease. Yet, issues like perchlorate exposure are factors in triggering thyroid problems for many Americans, and our government appears to be sweeping the problem under the rug, to help defense contractors instead of defenseless children.

What Can You Do?

Here's exactly what to do, as soon as possible: Write to the EPA, and request an extension of the 30-day comment period.

You can submit your letter via www.regulations.gov or via regular mail to:

Water Docket
Environmental Protection Agency
Mailcode: 2822T
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460

Be sure that any correspondence you send includes the Docket Identification (ID) Number: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0692.

Here is a sample letter you can use or customize:

Docket Identification (ID) Number: EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0692
Preliminary Regulatory Determination on Perchlorate
Re: Request for extension of comment period

I am writing to express my concern regarding the EPA's failure to regulate perchlorate, as well as the proposed reference level, which fails to protect – and will adversely affect -- the health and development of hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of American children.

EPA has spent a number of years researching perchlorate and developing its conclusions – which are considered highly controversial and complex. They require, therefore, the time for measured and throughful public response.

We cannot afford to have this decision rushed through, in the last days of the current administration, and leaving those communities that face the greatest risk without enough time to comment.

It takes time for public and community groups to evaluate EPA's findings, review the ever-changing scientific literature, and prepare comments.

I therefore request that the EPA extend the 30-day comment period on its October 10, 2008 Preliminary Regulatory Determination on Perchlorate to 90 days.

Sincerely,

Your Name

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