Perchlorate is an odorless, colorless salt that can be found in ground water and soil. In most cases, higher levels of the salt are generally found in industrialized areas. Residents are not likely to receive unsafe levels of the substance. However, if you live near where rockets, fireworks, or explosives are manufactured, you may want to drink bottled water if you are concerned. If you have been overexposed to the salt, your thyroid may seek to function properly. As a result, you can experience heart trouble, among other ailments. In fact, many of your organs are regulated by the thyroid, so overexposure to the salt can mean a whole host of health issues.