Perchlorate is a naturally occurring as well as manmade chemical compound used for both military and non-military purposes. Non-military uses include fireworks, roadside flares and airbags. The United States military has been using perchlorate as an oxidizer in rockets, missiles and pyrotechnics since the 1940's. Research into the health effects of perchlorate has identified emerging concerns in regard to its presence in drinking water and food.

The Environmental Protection Agency is currently studying the impacts of perchlorate exposure in an ongoing national effort to establish regulatory standards. The Army is fully cooperating with this effort and is committed to protecting the health and safety of the community, our servicemen and women and their families.

The DoD Perchlorate Handbook is available on the Defense Environmental Network and Information Exchange (DENIX) Web site.