'Rocket fuel' found in US baby formula

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:34:13 GMT | PressTV

While the contamination of baby formula is not unheard of, this is the first time that rocket fuel-tainted formula has been found in the US.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported trace levels of perchlorate -- a chemical used as the main ingredient in solid rocket fuel, fireworks, and road flares -- in certain brands of baby formula.

Authorities declined from saying which brands had been tested.

The report revealed that the cow milk-based formula contained more perchlorate than soymilk- and lactose-free cow milk-based formulas.

While the Environmental Protection Agency reports perchlorate levels are within the safe range, the report has caused public health concerns about the damage the compound can cause to the function of the thyroid.

Perchlorate can inhibit the thyroid gland's iodine uptake, interfering with fetal development, the study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology reports.

Reports indicating the presence of perchlorate in the water supplies of 35 states particularly near defense and aerospace sites have aggravated the condition.

Many believe American babies are at an increased risk, as they are not only exposed to the compound in baby formula but also in tap water.

Scientists believe to counteract the effects of perchlorate iodine must be added to formula and urge the government to set a stricter perchlorate health advisory level.