Flouride has its pros and cons. Most can agree that contaminants in our tap water, such as Lead or Arsenic, are harmful and should be removed. But when it comes to fluoride, many are still undecided. While some support adding fluoride to the water supply, others think adding it should be illegal.
At Torres Water Company, we realize our job isn’t to change anyone’s mind, but we wanted to share what we have learned while researching the topic.
Those who support Flouride believe that adding it to the water supply is the best way to help people to maintain healthy teeth. They also believe that adding it to tap water poses no significant risks.
The Anti-Fluoride group argues that there are known health risks associated with ingesting fluoride found in tap water. They do not believe the public should be forced to drink water spiked with fluoride or any chemical. They believe it violates an individual’s freedom of choice.
Our opinion is that while fluoride itself is not bad, it should not be in our water supply. The issue is not whether there are benefits, but how fluoride is used/administered.
What is Water “Fluoridation?”
If you live in the U.S., chances are you have fluoride added to your everyday tap water. Nationwide, about 73% have fluoridated water supplies. Those who don’t have well water live primarily in rural parts of the country.
Numerous studies have shown that it can prevent tooth decay and effectively reduces cavities. Water Fluoridation intentionally adds fluoride to our tap water supply for public consumption. There is a debate about whether it is beneficial to apply fluoride directly onto teeth vs. adding it to a liquid solution like water.
Most fluoridation chemicals added to municipal tap water are by-products of other chemical manufacturing processes. Specifically, the process used by the phosphate fertilizer industry produces significant fluoride chemical by-products, which are then repackaged and utilized in tap water Fluoridation.
The Pro-Fluoride Argument:
- Proponents of Fluoridation recite that the CDC calls water fluoridation one of the most outstanding public health achievements of the 20th century.
- Also, that the American Dental Association, World Health Organization, and Center for Disease Control believe fluoridation is a generally safe method to prevent cavities.
- For over 70 years, it has been added to tap water in the U.S. and has a proven history of being safe & effective.
- The recommended amount in water is only 0.7 ppm which is enough to provide benefits but too little to cause harm.
The Anti-Fluoride Argument:
- According to the CDC, as high as 40% of adolescent children an observable sign of dental “Fluorosis,” indicating an excessive exposure. The percentage of people showing signs of Dental Fluorosis is cause for alarm.
- Adding any medication to tap water is a bad idea. You cannot control the dose someone receives. Having one standard amount in the water needs to take into account the person who is consuming it.
- The EPA’s limit, set at 4.0 ppm, is far too high for safety. Dental Fluorosis can occur at significantly lower concentrations. Some studies have shown it at less than ½ that amount.
- Drinking/consuming fluoride is not the correct application. It is meant to be applied topically on the surface of the teeth. This is why you spit out your toothpaste and do not swallow it.
- Adding fluoride to our water supply is unnecessary. You can get enough by brushing your teeth and using mouthwash.
- Adding fluoride to the tap water violates someone’s personal choice called “Informed Consent”.
Do we know how much fluoride is enough?
The Department of Health and Human Services lowered their recommended amount of fluoride for tap water to 0.7 ppm (from 0.7-1.2 ppm). Some Pro-Fluoridation people say that perceived risks are significantly reduced at these lower recommended concentrations.
The Anti-Fluoridation crowd says: Less Fluoride is good. However, that is a recommendation, not the limit. Fluoride can still be up to 4.0 ppm anywhere in the country and not be in violation.
FDA Approval Fluoride is the only medication added to the water supply. However, it has never been FDA-approved to prevent tooth decay or cavities. It is considered a tap water “additive” and is regulated like a medication. Another cause for concern is that fluoride is not required to be “Pharmaceutical Grade,” unlike prescription medications. Instead, a lesser “Industrial Grade” chemical can be substituted and added to tap water.
How to Remove Fluoride
Whilst you can remove most chemicals from drinking water by using a standard filtration system, fluoride can be more complicated to remove.
Carbon filters can often reduce fluoride levels by 40% – 60% and other unpleasant odors and tastes. Our carbon filters at Torres Water Company trap even the smallest impurities using the only safe certified material from 100% renewable resources.
A reverse osmosis filtration system is a simple solution for removing fluoride from drinking water. A Reverse Osmosis (RO) system can remove 85-92%.
Essentially, reverse osmosis technology uses household water pressure to push tap water through the filtration process. The water passes through a semipermeable membrane, sediment and carbon filters.
You might also consider installing a UV light water purifier to protect all the water coming into your home from microbiological contaminants such as viruses and bacteria.
Torres Water Company offers top-quality systems at affordable prices. We’ve been selling water filtration equipment for 40 years. Our longevity in this industry has led us to the best reverse osmosis systems on the market. When you purchase from us, you can trust that your system is manufactured with the highest-quality components, has an outstanding warranty, and the very highest ratings for customer satisfaction.