http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-rocket-fuel-pollution%%2C0%%2C5906838...
EPA might not act to limit rocket fuel in drinking water
Chicago Tribune
By ERICA WERNER | Associated Press Writer
May 6, 2008
WASHINGTON - An EPA official said Tuesday there's a "distinct possibility" the
agency won't take action to rid drinking water of a toxic rocket fuel
ingredient that has contaminated public water supplies around the country.
Democratic senators called that unacceptable. They argued that states and
local communities shouldn't have to bear the expense of cleansing their
drinking water of perchlorate, which has been found in at least 395 sites in
35 states -- or the risk of not doing so.
The toxin interferes with thyroid function and poses developmental health
risks, particularly to fetuses.
Benjamin Grumbles, assistant administrator for water at the Environmental
Protection Agency, told a Senate hearing that EPA is aware that perchlorate is
widespread and poses health risks.
But he said that after years of study, EPA has yet to determine whether
regulating perchlorate in drinking water would do much good.