A leaked report indicates the Environmental Protection Agency is not going to regulate a chemical linked to thyroid problems. In Georgia, the chemical has shown up in at least 3 drinking water sources. .
The chemical is called perchlorate. It’s a component of rocket-fuel and has been found in fertilizers and people across the nation. The Centers for Disease Control found it all the people it tested in a 2001-2002 study.
An EPA report leaked to the Washington Post suggests the federal government will not regulate perchlorate in drinking water. That means it’s up to the state to limit the chemical.
Government scientists found perchlorate in drinking water sources in Fayette, Oconee and Houston counties. The levels ranged from 5 to 38 parts per billion. The CDC says rates that high in people disrupt hormones and would require treatment for some pregnant women to prevent developmental risk to babies.
The EPA will make a final decision on federal regulation in December. Public comment opens in a few weeks
