Examining the Effects of Perchlorate on Thyroid Function

Perchlorate—which sometimes exists as a contaminant present in water, food, and breast milk—has been used as a medication to treat hyperthyroidism for many decades. At high doses—approximately 5-20 g/day—the administration of perchlorate was considered the standard of care in the United States, and it remains the approved pharmacologic intervention for many countries.

Several short-term studies suggest the administration of low-doses of potassium perchlorate (600 mg/day) does not present a health…