Rocket Fuel Chemical Found in Baby Formula

Traces of a chemical used in rocket fuel have been found in several brands of powdered baby formula, according to a CDC study. The chemical, perchlorate, has also been found in several cities’ water supplies; if that water is combined with contaminated formula, it could exceed the level of perchlorate that’s considered safe for adults, the AP reports.

No studies have ever linked perchlorate to health problems, so the risks the baby formulas pose are unclear. Scientists say they believe significant amounts of the chemical could affect thyroid function. Researchers are not disclosing which brands were studied, though they said the biggest traces were found in formulas derived from cow’s milk. (More baby formula stories.)