Water Limits By: Kendall Roberson

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/03/science/earth/03epa.html?_r=1&ref=science



E.P.A's New Limits Plan for Toxic Chemicals in Drinking Water



On Wednesday, the Obama Administration announced a plan to regulate the perchlorate, a toxic chemical used in rocket fuel and fireworks, in most or all of the water systems across America. The perchlorate chemical has been found in 26 state's water systems and the high levels of perchlorate in the water can cause thyroid impairment, which can lead to stunting the growth of fetuses, infants, and children. The excessive amount of perchlorate in the water can potentially contaminate 5 million up to 17 million Americans. The E.P.A, Environmental Protection Agency, said the reviewing of the nation's water could take up to four years, which is way too long in Rena Steinzor's eyes. Steinzor pointed out,"Regulating perchlorate should not be seen as a long-term, we'll-get-around-to-it goal, but an urgent public health priority."

In my opinion, this "plan" to regulate the perchlorate in water is a good thing. The high levels of perchlorate in water could potentially harm millions of Americans, which can easily be prevented if we, as in Americans, take one step closer to solving the contaminated water issues. If we don't act upon this issue soon, it could become worse and could eventually turn in to something more harmful than just perchlorate. I agree with Rena Steinzor's statement. Americans need to be on top of trying to solve this issue because it is a public health priority. Water is in basically everything we eat and drink, so if we consume excessive amounts of perchlorate, it could lead to some bodily issues, or even fatal accounts. The perchlorate plan needs to be used and acted upon before the perchlorate levels rise and become deadly, all across America.