Hello fellow Bloggers!
Whaddup? Whaddup?
Today we're talking about Fluoride in our drinking water.
Fluoride is added to drinking water through a process called fluoridation. This is the controlled addition of fluoride to the water to prevent tooth decay. This chemical is used because it is colourless, tasteless, and odourless. This is also why it can be so dangerous. Depending on where you live there should be a 0.5 to 1.0mg/L fluoride level. Although water is the biggest contributer to your fluoride intake, it is also found in toothpaste, salt and even milk.
If the amount of fluoride is controlled properly, there is no immediate concern to your health. Most side effects are aesthetic and are rarely noticeable. However, in the past there have been multiple cases of over fluoridation. The worst case so far was the 1992 Alaska outbreak. When tested the fluoride levels were at 220mg/L (this is 219 mg/L more than the recommended dose). During this outbreak 262 people became very ill and 1 person even died. Although this is something you should look out for, it does not occur often.
(Percentage of population receiving fluoridated water, both artificial and natural fluoridation)
Dark Red: 80–100%
Red: 60–80%
Dark Pink: 40–60%
Pink: 20–40%
Light Pink: 1–20%
White: 1%
Grey: unknown
Most people that are concerned about their fluoride intake tend to make choices like water bottles. However, the amount of fluoride in water bottles is unknown. The best way to limit your fluoride intake is to have a water filter.
If you choose not to take extra precautions to limit your fluoride intake you may want to look for fluoride poisoning symptoms. These symptoms can range anywhere from "tea drinking" (gives you "the jitters" similar to drinking strong coffee) all the way up to diabetes. The most common problem is fatigue after having a bath or shower. Although some of these symptoms do not seem serious, over fluoridation can lead to severe problems. If you feel you may have been exposed to large amounts of fluoride, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Ta Ta For Now!
Community water fluoridation. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.oda.on.ca/community-water-fluoridation.html
Fluoride and human health. (2010, October). Retrieved from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/environ/fluor-eng.php
Possible symptoms of fluoride poisoning . (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.slweb.org/ftrcpossiblesymptoms.html
Water fluoridation. (2011). Wikipedia. Retrieved April 14, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_fluoridation
