Belle Glade lettuce samples have high levels of toxic rocket fuel component

South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Glenn Singer and Neil Santaniello
Published December 7, 2004

Government scientists have found potentially unhealthy levels of a rocket fuel chemical in more than 90 percent of the milk and lettuce sampled nationwide -- including iceberg and romaine varieties harvested in Palm Beach County -- according to data posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web site.

The chemical, perchlorate, the explosive component in solid rocket propellant, gunpowder and fireworks, is being studied because it could be contaminating water supplies and causing harm to unborn babies, infants and children. It can affect the thyroid gland's ability to produce developmental hormones.

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