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Report Assesses Risks of Perchlorate in Drinking Water

Perchlorate, a chemical used in fuel for rockets and missiles that, in high doses, can decrease thyroid function in humans, has turned up in drinking water in more than 35 states. A new report from the National Research Council -- a group that advises the government on science -- says it is safe to ingest perchlorate at doses 20 times greater than the "reference dose" currently proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Hear NPR's Jon Hamilton.

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Jon Hamilton is a correspondent for NPR's Science Desk. Currently he focuses on neuroscience and health risks.