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Other Perchlorate Sources
The following information summarizes the content of an article published in the Groundwater Resources Association's Winter 2002 Hydro Visions newsletter1. The focus of the article was an assessment of potential sources of perchlorate contamination other than solid rocket fuel. Additional sources of perchlorate contamination include: Industrial
Chilean Fertilizer Sodium nitrate fertilizer from caliche deposits in the Atacama Desert contains naturally occurring concentrations of perchlorate (< 2% w/w). This fertilizer has been used in the U.S. since 1840. Apparently, perchlorate has shown up in wells within areas of California known for agricultural production. Highway Safety Flares Safety flares contain up to 10% potassium perchlorate. Methamphetamine Labs Large quantities of unburned highway flares and unburned matches have been confiscated during raids on Methamphetamine labs. Red phosphorous is used as a catalyst for the production of methamphetamine. Red phosphorous is derived by dissolving highway flares, striker caps, or the striker pad from match books. |
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1. Thomas K.G. Mohr and Jim Crowley, "Perchlorate - Is It All Rocket Science", Hydro Visions, Groundwater Resources Association of California, Winter 2002 |
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