Fluoride, also known as sodium fluoride, is a derivative of salt. It’s known that fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth. Fluoride is a natural element found in the environment.
Though beneficial at a low dose, prolonged exposure and consumption can lead to serious health problems. Ingestion of fluoride, at least 100 mg for a 50 kg individual, can cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
True, fluoride is helpful for dental health, yet excessive consumption can interfere with bone formation. Children and pregnant women are commonly affected.
Fluoride is naturally found in groundwater. Though synthetic fluorides are chemically created and combined with certain products, such as toothpaste, to help strengthen and whiten teeth, the waste materials from these products coming from certain industries can leak through the soil and contaminate the public water supply.
Some countries that depend on groundwater as a source of drinking water are gravely affected since groundwater has naturally occurring fluoride.
The Lethality of Fluoride in the Body
The World Health Organization recommends that fluoride's therapeutic level for optimal dental health be between 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L (milligrams per liter), depending on the climate. The recommended maximum amount of fluoride in water should be between 0.7 and 1.2 mg/L.
The fluoridation process was added to the public water system to ensure that the community receives a beneficial amount of fluoride, which helps with tooth and bone formation.
Though fluoride is excreted mainly through urine and feces, it isn’t advisable to take larger doses. Fluoride is usually the product of dissolved granite rocks that seep through the soil and combine with water. Fluoride toxicity is noticeable due to excessive bone formation in the affected individual, especially in children.
Water Fluoridation
Similar to other countries, water fluoridation in America is controversial. As of May 2000, 42 of the cities in America had water fluoridation. The first cities to fluoridate were Michigan and Grand Rapids in January 1945 to prevent tooth decay in their communities.
In 1951, the US Public Health Service made it an official policy to fluoridate the public water system. By the 1960s, it had become widely used and reached around 50 million people. By 2012, 67.1% of the American population consumed water from community water systems with fluoride within or above the recommended levels.
History
Water fluoridation in America's communities is partly due to research spearheaded by Dr. Frederick McKay. He ignited the community's curiosity and started investigating the ‘Colorado Brown Stain.’ This is known as Dental Fluorosis, characterized by pitting and cracking of the teeth.
In 1909, Dr. McKay examined 2,945 children from the Pikes Peak region. He discovered this is due to poor nutrition, radium exposure, and calcium deficiency in the water.
Meanwhile, the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) researchers said the Colorado stain was due to high fluoride ion concentration in the water. The Pikes Peak region contains cryolite, which is fluoride. The dissolved fluoride reaches the water system when it rains or snows heavily.
In the next few years, experts determined the safe level of fluoride that must be added to water supplies. The research aims to warn areas with high fluoride concentrations. Also, it targets communities with low fluoride levels to add more to the water to prevent tooth decay.
Court Case
Fluoridation is a common subject of court cases in which activities sue various municipalities. The plaintiffs say compulsory water fluoridation infringes on their due process and medical treatment rights.
Many people have sued authorities for illnesses they think are caused by fluoridation. In most cases, the court held that there are no connections between water fluoridation and health problems.
No federal or state court has found water fluoridation to be unlawful. More often, the courts held in favor of the cities or municipalities.
The Controversy
Supporters of pro-fluoridation believe that the treatment is effective and safe, even for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Dental Association endorse it.
On the other hand, the cons say that it is unethical since it does not ask for individual consent. Many people don’t even know about it. For them, fluoridation is unnecessary since there are products like toothpaste purchased by parents for their children.
Is Fluoride Bad For The Body?
Fluoride is toxic at various concentrations. In 2006, the National Research Council, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency, found out that the upper limit for fluoride is at four ppm. However, it was too high for kids. Thus, they can develop severe dental fluorosis. The EPA recommends lowering the ppm level.
Meanwhile, the CDC believes one ppm of fluoride is safe and effective when added to water.
However, here are some of the health risks that overexposure to fluoride poses:
Health Risks
Dental Fluorosis
The authorities recommend that fluoride content be within 0.7 ppm only. A concentration above 4.0 ppm can be hazardous.
Children exposed to high fluoride concentrations during the developmental stage of childhood can develop mild dental fluorosis, which occurs when little white streaks begin to form in the enamel of the teeth. Although dental fluorosis may not affect the teeth' health, it can seriously threaten discoloration. Furthermore, the staining is noticeable.
