Last week at the Annie Appleseed Conference, Kim Kirschner, founder of the Willow Star Haven Charitable Foundation, spoke of the contamination of our food and water supply by a chemical known as perchlorate, and that this toxic chemical is a byproduct of rocket fuel.  Kim brought critical awareness to those of us who depend on produce from California during our cold months here in the Northeast as well as in many other parts of the country.

“During the Cold War, tons of improperly stored rocket fuel seeped into ground waters around rocket and missile test sites and chemical manufacturing and storage facilities. Defense and aerospace contractors have opposed regulation of perchlorates, for fear of being ordered to bear part or all of the costs of perchlorate clean-ups, expenses that could run into the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.” EWG

Perchlorate has been found in 93% of the nation’s milk and lettuce supply in an FDA study. It has also been found in the drinking water for at least 22 states at extremely alarming levels. Perhaps the scariest statistic is that perchlorate has been found in the breast milk of 97% of the mothers who were tested. A report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) warns that ingesting lettuce or any other vegetable that is grown anywhere irrigated by the Colorado River would result in an exposure to an unsafe level of perchlorate per standards set by the EPA.  Farms that use this water for irrigation are responsible for growing almost all of the lettuce sold in the US during the winter months.

According to Laura Power, MS, PhD, LDN, perchlorate is a toxin that interferes with thyroid function by supplanting iodine in the body, causing harm to iodine transporters. For those of us who have been subjected to perchlorate tainted food and water, ensuring you get enough iodine in your diet can help…read more: http://www.naturalnews.com/024071_water_perchlorate_food.html.

I contacted Earthbound Farms, suppliers of produce shipped and sold here locally, and asked for some clarification on their practices and to assess exposure.  I believe them to be a reputable company and I depend on their produce in the colder months. Below is their response:

“With regard to perchlorate, we are often surprised at yet another issue directly related to the unintended consequences of chemicals that wind up in our environment. These kinds of situations underscore why we believe that organic farming, without the use of toxic and persistent chemicals, is the healthiest choice for people and the planet.

As I think you know, food quality and safety is of utmost importance to us; it is the cornerstone of our company. From April through November, all Earthbound Farm organic salads and lettuce available in your local market were grown in Monterey and San Benito Counties, where — you’re right — perchlorate contamination has not been identified as an issue. Further, all Earthbound Farm organic salads are subject to our rigorous food safety and organic integrity programs.

From late November through late March, our greens are grown in the Colorado River Basin, where perchlorate has been found in the water. As you know, the problem is a widespread water quality issue and we are doing what is within our power as an individual company to improve the situation. We have tested the sources of our irrigation water in the region and have found no levels of concern in the water. In addition to the industrial source of perchlorate which caused the problems to begin with, many researchers believe that the substance may be present in certain fertilizers, so we have had all of our fertilizers tested and none of them reveal any detectable levels of perchlorate.”

I guess this is bad news/good news.   However, it seems headway is being made, but resolution will take time:  http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/07/14/has-this-chemical-destroyed-the-meaning-of-organic.aspx

Headed to the market?  Ask where the produce is grown; ask about farming practices; contact the source—any reputable farm will be honest with you, just like the folks at Earthbound Farms. Being informed is good.  Being an advocate is even better.  Speak up, be heard and help protect our vital resources. After all, if the three critical ingredients for survival are water, air and food, why are we allowing them all to be and remain contaminated—intentionally or otherwise?

Elyn

www.elynjacobs.wordpress.com

~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, professional cancer coach, radio talk show host, speaker, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. She is also on the peer review board of the Natural Standard Database. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She mentors women who are coping with issues of well-being associated with breast cancer and its aftermath; she is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. Elyn has been featured on CNN Money, Talk About Health and more and has contributed to Breast Cancer Answers as well as written for the Pink Paper, Breast Cancer Wellness, Natural Healing-Natural Wellness, Integrative Oncology Essentials, and other publications and newsletters. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys.

Follow Elyn on Linkedin

Follow Elyn on Facebook

Follow Survive and Live Well on Twitter

Donate to the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation