Environmental Toxins

Chemicals in plastics and other products seem harmless, but mounting evidence links them to health problems — and Washington lacks the power to protect us

  • Story
  • All Best and Worst Lists

Perchlorate

plastic hazards home danger toxic plastics

Illustration by Jason Lee for TIME

What It Is: An oxidant in rocket fuel

Found In: Drinking water, soil, some vegetables Health hazard Disrupts thyroid's hormone production

What You Should Know: Environmental groups are urging the government to lower perchlorate levels in drinking water

See the top 10 scientific discoveries of 2009.

View the full list for "Environmental Toxins"