Perchlorate Poisoning

Perchlorate is a natural or synthetic anion that can occur as a white crystalline solid or colorless liquid. It is intensively used on an industrial scale and can act as a contaminant, especially when improperly discharged in groundwater.

Chemical Structure

Perchlorate (any compound containing the perchlorate ion) consists of chlorine in its highest oxidation number – one chlorine atom bonded to four oxygen atoms (ClO₄-).

There are four main perchlorates commonly used: perchloric acid (HClO₄), ammonium perchlorate (NH₄ClO₄), potassium perchlorate (KClO₄), and sodium perchlorate (NaClO₄).

Uses

• Propellants for rockets
• Solid rocket fuel
• Fireworks
• Matches
• Oxygen candles
• Signal flares
• Electroplating
• Medicine (much reduced now; was used for hyperthyroidism)

Toxicity

Often present at military or industrial sites, perchlorate is highly soluble in water, which means its contamination of groundwater can be extensive.

Exposure to high doses can cause some of the following symptoms:

• eye irritation
• skin rashes
• coughing
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• disruption of the thyroid function and hypertrophy of the thyroid gland
• weight loss