Another Formula Warning?

ModernMums, staff
Published April 15, 2009

After writing to you about BPAs in formula and baby bottles, and scaring many parents about what their babies have already been exposed to, now we have another alarming report from the Centers for Disease Control about Perchlorate, a chemical component of rocket fuel. Researchers at the CDC found Perchlorate in 15 brands of powdered baby formula tested. Perchlorate occurs naturally in the environment but is also manufactured for use in rocket propellant, explosives, fireworks, and road flares. Perchlorate is a potent toxin that effects the thyroid: the thyroid is needed for normal growth and development of the central nervous system, and may interfere with fetal and infant brain development. Perchlorate is found in some drinking water in more than 50% of the US states. “Perchlorate contamination of drinking water is a very serious concern, particularly for infants,” said Anila Jacob, M.D., a senior scientist with Environmental Working Group. “As this unprecedented study demonstrates, infants fed cow’s milk-based powdered formula could be exposed to Perchlorate from two sources—tap water and formula. That suggests that millions of American babies are potentially at risk.” The results of the latest study from the CDC found Perchlorate in all brands and types of infant formula, with the highest levels in powdered infant formulas made from cows’ milk containing lactose. This is probably due to the fact that mammals can store Perchlorate. However, the potential good news about infant formula is that infant formula contains iodine. Iodine is an important aspect of thyroid function and in theory would be expected to ameliorate any potential effects that Perchlorate would have to the thyroid. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t regulate Perchlorate in drinking water, but that may change. To find out if your drinking water contains Perchlorate, the EPA suggests calling your state to find out if they require Perchlorate monitoring and if so, what were the results. You can also send a sample of your tap water to a lab certified to analyze perchlorate The EPA’s web site has a state-by-state list of links to drinking water labs. Click here to read this post.