While we believe most people have no idea whether or not perchlorates pose a health risk to them, we would guess that most would err on the side of caution and avoid them if they had the option.

Filters for removing perchlorates?

As a general rule, reverse osmosis filter systems will reduce perchlorate levels in drinking water to a safer level.

You can find a good selection of models on FilterWater.Com, WaterFilters.Net and FiltersFast.Com

Folks in Barstow, CA recently received news that drinking water in their area contains unsafe levels of perchlorates, an inorganic compound used in rocket fuel, fireworks, various types of explosives, flares and matches.

The news prompted restaurants to close because they had no water to cook with and residents rushed out to snatch up bottled water from any store in the area that still had any left.

What harm do perchlorates cause?

In simple terms, perchlorates interfere with the thyroid gland’s ability to absorb iodine, a necessary element for healthy thyroid activity.

Reduced production of certain hormones by the thyroid can have adverse effects on the growth and development of fetuses, infants and young children.

Adults, especially women who smoke, suffer from the effects of perchlorate exposure in the form of altered metabolic rates and metabolic processes.

Testing for perchlorates?

Most people will never have a need to test for perchlorates but for the unfortunate few who do find themselves in need of perchlorate testing, they will need to seek the assistance of a certified water testing laboratory such as National Testing Laboratories because no simple, at-home test kits for perchlorates exist.

National Testing Labs performs perchlorate testing, but not as part of their ‘standard testing packages for homeowners’. Individuals interested in perchlorate testing should call 800-458-3330 and ask for information on submitting a sample of water for perchlorate testing — which will run approximately $125 per sample and take between 10 and 15 days to complete.

You mentioned standard testing packages for homeowners…

Yes, we did mention those test kits — and we did it for a reason. Too many people do NOT know that they have fast, convenient and accredited water testing services at their disposal… so they keep putting off getting their water tested and in doing so they potentially, and quite unnecessarily, leave themselves vulnerable to any and all potential contaminants in their water.

WaterFilters.Net: National Testing Labs 27 Parameter Test Kit
National Testing Labs
27 Parameter Test Kit

WaterFilters.Net: National Testing Labs 83 Parameter Test Kit
National Testing Labs
83 Parameter Test Kit

WaterFilters.Net: National Testing Labs 97 Parameter Test Kit
National Testing Labs
97 Parameter Test Kit