What is perchlorate used for?
Perchlorate is a compound made up of chlorine and oxygen. Perchlorate salts, which have been used in propellants for rockets and missiles since World War II, have a relatively short shelf-life and therefore must be replaced periodically. This has resulted in large volumes of perchlorate being disposed of since the 1950s. Past outdated or improper disposal practices may have allowed perchlorate to contaminate both ground and surface water supplies.
