Porter calls for perchlorate study

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Friday, May 23, 2003 | 10:17 a.m.

Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., introduced an amendment to the defense spending bill Thursday calling for a study of how perchlorate affects the human body.

The toxic chemical has leaked into the environment at sites nationwide, often from rocket fuel production plants operated by Defense Department contractors.

Perchlorate compounds from two Henderson-area plants have been found in Lake Mead, the Southern Nevada water supply. One of the plants, owned by Kerr-McGee Corp., has been involved in an expensive cleanup project since 1999.

Perchlorate is believed to be linked to thyroid disorders and possibly other ailments, but more data is needed, Porter said.

The defense bill is subject to final House-Senate negotiations.