Federal panel finds fault with EPA on perchlorate standards

Federal panel finds fault with EPA on perchlorate standards

WASHINGTON - A federal panel of scientists has questioned the policy of the Environmental Protection Agency on limits set on a chemical that is believed to have contaminated drinking water, thus rendering the population vulnerable to its side effects. The EPA's Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee has blasted the agency for its goal on perchlorate, which is used in rocket fuel.

The chemical is also used in fireworks and road flares. The committee comprising 26 scientists felt that the EPA has not taken into account the damage that could be caused by the chemical especially to children. Perchlorate is also known to interfere with the production of thyroid hormones.

Melanie Marty of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment at California, who is also the chairwoman of the panel, wrote that the limit proposed by the EPA "is not supported by the underlying science and can result in exposures that pose neurodevelopmental risks in early life."

The letter sent to EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson also said the agency would be responsible for any neurological damage to babies unless corrections are made. The letter also said that the interim goal "does not protect infants and should be lowered."

Renee Sharp, an Environmental Working Group scientist, who has been analyzing perchlorate for over six years agreed that the EPA was not setting proper goals, "It's time for the EPA to wake up and listen to what the states and its own advisors are saying: Perchlorate is a threat to children at very small doses," Sharp stressed "The Bush Administration has given no sign that it's going to set a national drinking water standard, and the EPA's recommendations leave children at risk.

A non-enforceable 'standard' that doesn't protect the most vulnerable populations is worth nothing." Sharp also said the CDC must act and not just sit on this data that is so valuable for protecting children, "Once again, in the face of inaction by the Bush Administration, states such as Massachusetts and California are stepping forward to protect public health."