Fluoride is the ionic form of fluorine. Some common forms compounds are hexafluoric acid, sodium fluoride, and calcium fluoride.
Uses
Although fluoride naturally exists as calcium fluoride (CaF 2), other fluoride complexes derived from man-made resources increase environmental fluoride levels and our own exposure to fluoride. Fluoride is used often in pesticides, dentistry, and is added to municipal water supplies to prevent cavities in the community.
Current commercial toothpaste is fortified with sodium monofluorophosphate or sodium fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste and water fluoridation have been touted by some health organizations as major contributors to dental caries reduction in the United States and arguably a public health success.
Several fluoridation additives are used in treating drinking water in the United States, the most common of which are, in order, hexafluorosilicic acid (H 2 SiF 6), sodium fluoride (NaF), and sodium hexafluorosilicic acid (Na 2 SiF 6). Sources of fluoridating agents can be found naturally in volcanic ash and as fluorite and apatite in geological mineral deposits (#Urbansky, 2002). While small-scale water treatment utilities use NaF, larger ones operate with high quantities of fluorosilicates, whose lowered costs make up for its greater handling expenses (#Urbansky, 2002). The demand for fluoride additives benefits companies that can market their waste products as fluoridating agents to water utilities. Industries such as USSteel, DuPPont, Alcoa, Allied Chemical, and the Florida phosphate fertilizer industry all profit from selling fluoride byproducts they have generated (#Kauffman, 2005).
Various other forms of organic and inorganic fluoride complexes such as acetyl fluoride (CHCOF) and liquid hydrofluoric acid i.e. hydrogen fluoride gas (HF) can increase fluoride in water, too. Care should be taken when investigating potential fluoride sources, however, as not all chemical substances containing the element fluorine necessarily yield fluoride ions. Teflon polymer is composed of -CF 2 -, whose chemical structure offers great stability and so does not readily produce fluoride ions (#Kauffman, 2005). Fluorine-containing chemical groups incorporated into drugs serve the purpose of slowing drug metabolization in the body (#Kauffman, 2005). The likelihood of fluoride contribution from fluorine in drugs is debatable. Synthetic and natural substances with fluorine or fluoride display a variety of chemical structures, which affect the chemical properties of each substances and thus, the degree to which the substances act as fluoride-releasing agents.
Current commercial toothpaste is fortified with sodium monofluorophosphate or sodium fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste and water fluoridation have been touted by some health organizations as major contributors to dental caries reduction in the United States and arguably a public health success.
Several fluoridation additives are used in treating drinking water in the United States, the most common of which are, in order, hexafluorosilicic acid (H 2 SiF 6), sodium fluoride (NaF), and sodium hexafluorosilicic acid (Na 2 SiF 6). Sources of fluoridating agents can be found naturally in volcanic ash and as fluorite and apatite in geological mineral deposits (#Urbansky, 2002). While small-scale water treatment utilities use NaF, larger ones operate with high quantities of fluorosilicates, whose lowered costs make up for its greater handling expenses (#Urbansky, 2002). The demand for fluoride additives benefits companies that can market their waste products as fluoridating agents to water utilities. Industries such as USSteel, DuPPont, Alcoa, Allied Chemical, and the Florida phosphate fertilizer industry all profit from selling fluoride byproducts they have generated (#Kauffman, 2005).
Various other forms of organic and inorganic fluoride complexes such as acetyl fluoride (CHCOF) and liquid hydrofluoric acid i.e. hydrogen fluoride gas (HF) can increase fluoride in water, too. Care should be taken when investigating potential fluoride sources, however, as not all chemical substances containing the element fluorine necessarily yield fluoride ions. Teflon polymer is composed of -CF 2 -, whose chemical structure offers great stability and so does not readily produce fluoride ions (#Kauffman, 2005). Fluorine-containing chemical groups incorporated into drugs serve the purpose of slowing drug metabolization in the body (#Kauffman, 2005). The likelihood of fluoride contribution from fluorine in drugs is debatable. Synthetic and natural substances with fluorine or fluoride display a variety of chemical structures, which affect the chemical properties of each substances and thus, the degree to which the substances act as fluoride-releasing agents.
Pharmacology and Metabolism
Fluoride ions convert to hydrofluoric acid in the gut. Around 50% of the fluoride is excreted in urine while a minute is excreted through saliva and sweat. The half life of these ions is short (1-5 hours).
Fluoride accumulates in people most often if they have impaired kidney function. The ions settle in the bones and teeth (#Limeback and Gingrich, 2007).
Fluoride accumulates in people most often if they have impaired kidney function. The ions settle in the bones and teeth (#Limeback and Gingrich, 2007).
