Dangerous fluoride levels in water
Posted on May 1, 2009 |
Despite scary headlines, most people can keep sipping from the tap. The
EPA says water with 0.7 to 1.2 mg of fluoride per liter is safe, and most
public water supplies are well within that range.
Moderate amounts of fluoride strengthen tooth enamel, preventing decay,
but a recent National Academy of Sciences report found that high levels (4 mg/L) can weaken bones and give kids mottled, pitted teeth. Excess fluoride may also cause other health problems, but only a small percentage of water supplies have levels this high. It’s a good idea to know how much is in your water, since fluoride also comes from other sources (toothpaste, some bottled waters). Ask your water utility for a copy of the Consumer Confidence
Report to find out fluoride levels in your H2O.