Fifteen brands of powdered infant formula were found to contain trace amounts of perchlorate, a compound used in rocket fuel and human thyroid disruptor, according to a new report by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report was published in the March 2009 issue of Nature’s “Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology.”

 

Perchlorate can alter hormonal balances and impede human reproduction and development. As many as 35 US States have been found to have perchlorate in their drinking water, and it has been also found in vegetables and cow’s milk.

 

After tests conducted by the CDC researchers, the highest levels of perchlorate were found in formulas derived from cow’s milk. The researchers also looked at soy-based formulas, as well as formulas from lactose-free cow’s milk and synthetic amino acids. The brand names involved in the analysis weren’t disclosed, but one of them was said to contain detectable levels of the chemical.

 

“Perchlorate contamination of drinking water is a very serious concern, particularly for infants. As this unprecedented study demonstrates, infants fed cow’s milk-based powdered formula could be exposed to perchlorate from two sources: tap water and formula. That suggests that millions of American babies are potentially at risk,” said Anila Jacob, MD, MPH, a senior scientist with the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.

 

On the other hand, Haley Curtis Stevens of the International Formula Council, which represents formula manufacturers, said the CDC study provides no data on potential health effects of perchlorate. “Health authorities continue to emphasize that formula is safe.”