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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Rocket Fuel Chemical Found in Baby Formula

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(Newser) – Traces of a chemical used in rocket fuel have been found in several brands of powdered baby formula, according to a CDC study. The chemical, perchlorate, has also been found in several cities’ water supplies; if that water is combined with contaminated formula, it could exceed the level of perchlorate that’s considered safe for adults, the AP reports.

No studies have ever linked perchlorate to health problems, so the risks the baby formulas pose are unclear. Scientists say they believe significant amounts of the chemical could affect thyroid function. Researchers are not disclosing which brands were studied, though they said the biggest traces were found in formulas derived from cow’s milk.

Cans of powdered baby formula are seen locked behind glass on shelves at a pharmacy June 7, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois.
Cans of powdered baby formula are seen locked behind glass on shelves at a pharmacy June 7, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois.   (Getty Images)
Some baby formula brands contain a chemical also found in rocket fuel.
Some baby formula brands contain a chemical also found in rocket fuel.   (Shutterstock)
Cans of powdered baby formula are seen locked behind glass on shelves at a pharmacy June 7, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois.
Cans of powdered baby formula are seen locked behind glass on shelves at a pharmacy June 7, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois.   (Getty Images)
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4 comments
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TerrifiedCitizen
Apr 3, 09 11:55 AM CDT
And almonds contain trace amounts of cyanide... it's all about quantities and combination's, and less to do with what we traditionally think of as poisons. Reply
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Mr.C
Apr 3, 09 12:31 PM CDT
+1
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shonangreg
Apr 3, 09 9:44 PM CDT
Humans's have had a history of being exposed to trace amounts of cyanide. Phtlates, plutonium, and rocket fuel? Not so much. This is something to worry about and not dismiss casually as yet one more environmental hazard.
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riffran
Apr 4, 09 2:47 AM CDT
you forgot one...naturally occuring arsenic in ground water, some areas are near "toxic" according to the Gov't...but still OK..........until you look at a 20 year health study for the area and see a dramatic rise in rare cancer and other neoplastic diseases, common with systemic exposure to heavy metals...scary stuff Reply
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Doesn't take a rocket scientist to be worried
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study • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • chemicals • chemical • thyroid • baby formula • perchlorate

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