Although fluoride is good for the oral cavity, consuming high fluoride levels may have side effects. So, does tap water contain a lot of fluoride in our daily lives? How to reduce the fluoride content in water? These issues are undoubtedly of concern to people. This article will introduce you to fluoride's benefits and side effects, how to remove fluoride from water, and other related issues.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride refers to compounds containing fluoride ions (F⁻). Fluorine is a highly reactive non-metallic element that can combine with a variety of elements and compounds to form fluoride. It is often used in toothpaste and drinking water to prevent tooth decay.
Why is fluoride added to water?
Fluoride is added to water mainly to prevent tooth decay. It can enhance the mineralization process of teeth, making them stronger and thus fighting the corrosive effects of tooth decay. Now almost all drinking water contains fluoride. If the fluoride content in drinking water is low, it will not prevent tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 0.7 mg/L is the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water to prevent tooth decay.
In addition, adding fluoride to water is a simple and effective preventive measure. In contrast, drinking fluoridated water is a low-cost and effective measure if you use fluoridated toothpaste and have regular dental check-ups. Therefore, it may be the norm to have fluoride in drinking water in the future. Moreover, about 75% of households in the United States drink fluoridated water.
What is the safe level of fluoride in drinking water?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the safe level of fluoride in drinking water is 4.0 mg/L or less. If you live in a warm climate, you need to drink more water, and the general fluoride content is 0.7 mg/L. If you live in a cold climate, drinking water is relatively less, and the fluoride content can be 1.2 mg/L. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that the fluoride content in public drinking water be 0.7 mg/L because too high a level of fluoride in water increases the risk of tooth decay in children.
What are the side effects of fluoride in drinking water?
Although there are benefits and drawbacks to having fluoride in drinking water, the benefit is that the right amount of fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. The fluoride content of public water supplies is too low, so it is unlikely to cause adverse health effects. However, too much fluoride may have side effects. Below is a detailed introduction to the benefits and side effects of fluoride in drinking water.
Benefits of fluoride in water:
- Prevents tooth decay.
- Enhances tooth mineralization.
- Inhibits bacterial activity.
- Prevents the growth of harmful oral bacteria.
- Reduces the need for fillings and extractions.
- Public health benefits.
Side effects of fluoride in water:
- Dental fluorosis: white or yellowish-brown spots appear on the surface of teeth.
- Skeletal fluorosis: bones become abnormally hardened and fragile, and joints become painful and stiff.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Nervous system effects.
Which technique is used to remove fluoride from water?
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse Osmosis is the most advanced filtration technology that can remove fluoride from water through a semi-permeable membrane. Since water molecules are small enough, they can pass through the pores of the semi-permeable membrane, but fluoride is trapped on one side of the membrane, while pure water passes through the membrane to the other side. At the same time, it can also filter out other contaminants.
Related: What Is a RO System and How Does It Work?
Activated alumina adsorption
Activated alumina has a strong adsorption effect and can adsorb fluoride ions in water. In addition, water molecules will pass through the filter bed of activated alumina, and fluoride will be adsorbed on the filter bed. If you use this method, you need to regenerate or replace the adsorbent regularly to achieve its adsorption effect.
Electrodialysis
Under the action of an electric field, charged fluoride ions move through a selective permeable membrane, thereby removing fluoride. It is suitable for water treatment with medium and low concentrations of fluoride and has high efficiency.
Bone char adsorption
First, bone char in bone char adsorption refers to a porous adsorption material made from animal bones that have been carbonized at high temperatures. Second, it has a high adsorption capacity and can effectively adsorb fluoride in water. Finally, you need to replace the bone char regularly.
Distillation
Distillation can remove most dissolved impurities, such as fluoride. It is done by heating water and evaporating it, then cooling it through a refrigeration device to obtain pure water. Generally, this method is suitable for high-purity water applications.
Related: What is distilled water? Is it safe to drink?
Does boiling water filter out fluoride?
No. Because fluoride is highly soluble and chemically stable. If you boil water, it will only kill the microorganisms in the water. Moreover, during the boiling process, the water will evaporate, which will cause the fluoride content to increase significantly. Therefore, boiling water does not affect dissolved inorganic ions (fluoride).
Does freezing water remove fluoride?
No. Although freezing water converts it into ice, it does not separate the fluoride from the water. Furthermore, the solubility and chemical properties of fluoride in water do not change during the freezing process. Therefore, the fluoride ions remain in the ice or frozen water.
Does distilled water get rid of fluoride?
Distilled water can remove fluoride. Distillation is a physical separation method that heats water to boiling point, converts it into water vapor, and then cools it through a refrigeration device to obtain pure water. The pure water is collected, while the fluoride remains in the original container. Since the boiling point of fluoride is higher than that of water, fluoride can't evaporate with water vapor.
Is there a filter that removes fluoride?
It is recommended to use an ITEHIL RO water filter, which can filter 99.99% of impurities in water, including fluoride. It uses PP cotton + activated carbon and reverse osmosis membrane for multiple filtration, and the filtration effect is optimal. At the same time, the device is easy to operate and portable. You only need to put the water inlet pipe into the water to filter.
You can use it outdoors and in emergency home situations. It can filter water from ponds, streams, and any freshwater sources. Equipped with a powerful mini self-priming pump, it can output up to 1000 ml of water per minute. It is the best choice for many outdoor enthusiasts to get safe drinking water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there fluoride in bottled water?
Bottled water may contain fluoride, but the levels are usually low.
Does spring water have fluoride?
Spring water may contain fluoride, with the amount affected primarily by geological and geographical factors.
Can water softeners remove fluoride?
No. Fluoride is an ion dissolved in water and has strong chemical stability. A water softener can remove calcium and magnesium ions from water, but the chemical properties of calcium and magnesium ions are different from those of fluoride ions.
Related: What Is a Water Softener and How Does It Work?
Does lime remove fluoride from water?
Yes. Lime removes fluoride primarily through precipitation. Calcium fluoride settles on the bottom of the water or a filter bed in the water. After precipitation and filtration, fluoride can be removed from the water.
Do alkaline filters remove fluoride?
Alkaline filters are generally not suitable for removing fluoride. However, alkaline filters can adjust the pH of water, thereby improving the acid-base balance of the water.
