A chemical commonly found in rocket fuel, certain plastics, and airbags has been detected in a surprising number of food and grocery items, according to a recent report by Consumer Reports.
This discovery gives a whole new, unsettling meaning to the term "superfood," especially as the frequency of rocket launches continues to rise.
Source: PFN Ai Archives depicting rocket launch near agricultural zones
The chemical in question, perchlorate, was detected in measurable levels in 67% of 196 samples across 63 grocery items and 10 fast food products. Consumer Reports noted that while none of the foods tested, which included fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat products, contained “acutely dangerous levels of perchlorate,” some foods had enough of the chemical where consuming several servings could potentially add up to hazardous levels. The detected levels ranged from just over two parts per billion (ppb) to 79 ppb.
Perchlorate has long been a chemical of concern due to its potential health effects, particularly its ability to interfere with thyroid function, which is crucial for metabolism and the development of the central nervous system in fetuses and infants. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a “safe exposure level” for perchlorate of 0.7 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day, while the European Food Safety Authority’s threshold is half that amount.
The report’s findings come at a time when rocket launches are becoming more frequent, largely driven by SpaceX’s ambitious launch schedule. SpaceX has pioneered reusable rocket technology, significantly lowering the cost of space access and enabling more frequent launches. Projects like Starlink, which aims to create a global satellite internet network, have further accelerated the pace of launches.
Source: UniverseToday - A SpaceX launch
However, this increase in rocket activity may have unintended environmental consequences. Perchlorate is a byproduct of rocket propellant combustion, and with more launches, especially in areas near agricultural zones, the chemical could be deposited into the soil and water. Over time, this could lead to increased levels of perchlorate in the food chain, affecting everything from fruits and vegetables to dairy and meat products.
Tunde Akinleye, the chemist who oversaw the testing for Consumer Reports, says the study was conducted due to a lack of regulatory action, which has left gaps in understanding just how pervasive perchlorate currently is in our food supply.
While the report may not lead to immediate changes in food production practices, it is likely to draw increased public attention to the issue, potentially prompting further review and action from regulatory bodies like the EPA. This is especially important as the commercial space industry continues to grow, with more launches on the horizon.
As the pace of technological advancements accelerates, it’s crucial to consider their environmental impacts. The presence of perchlorate in everyday groceries is a stark reminder that the unintended consequences of our progress, whether in space exploration or other fields, can sometimes find their way back to us in unexpected and potentially harmful ways.
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