Science and environmental risk: the case of perchlorate contamination in California

Abstract Ground and surface water contamination by perchlorate, a non-biodegradable chemical used in rocket fuel and military ammunition, has stimulated increasing concern in the United States. The regulatory and risk issues associated with perchlorate have been complicated by the geographical extent of its distribution, its properties as an endocrine disruptor and the uncertainty surrounding its possible risks. The risk politics behind perchlorate contamination in areas of southern California, and the changing levels of perceived and acceptable risk posed by the related risk assessment process are considered. By examining the nature of the scientific research and rationality framing in the debate, the contradictions of precaution in scientific methodologies and regulation, and the possible socio-economic consequences of technical framing, are highlighted.