Posts Tagged ‘ Fluorosis ’

Fluoride in Water Debate Continues

February 17th, 2010. By AbiK

As the debate on fluoride in water continues to rage in towns across America, it’s interesting to go back and watch this clip from the US Senate Hearing on Safe Drinking Water Act (June 29, 2000); yes, it’s ten years old now, but it’s still relevant; case in point, the current debate going on in Watsonville, CA where on the one hand, health officials note a dental decay epidemic and opponents to fluoridation refer to studies linking it to bone cancer, thyroid problems, kidney malfunction, fetal damage, and of course, fluorosis.

If you’re wondering whether your own water supply has fluoride in it, check with your local water company. Ask what the level of fluoride—it’ll be in parts-per-million (ppm)—in the water is. According to the ADA, the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water that has been proven to help reduce tooth decay is 0.7 – 1.2 ppm. While the ADA supports community water fluoridation, the ADA website also notes:

Naturally occurring fluoride may be below or above these levels [0.7-1.2 ppm] in some areas. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires notification by the water supplier if the fluoride level exceeds 2 parts per million. People living in areas where naturally occurring fluoridelevels in drinking water exceed 2 parts per million should consider an alternative water source or home water treatments to reduce the risk of fluorosis for young children.

Tags: Drinking Water, EPA, Fluoride, Fluorosis
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