Perchlorate has become an analyte of environmental interest since being detected in a number of drinking and groundwater supplies located in Midwestern states. New methods were evaluated for the detection of Perchlorate at low ppb levels. Eventually EPA method 314.0 was released as an approved method to achieve the required sensitivity.

Perchlorate is the inorganic chemical typically found in the oxidant Ammonium Perchlorate, which is used as a solid rocket propellant or in other industrial applications. As an inorganic chemical, Perchlorate has become a public health concern due to its ability to interfere with the thyroid gland’s uptake of Iodine to produce thyroid hormones required for normal body metabolism.

In California alone, a number of drinking and ground water wells near well known aerospace facilities, jet propulsion laboratories, fireworks sites and petrochemical companies reveal Perchlorate levels above the California Department of Health Services 18 µg/L action level.

Due to the wide spread detection of Perchlorate, analytical laboratories are seeking certification for this parameter by EPA method 314.0. Proficiency testing has taken place with approximately 150 laboratories either approved for the parameter or participating in a formal PT program to obtain certification for the parameter.

These standards are made with high purity starting materials, using 18 Megohm, ASTM type 1 Water, packaged in precleaned high quality HDPE bottles, and are filtered through 0.2 µm filter to eliminate contaminants.