Colbert Report: Rocket Fuel Your Water Is a Laughing Matter (Video)

For most of us, the presence of rocket fuel -- or perchlorate in our drinking water is no laughing matter. Indeed more than 20 million people may have water tainted with this toxic chemical, which is one of the main ingredients in rocket fuel, and has been released into the environment mainly from weapons testing. It has been found in 43 states but the biggest problem areas have been California, Nevada and Arizona.

According to the Environmental Working Group, it is "a chemical that interferes with normal thyroid function, may cause cancer and persists indefinitely in the environment, but is currently unregulated by state or federal authorities." In other words, it is pretty serious and the government has been unwilling to do anything about it.

Just last month, the AP reported: "An EPA official said Tuesday there's a 'distinct possibility' the agency won't take action to rid drinking water of a toxic rocket fuel ingredient that has contaminated public water supplies around the country."

Oh well, at least we have Stephen Colbert. Check out this video of a new energy drink made from rocket fuel: