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Perchlorate

Meaning

Perchlorate is a chemical compound, specifically the anion ClO4-, which functions as a potent endocrine-disrupting substance, primarily targeting the thyroid gland. This ubiquitous environmental contaminant, frequently detected in drinking water and certain food sources, competitively interferes with the uptake of iodide into the thyroid follicular cells. Exposure to perchlorate can significantly impair the thyroid’s capacity to synthesize adequate amounts of the critical hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Clinical assessment of perchlorate exposure is necessary for the comprehensive diagnosis and management of subtle thyroid dysfunction.