Perchlorate – properties, toxicity and human health effects: an updated review

Abstract

Interest in perchlorate as environmental pollutant has increased since 1997, when high concentrations have been found in the waters of the Colorado River, USA. Perchlorate is very persistent in nature and it is slowly degraded. Although harmful effects of large doses of perchlorate on thyroid function have been proven, the environmental effects are still unclear. The primary objective of the present review is to collect prevailing data of perchlorate exposure and to discuss its impact on human health. The results show that more than 50% of reviewed works found significant associations of perchlorate exposure and human health. This review consists of the following sections: general information of perchlorate sources, its properties and determination methods, role and sources in human body including food and water intake, overview of the scientific literature on the research on the effect of perchlorate on human health from 2010 to 2020. Finally, conclusions and recommendations on future perchlorate studies concerning human exposure are presented.

Microbiome Diversity Analysis of the Bacterial Community in Idah River, Kogi State, Nigeria

“…It can be naturally introduced into water bodies from fertilizer run-offs and potash ores, unfortunately, perchlorates are highly stable and persistent in the environment and can cause a disruption in the functionality of the thyroid gland when ingested in humans at high concentrations. Perchlorates cause disruption by blocking the protein responsible for pumping iodine, hence inhibit the uptake of iodine into the body [52] [53] [54]. Magnetospirillum, another prevalent microbe discovered at both docking sites, belongs to the diverse group of Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB).…”

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals’ Effects in Children: What We Know and What We Need to Learn?

“…People are exposed to perchlorates by transdermal contact, inhalation and ingestion. These compounds were classified as goitrogen due to their ability to inhibit the iodine uptake by thyroid cells disrupting the metabolism of thyroid hormones [ 111 , 112 ]. It is difficult to avoid perchlorate exposure, but its negative effects can be minimized by getting enough iodine in one’s diet or using iodized salt.…”

Studies on perchlorate levels in powdered infant formulas available on the Polish market

“…The CONTAM Panel indicated newborns, infants and toddlers as the most vulnerable group to perchlorate acute toxicity [11]. Perchlorate can enter the human body via transdermal, inhalation and, most importantly, oral routes of exposure [7]. It was revealed that breast milk and powdered infant formulas (PIFs) are the most likely sources of perchlorate for newborns and infants [12].…”

“…Abnormal thyroid function caused by the perchlorate toxicity may lead to serious physical, as well as mental health issues [6]. A comprehensive review of the perchlorate properties, sources and toxicity to humans has been recently published elsewhere by the Authors [7].Regulatory status of perchlorate seems to be controversial and uncertain. In 1998, perchlorate were placed on the Contaminate Candidate List 1 (CCL1) published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).…”

“…Abnormal thyroid function caused by the perchlorate toxicity may lead to serious physical, as well as mental health issues [6]. A comprehensive review of the perchlorate properties, sources and toxicity to humans has been recently published elsewhere by the Authors [7].…”