Skeletal Fluorosis
Apart from dental fluorosis, overexposure to fluoride can cause skeletal fluorosis. This is where the bones and the joints are very painful, which can happen over the years.
The bones may become less elastic and harden, increasing the risk of fractures. If bone tissue accumulates and thickens, it can impair joint mobility.
Thyroid Problems
Excessive fluoride levels can damage the parathyroid glands, resulting in hyperparathyroidism and the uncontrolled discharge of parathyroid hormones.
If fluoride is ingested in large amounts, it can deplete bone structures, making people more susceptible to fractures. It can also cause above-normal concentrations of calcium in the blood.
Neurological Problems
A study published in 2017 shows that overexposure to fluoride before birth can cause poor cognitive problems as the child develops.
The study was done on 299 pregnant women. They have monitored the women during pregnancy and as they give birth to their children. The study also observed children between 6 and 12 years old.
They tested the children's cognitive ability at ages 4, 6, and 12. Higher fluoride levels are associated with lower IQ scores.
Furthermore, in 2014, fluoride was documented as a neurotoxin. It is hazardous to a child's development and contains various industrial chemicals, including arsenic, lead, methylmercury, and toluene. As such, parents must prevent products with these contents.
Meanwhile, here are a few of the affected organs in the body when excessive fluoride consumption happens:
Fluoride In Body Parts
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Brain - prolonged and high levels of fluoride exposure can affect children's neurodevelopment. When ingested by a pregnant woman, it can gravely affect the baby so that it interferes with the physical and psychological development of the infant.
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Bones - associated with hip and wrist fractures, toxic levels of fluoride can cause bone weakening.
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Kidney - due to fluoride-containing drugs, fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity occurs. The most susceptible individuals are those who have impaired kidney functions. Since elimination depends on the glomerular filtration rate, the greater the damage, the higher the risk.
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Teeth—Yes, teeth are affected when excessive fluoride is ingested. Medically known as dental fluorosis, it appears as opaque white patches on the enamel of the teeth.
Fluoride Contamination in Drinking Water
Water is also contaminated with fluoride due to man's chemical waste products, which are sometimes a natural occurrence in the environment.
Since some countries still depend on well water as the source of drinking water and some harmful pathogens are also present, boiling water has become a routine to provide safe drinking water. However, there is no assurance that these pathogens will be removed.
Since fluoride also contaminates public water supplies by seeping through the soil, they will be endangered by fluoride exposure and toxicity, especially pregnant women and children, once it goes to the consumer's home.
The United States is one of the world's largest fluoride consumers. Americans are gravely exposed to fluoride that is naturally found in the environment and some fluoride-based products. Americans mostly consume the greater demand for toothpaste and fluoride-based drugs to keep them healthy and aid them in their daily functions.
Most Americans aren’t aware that they have been exposed to large amounts of fluoride. Consuming fluoride-rich water, using fluoride-formulated toothpaste, and taking fluoride-based drugs can cause health problems. How can you prevent fluoride toxicity, then?
Prevention is Always Better than the Cure
Preventing fluoride toxicity is the only way to maintain your health. Some Americans have overdosed on fluoride and have suffered. Here are some tips to prevent fluoride intoxication:
Breastfeed Infants
To help prevent fluorosis, the best thing to do is to breastfeed infants. Prepare formula milk using fluoride-free water to help protect babies from fluorosis.
Choose Toothpaste With Lower Fluoride Content
Since fluoride is usually found in toothpaste, using toothpaste with lower to no fluoride content is one way to help whiten and strengthen teeth.
Moreover, children ages six and below must not use mouthwash containing fluoride. Parents must supervise their children as they brush their teeth to ensure that they do not ingest the toothpaste.
Consult Your Doctor
Consulting your doctor before taking fluoride-based medicines can also lower your risk of intoxication.
You ask your doctor if alternative medicines that don’t contain fluoride or have a lower fluoride dose are also viable solutions.
Invest In The Water Filter In Your Home
Most importantly, since water contains fluoride and is the most consumed beverage, it’s imperative to use a water filter.
Berkey Water Filter
Berkey water filter is an effective way of eliminating fluoride from your water. The Berkey filter is the best way to remove fluoride because it filters chemicals and conserves essential minerals naturally in water.
