MA2 Exposure to POPs Through Terrestrial Vegetation
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() Perchlorate consumed with food: An alternate exposure pathway.
Smith, P1, Jackson, W1, Severt, S1, Anderson, T1, 1 Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
ABSTRACT- Perchlorate is a thyroid hormone–disrupting environmental contaminant that is most commonly associated with ground or surface water. Thus the predominant route of perchlorate exposure has been considered to be via contaminated water. However, perchlorate readily accumulates in most plant species which can then provide an additional exposure pathway for livestock, wildlife, and humans. To examine the potential for exposure through dietary sources, we have quantified perchlorate concentrations in vegetation and livestock from contaminated areas. Additionally, voles and deer mice were dosed via food or water, and thyroid hormone concentrations, thyroid histology, tissue perchlorate concentrations, and reproduction were monitored. Although food items represent a significant exposure pathway, results from our dosing studies indicate that exposure to perchlorate via food may not produce the same degree of effects as exposure via drinking water.
Key words: food, perchlorate, water, exposure