EPA Improves Water Laws

Between 5 and 17 million Americans are exposed to perchlorate, a toxic rocket-fuel ingredient linked to thyroid problems, especially in pregnant women and young children, in their tap water. After pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Obama administration announced that it will develop the first laws regulating the chemical’s limit in drinking water. Perchlorate contamination has been found in 45 states, and is known to have tainted 153 public water systems, according to EPA data. The agency also hopes to regulate 16 other toxic chemicals in drinking water that may pose risks to human health.