From the Kitchen: Rocket Fuel

If your kitchen seems an unlikely source for the stuff that blasts rockets to the moon, consider the water that comes from your tap. Yep, that's right: the eagle has landed, and he's punch-drunk off perchlorate.

According to the CDC, perchlorate--the explosive ingredient in missiles and rockets--has been used in this country for decades. It's infiltrated our soil and our water supply, and is responsible for an increasing number of women suffering from low thyroid function. And, as these things go, the chemical was also found in high numbers in breastmilk.

So, what to do? Write your congressperson in support of two separate bills introduced this year by Representative Hilda Solis and Senator Barbara Boxer. Each seeks to establish safe levels of perchlorate in our drinking water. And in the meantime, consider buying a water filtration system for your kitchen sink and shower. For a list of filtration systems certified by the National Science Foundation, click here: Clean Water.