Berkey water filters are convenient and easy to use. They ensure that you and your loved ones are safe from contaminants found in drinking water.
Black Berkey® Elements dramatically reduce trihalomethanes, inorganic minerals, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, VOCs, petroleum products, perfluorinated chemicals, rust, silt, sediment, radiological, and more.
Check out some of our products here at the Berkey:
Crown Berkey 6 Gallons Water Filter System
The Crown Berkey 6-gallon Water Filter System is a must-have for the whole family. It comes with two standard Black Berkey Filtration Elements, but depending on the family's needs, you can upgrade it to four, six, or eight water filters at any time.
Indeed, this product is ideal for larger groups. It can also be used in homes, churches, workplaces, and hospitals; amazingly, anyone can use it during outdoor activities.
Crown Berkey is an innovative solution during emergencies. When a calamity and a clean water source are challenging, Crown Berkey can be the best solution for producing safe drinking water for the family.
Here are its features and specifications:
The Crown Berkey is made of highly polished AISI 304 stainless steel. Its storage capacity is 6 gallons or 22.7 liters, making it the biggest of our product lines.
When you buy this product, you will have an upper and lower chamber system. Also, it includes the 2 Black Berkey Filtration Elements, 2 Fluoride Removal Filters, one spigot, one stainless steel lid, two washers, two wingnuts, one priming button, six blocking plugs, and one rubber gasket, which aims to protect the base.
The height of the Crown Berkey is 31", and its diameter is 11".
It can serve around 6 to 12 people daily for normal use. However, when fully configured, you can use it during emergencies. As such, it can serve around 300 to 625 people.
Meanwhile, the product can filter around 6.5 gallons or 24.6 liters of water using 2 Black Berkey Filtration Elements. Using eight pieces, you can purify up to 26 gallons or 98.4 liters of water.
Imperial Berkey 4.5 Gallons Water Filter
Another awesome product is the Imperial Berkey Water Filter. Unlike the Crown Berkey, this one is smaller and suitable for mid-size families.
However, just like all the Berkey products, the Imperial Berkey can also be used during emergencies and outdoor activities. You don't need to worry about contaminated water as long as you have the Imperial Berkey wherever you go.
It has a standard 2 Black Berkey Filtration Elements but can be upgraded to 4 to 6. This is surely a versatile, efficient, and quality product.
Know more about its specifications and features below:
The Imperial Berkey is made of AISI stainless steel, which is highly polished. Compared with the Crown Berkey, this one is only 17" tall. Meanwhile, it has a storage capacity of 4.6 gallons or 17 liters of water.
This product includes a complete upper and lower stainless steel chamber package, the Berkey Filtration Elements, one stainless steel lid, two fluoride removal filters, two wingnuts, two washers, one priming button, one spigot, and one rubber gasket to protect the base.
It can serve a family of 4 to 6 members when used daily. Meanwhile, when fully configured, it can amazingly provide clean water to around 200 to 400 people during emergencies.
Go Berkey Kit
You can choose the Go Berkey Kit Portable Water Filtration System for a water filter solution for travel. This one is good for camping, school activities, hiking, and outdoor adventures. You can bring it anywhere you go since it is lightweight.
In addition, the product comes with the generic Sports Berkey portable water filter bottle, which is perfect for your adventurous side.
This product is constructed with AISI 304 stainless steel. This type of stainless steel has higher corrosion resistance than regular steel.
With the Go Berkey Kit, you are assured that you can have clean drinking water anywhere you go. This is scientifically proven to remove 99.9% of fluoride.
Sport Berkey Water Bottle
The Sport Berkey Water Bottle stands out among portable water filters due to its effective results. It is a must-have for millennials and old-school consumers who are always on the go. You can bring it to school, work, or anywhere else.
This product can be used every day, lasting up to 50 years. Indeed, it is very convenient and economical.
Check out more of its features and specifications below:
The Sport Berkey has a filter installed on the bottle itself. This product gives one immediate access to 22 ounces of clean water daily. You can use it for a long period or after 640 water refills.
Conclusion
The Berkey Water Filter Systems are more powerful than any current gravity filter element.
Black Berkey® Elements dramatically reduce trihalomethanes, inorganic minerals, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, VOCs, petroleum products, perfluorinated chemicals, rust, silt, sediment, radiological, and more.
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