Fluorides

OVERVIEW AND TREATMENT OPTIONS:

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. It is present in natural water sources and found in small quantities in certain foods.  Fluoride is also added to most public water systems due to the known effect it has on improving dental health.   However levels exceeding 2.0 mg/L may cause tooth discoloration and persistent exposure to levels above 4.0 mg/L may cause pits in the tooth enamel of children and increased the likelihood of bone fractures in adults.  Studies also continue to emerge that suggest a link between elevated fluoride levels and cognitive impacts it may have on children such as an increase risk to ADHD.

SOURCES

Fluoride is a result of geological composition of solids and bedrock and cities across the country add fluoride to the water which is the main reason it can be found in so many water sources.

TESTING

To accurately detect fluoride problems in your water supply, take a sample to a state-licensed testing lab.  You can buy testing kits or strips that will detect fluoride and even give an estimate on the quantity in your water.  If you suspect your water supply contains a high concentration of fluorides, use a test to alert of the possible risks so you can treat the problem as soon as possible.

HEALTH CONCERNS

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems affecting children.  Many people worldwide cannot afford the cost of regular dental checks, so adding fluoride can offer savings and benefits to those who need them.  However, concerns have arisen in regard to fluoride’s effects on health, including problems with teeth, bones, and neurological development.  Dental fluorosis will leave specks or streaks in the enamel of the tooth; Skeletal fluorosis can result in pain and damage to bones and joints; In some cases, excess fluoride can damage the parathyroid gland resulting in uncontrolled secretion of parathyroid hormones; And reports have published suggesting that exposure to fluoride before birth could lead to poorer cognitive outcomes in the future.

TREATMENT

POINT-OF-USE RO’s are an effective and commonly used method to remove fluorides from your drinking water.   BWS also offers a whole house point-of-entry solution with our HM-XR SERIES.  The Voltea DiENTRY and DiUSE have also show to be effective in reducing the levels of fluorides in your drinking supply.