Health Effects
The health effects of fluoride is contentious. It has generally been thought that small levels offluoride (0.7 - 1.2 ppm in drinking water for example) increase bone density and increase calcium fluorapatite in teeth which is generally thought to lead to fewer cavities. Fluoride regulation in drinking water supplies at the .7 - 1.2 ppm level is recommended still by the American Dental Association and the World Health Organization. But, many are beginning to believe that chronic fluoride exposure can lead to liver damage, kidney damage, and dental fluorosis among other things. Amidst these negative findings, the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, the American Academy of Diabetes, the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, the American Nurses Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the National Kidney Foundation, and the Society of Toxicology have discounted fluoride as a beneficial additive and no longer support its use (#Kauffman, 2005). Additionally there is an ethical argument surrounding city officials adding fluoride to drinking water supplies.
Fluoride is one of the most highly toxic substances present in our environment today. There are many different levels of toxicity:
Acute
In areas where fluoride compounds are naturally elevated in the drinking water, fluorosis are common (#Limeback and Gingerich, 2007).
Exposure levels of 1-5 mg/kg body weight can create acute fluoride toxicity symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in rare cases cardiac arrhythmias and death (#Fallon, 2006). Acute ingestion of fluoride can be fatal. Skin or eye contact with gaseous fluoride results in irritation of the skin or eyes.
Chronic
Fluoride is everywhere. It is present as a mineral and is ubiquitously present in natural water sources throughout the world. It is also added to toothpaste to prevent cavities and decay. The most common problem associated with fluoride exposure is fluorosis.
Dental fluorosis occurs in areas with a fluoride exposure level higher than 1.0 ppm (#Fallon, 2006). Fluoride intake can cause mild symptoms such as white, opaque mottling of teeth and enamel wear. At higher levels of exposure, severe dental fluorosis occurs with pronounced brown or black discoloration and pitting of teeth. Staining only happens with developing teeth below the gum line. As such, any noticeable characteristic of dental fluorosis only indicates the fluoride exposure level an individual has had up to age 8-10 (#Meenakshi, 2006). Dental fluorosis symptoms, in effect, are more of a time capsule rather than a present indicator of fluoride exposure and may fail to determine alone whether adults currently suffer from excessive fluoride intake. Additionally, although fluoride fosters bone formation, the new bones develop abnormally (#Fallon, 2006).
Skeletal fluorosis happens at the advanced stage of fluorosis. Fluoride deposits in the joints of the neck, knees, pelvic and shoulder bones and hinders movement. In the early stages, back stiffness, burning sensations, tingling or prickling, and muscle weakness arise and irregular calcium deposits show up in ligaments and bones. Advanced skeletal fluorosis creates osteoporosis, growth of bony spikes at the joint, vertebral fusion, and even osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Damage to the entire musculoskeletal and nervous systems marks the end stage of advanced fluorosis (#Meenakshi, 2006).
Overexposure to fluoride affects more than just bone and teeth. It can cause physical damage to human physiology by lowering hemoglobin count, distorting red blood cell shape, suppressing immunity, destroying enzymes and disrupting the normal mechanisms of the excretory, digestive, and respiratory systems (#Meenakshi, 2006). Children who drank water with fluoride levels exceeding 2.0 mg/L had kidney and liver function damage, the latter independent of dental fluorosis (#Xiong et al., 2007). Excessive fluoride intake can also cause mental harm in the forms of depression, nervousness and symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer's disease as well as reproductive harm such as male sterility, still birth, and abortion (#Meenakshi, 2006).
Fluoride is one of the most highly toxic substances present in our environment today. There are many different levels of toxicity:
Acute
In areas where fluoride compounds are naturally elevated in the drinking water, fluorosis are common (#Limeback and Gingerich, 2007).
Exposure levels of 1-5 mg/kg body weight can create acute fluoride toxicity symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in rare cases cardiac arrhythmias and death (#Fallon, 2006). Acute ingestion of fluoride can be fatal. Skin or eye contact with gaseous fluoride results in irritation of the skin or eyes.
Chronic
Fluoride is everywhere. It is present as a mineral and is ubiquitously present in natural water sources throughout the world. It is also added to toothpaste to prevent cavities and decay. The most common problem associated with fluoride exposure is fluorosis.
Dental fluorosis occurs in areas with a fluoride exposure level higher than 1.0 ppm (#Fallon, 2006). Fluoride intake can cause mild symptoms such as white, opaque mottling of teeth and enamel wear. At higher levels of exposure, severe dental fluorosis occurs with pronounced brown or black discoloration and pitting of teeth. Staining only happens with developing teeth below the gum line. As such, any noticeable characteristic of dental fluorosis only indicates the fluoride exposure level an individual has had up to age 8-10 (#Meenakshi, 2006). Dental fluorosis symptoms, in effect, are more of a time capsule rather than a present indicator of fluoride exposure and may fail to determine alone whether adults currently suffer from excessive fluoride intake. Additionally, although fluoride fosters bone formation, the new bones develop abnormally (#Fallon, 2006).
