Perchlorate is a contaminant of health concern
because exposure to high levels over extended periods
may adversely affect thyroid activity. In response to
recent findings of perchlorate in sodium hypochlorite,
NSF International surveyed sodium hypochlorite products
used to treat drinking water to better understand
the occurrence of perchlorate as a contaminant.
Perchlorate contamination was found to occur in more
than 90% of sodium hypochlorite samples from production
facilities across North America. Results also indicated
a trend of increasing perchlorate concentration as the
hypochlorite aged. The duration and conditions of storage
can affect the levels of the contaminant in a utility's hypochlorite
supplies and ultimately its drinking water.
The investigation provided a basis for recommendations
to minimize perchlorate formation and lower the
potential for its unintended addition to drinking water.
Sodium hypochlorite should be stored in the dark at
cool temperatures, diluted if possible, and used within
a few weeks of manufacture. Includes 10 references, tables, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 100 - No. 11 |
| Number of Pages : | 7 |
| Published : | 11/01/2008 |
