Pyrotechnics association says perchlorate fears should be viewed in scientific context after factory blast

The Malta Pyrotechnics Association has reassured the public over concerns about perchlorate exposure following Monday's fireworks factory explosion, insisting that claims linking the chemical to thyroid disease should be viewed within their proper scientific context.

The statement comes as the Food Safety and Security Authority launched an investigation into potential environmental and food safety implications arising from the explosion at the fireworks factory earlier this week.

Referring to reports and commentary circulating in the media, the association said it is scientifically established high levels of perchlorate can disrupt thyroid function. However, it stressed that this risk is primarily associated with iodine-deficient populations exposed to the chemical over prolonged periods.

"Malta's diet, which includes dairy products, eggs, tuna, herring, shrimps and iodised salt, makes iodine deficiency unlikely in our population," the association said.

The association also noted that the most common cause of hypothyroidism in children is Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Congenital defects are the second most common cause.

While the incidence of autoimmune hypothyroidism in Malta is not formally recorded, the association said clinical experience does not suggest that rates differ from those in other developed countries.

It added that Malta's incidence of congenital hypothyroidism is consistent with the European average, affecting approximately one in every 3,500 to 4,000 births.

The association said the wellbeing of the population remains its foremost priority and thanked the Malta Food Agency and the Food Safety and Security Authority for their work following the incident.

Authorities have not yet released the findings of their investigation into the explosion or any potential environmental contamination resulting from the blast.