Skeletal fluorosis happens at the advanced stage of fluorosis. Fluoride deposits in the joints of the neck, knees, pelvic and shoulder bones and hinders movement. In the early stages, back stiffness, burning sensations, tingling or prickling, and muscle weakness arise and irregular calcium deposits show up in ligaments and bones. Advanced skeletal fluorosis creates osteoporosis, growth of bony spikes at the joint, vertebral fusion, and even osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Damage to the entire musculoskeletal and nervous systems marks the end stage of advanced fluorosis (#Meenakshi, 2006).
Overexposure to fluoride affects more than just bone and teeth. It can cause physical damage to human physiology by lowering hemoglobin count, distorting red blood cell shape, suppressing immunity, destroying enzymes and disrupting the normal mechanisms of the excretory, digestive, and respiratory systems (#Meenakshi, 2006). Children who drank water with fluoride levels exceeding 2.0 mg/L had kidney and liver function damage, the latter independent of dental fluorosis (#Xiong et al., 2007). Excessive fluoride intake can also cause mental harm in the forms of depression, nervousness and symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer's disease as well as reproductive harm such as male sterility, still birth, and abortion (#Meenakshi, 2006).
Precautions
Several possible options are available for the removal of fluoride from water including cartridges with an activated alumina adsorbent, reverse osmosis, and distillation. Of the three, distillation is the best micro-scale method of fluoride removal based on affordability (#Kauffman, 2005).
For some tips on how to reduce your daily fluoride intake, visit 10 Steps to Cutting Back on Fluoride
For some tips on how to reduce your daily fluoride intake, visit 10 Steps to Cutting Back on Fluoride
Regulation
Within the United States, drinking water regulation of fluoride levels is set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 4 mg/L as the maximum contaminant level (MCL), established after review of a report from the National Research Council (#EPA, #Urbansky, 2002). The Safe Drinking Water Act, requiring the EPA to set drinking water standards, includes the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal of permitting no carcinogens in the U.S. water supply. Although some studies point to fluoride as a possible carcinogen (find sources here), the conclusion from a 1990 National Toxicology Program sodium fluoride study that once proved fluoride's carcinogenicity was revised to suggests only that the study yielded arguable evidence, effectively allowing fluoride to remain a legitimate water additive (#Kauffman, 2005).
The FDA oversees the fluoride levels in bottled water and beverages and sets the acceptable range at 1.4-2.4 ppm (determined by the annual average maximum daily air temperature) (#US FDA, 2006). Alongside FDA regulation, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is responsible for creating another bottled water standard that echoes EPA drinking water regulation (#Urbansky, 2002).
No federal agency exists to control drinking water additives. Instead, the National Sanitation Foundation certifies chemicals that add less than 10% of the MCL of any drinking water substance under EPA regulation as an acceptable water additive. State and local authorities enforce either NSF-certification or their own certification standards to all drinking water additives (#Urbansky, 2002).
The FDA oversees the fluoride levels in bottled water and beverages and sets the acceptable range at 1.4-2.4 ppm (determined by the annual average maximum daily air temperature) (#US FDA, 2006). Alongside FDA regulation, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is responsible for creating another bottled water standard that echoes EPA drinking water regulation (#Urbansky, 2002).
No federal agency exists to control drinking water additives. Instead, the National Sanitation Foundation certifies chemicals that add less than 10% of the MCL of any drinking water substance under EPA regulation as an acceptable water additive. State and local authorities enforce either NSF-certification or their own certification standards to all drinking water additives (#Urbansky, 2002).
History
1900s
Children with mottled teeth i.e. fluorosis observed in various U.S. regions have fewer cavities.
1940s
Fluoride-waste producing companies permitted to add NaF to drinking water as method of tooth decay prevention. Studies to support their justification were later discredited because they did not track long-term exposure.
Jan 25, 1945
According to the American Dental Association (ADA) , Grand Rapids, Michigan began to add fluoride to the drinking water on January 25, 1945, in an effort to prevent tooth decay.
1973
Discovery of carcinogen in the water of New Orleans and the Ohio River Valley propels discussion of water safety in Congress (#Raucher, 1996).
1974
Safe Drinking Water Act broadens scope of water safety regulation, going beyond past regulations' focus of protection against communicable diseases to all unsafe water contaminants (#Raucher, 1996).
1980
United States manufacturers of infant formula voluntarily reduce fluoride content in their processing water to ~0.5-0.37 ppm F- (#Milgram & Reisine, 2000).
