Investigating Perchlorate Concentration in Drinking Water and its Relationship with the Frequency of Hypothyroidism Among Infants in Damavand City

Background: The newfound  pollutant perchlorate, with global distribution, long-term stability in the environment, and solubility in water, is the most crucial health threat of the present era by causing changes in the level of thyroid hormones. Perchlorate enters the body by drinking water or contaminated food with perchlorate. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has provided a guideline of 15 μg/L in drinking water. This study aims to determine the relationship between the concentration of perchlorate in drinking water and the frequency of hypothyroidism in newborns. Methods: 238 samples were collected from the water supply network of the study area. The samples were analyzed according to the standard water and wastewater tests and ion chromatography methods. Results: The results showed that the quality characteristics of drinking water in the water supply systems of the studied area are within the normal range and in accordance with the standard. Drinking water is classified as hard water in Damavand city. Perchlorate concentration of drinking water was detected to be 0.002 - 0.009 mg/liter. Conclusion: The concentration of perchlorate in the drinking water of the study area is according to the guidelines of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and does not threaten consumers’ health.