Fluoride is a common substance found in many public water systems, and it is often added to drinking water to help prevent tooth decay. However, over the past few years, concerns have increased about its potential impact on human health, especially when it comes to children’s development.
Research shows that long-term exposure to fluoride might have many negative health effects on children’s intelligence, leading to fear among parents.
In this Frizzlife blog post, we will explain fluoride and discuss several ways to reduce it in drinking water.
Also, read our blog post about Reasons Why Drinking Water Gives Heartburn?
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and certain foods. It is usually added to drinking water to help prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. Fluoride can also be found in toothpaste and mouth rinses.
In small amounts, fluoride is generally safe and helps protect our teeth from cavities. But when individuals consume too much fluoride, then there are worries that it could affect health. Some individuals worry about the potential risks of fluoride, while others believe in the benefits for dental health.
Is Fluoride in Water Making Kids Less Intelligent?
No, fluoride in water is not proven to make kids less intelligent. Some research shows a connection between very high levels of fluoride and lower IQ in children. However, the fluoride added to drinking water in most countries is carefully regulated and considered safe.
Many experts, including the World Health Organization (WHO), say it is completely safe when used properly. So, normal fluoride levels in drinking water are generally safe and do not harm kids’ intelligence.
Some Other Health Impacts of Fluoride in Drinking Water
If your water contains an excessive amount of fluoride, then it will definitely have some negative impacts on kids' health.
· Increased chance of dental fluorosis: It is a condition that causes discoloration and mottling of teeth.
· Skeletal fluorosis: This is rare, but continuous exposure to fluorosis can result in skeletal fluorosis, which significantly affects both bone and joints.
· Neurodevelopmental effects: Some studies also suggest that a high amount of fluoride can be a cause of neurodevelopmental issues among children. Although research is still ongoing, the findings are mixed.
So, these are a few negative impacts of fluoride on children’s health.
Ways to Remove Fluoride from Drinking Water
Fluoride is usually added to water to protect teeth, but some people generally want to remove it from drinking water due to certain concerns about its effects. Here are four simple ways to effectively remove fluoride from your drinking water.
1. Use a Reverse Osmosis System:
A reverse osmosis system is one of the best ways to effectively remove fluoride from drinking water. This system pushes water through a special membrane that completely blocks harmful substances, including fluoride. RO system effectively removes up to 95% of fluoride from water.
RO systems are easy to find in stores or online. Moreover, they come in various sizes, from small ones that simply attach to your faucet to larger systems for your whole house. However, installing a reverse osmosis filter can be expensive.
It also wastes some water during the filtration process. Still, a reverse osmosis system is a great option if you want to remove fluoride from water.
2. Try Distillation:
Distillation is another effective way to remove fluoride. This process generally involves boiling water until it turns into steam, then cooling the steam back into the liquid. The fluoride and other substances stay behind in the boiling chamber. You can buy a home water distiller for this purpose.
Moreover, distillation nearly removes all fluoride and other substances, giving you pure water. However, it takes time to distill water, and the machines can be expensive. Also, distilled water has no minerals, so it tastes different.
3. Use Activated Alumina Filters:
Activated alumina filters are specially designed to effectively remove fluoride from drinking water. These filters contain a material that traps fluoride as water passes through. These filters effectively remove up to 99% of fluoride from drinking water if used correctly.
Moreover, activated alumina filters are affordable and available online or in stores. Generally, they are easy to install and can be used with your existing water filter system.
However, they require regular maintenance and replacement to work well. Overall, it is also the best option to remove fluoride from water.
4. Use a Water Filter Pitcher:
A water filter pitcher is also designed to remove fluoride from drinking water, and it is one of the easiest and affordable options. These pitchers have special filters that decrease the level of fluoride and other impurities as you pour water through them.
They are simple to use and do not need electricity. Water filter pitchers are a great option for small households. However, they may not remove as much fluoride as a reverse osmosis system and distillation, but they are convenient and effective for everyday use. Replace the filters regularly to keep them working well.
5. Avoid Fluoridated Water:
If you don’t want to invest in filters, another simple option is to avoid water sources with fluoride. You can use bottled water that is labeled as fluoride-free. Many natural spring water brands have little or almost no fluoride.
When buying bottled water, it is recommended to check the label to ensure that it is fluoride-free. However, completely relying on bottled water can be expensive and bad for the environment due to plastic waste.
If you choose this option to avoid fluoride, try to recycle the bottles to reduce waste as well.
Conclusion:
Fluoride in drinking water has benefits for dental health, but some people worry about its possible effects on kids’ development. While normal fluoride levels are considered safe, removing fluoride is an option for those with concerns.
Ways like reverse osmosis systems, distillation, and water filter pitchers are effective in removing fluoride and are easy to use. Always choose the way that works best for you and your family. Understanding fluoride and its impact can help you make informed choices about your drinking water.