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Chlorate

Disinfectant by-product

Chlorate

Chlorate is a chemical compound often found as a contaminant in food and water due to its use in herbicides and disinfectants. It is not an intentional food ingredient and is considered a toxicant. Exposure to chlorate through ingestion can disrupt thyroid function and damage red blood cells.

Tracked contaminantUpdated Jan 31, 2024
Health score-5.0
-5Very bad5

Water guidelines

Legal limit
Not specified
Health guideline
0.21 mg/L

Food and supplement guidelines

Legal limit
Not specified
Health guideline
Not specified

Risks

Thyroid disruption, hemolytic anemia, oxidative stress, toxicity from ingestion

Benefits

None