1981-1986
Reagan administration stops further federal drinking water regulation under development during this time. (#Raucher, 1996).
1985
EPA set fluoride standard for drinking water at 4 ppm, up from 2 ppm.
1986
Safety Drinking Water Act Amendment revives SDWA powers and sets timeline for contaminant review and future regulations of additional contaminants. (#Raucher, 1996).
1992
134 million - number of people living in communities with fluoridated water supplies
10.5 million - number of people with naturally fluoridated water
62% - percentage of American population with water containing fluoride (#Milgram & Reisine, 2000)
Children with mottled teeth i.e. fluorosis observed in various U.S. regions have fewer cavities.
1940s
Fluoride-waste producing companies permitted to add NaF to drinking water as method of tooth decay prevention. Studies to support their justification were later discredited because they did not track long-term exposure.
Jan 25, 1945
According to the American Dental Association (ADA) , Grand Rapids, Michigan began to add fluoride to the drinking water on January 25, 1945, in an effort to prevent tooth decay.
1973
Discovery of carcinogen in the water of New Orleans and the Ohio River Valley propels discussion of water safety in Congress (#Raucher, 1996).
1974
Safe Drinking Water Act broadens scope of water safety regulation, going beyond past regulations' focus of protection against communicable diseases to all unsafe water contaminants (#Raucher, 1996).
1980
United States manufacturers of infant formula voluntarily reduce fluoride content in their processing water to ~0.5-0.37 ppm F- (#Milgram & Reisine, 2000).
1981-1986
Reagan administration stops further federal drinking water regulation under development during this time. (#Raucher, 1996).
1985
EPA set fluoride standard for drinking water at 4 ppm, up from 2 ppm.
1986
Safety Drinking Water Act Amendment revives SDWA powers and sets timeline for contaminant review and future regulations of additional contaminants. (#Raucher, 1996).
1992
134 million - number of people living in communities with fluoridated water supplies
10.5 million - number of people with naturally fluoridated water
62% - percentage of American population with water containing fluoride (#Milgram & Reisine, 2000)
Reputable Source: http://toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Fluoride
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Additional sources:
Detox yourself!
You can rid you body of
most fluorides with some easy natural remedies. Fluorides have been linked to a
variety of severe chronic, even acute health issues. First a quick review
summary of fluoride.
Fluoride Toxicity
Fluoride is a soluble salt,
not a heavy metal. There are two basic types of fluoride. Calcium fluoride
appears naturally in underground water sources and even seawater. Enough of it
can cause skeletal or dental fluorosis, which weakens bone and dental matter.
But it is not nearly as toxic, nor does it negatively affect so many other
health issues as sodium fluoride, which is added to many water supplies.
Sodium Fluoride is a
synthetic waste product of the nuclear, aluminum, and phosphate fertilizer
industries. This fluoride has an amazing capacity to combine and increase the
potency of other toxic materials. The sodium fluoride obtained from industrial
waste and added to water supplies is also already contaminated with lead,
aluminum, and cadmium.
It damages the liver and
kidneys, weakens the immune system, possibly leading to cancer, creates
symptoms that mimic fibromyalgia, and performs as a Trojan Horse to carry
aluminum across the blood brain barrier. The latter is recognized as a source
of the notorious "dumbing down" with lower IQ's and Alzheimer's
effects of fluoride.
Another not commonly known
organ victim of fluorosis is the pineal gland, located in the middle of the
brain. The pineal gland can become calcified from fluorides, inhibiting it's
function as a melatonin producer. Melatonin is needed for sound, deep sleep,
and the lack of it also contributes to thyroid problems that affect the entire
endocrine system. The pineal gland is also considered the physical link to the
upper chakras or third eye for spiritual and intuitive openings.
Various permutations of
Sodium Fluoride are also in many insecticides for homes and pesticides for
crops. Sometimes it is even added to baby foods and bottled waters. If you live
in a water fluoridated area, purchase commercially grown fruits, especially
grapes, and vegetables that are chemically sprayed and grown areas irrigated by
fluoridated water, you are getting a triple whammy! Better skip that
fluoridated toothpaste!
Avoiding Fluoride
Contamination
As always, the first step
in detoxifying is to curb taking in toxins. Purifying water by reverse osmosis
or distillation in fluoridated water communities is a good start to slowing
down your fluoride contamination. Distillation comes with a bit of controversy,
as all the minerals are removed. A great mineral supplement such as Fulvic Acid
(not folic acid) or unsulfured blackstrap molasses is recommended if you
distill your water.
Avoiding sprayed,
commercially grown foods while consuming organic or locally grown foods is
another big step. Watch out for processed foods such as instant tea, grape
juice products, and soy milk for babies. They all contain high concentrations
of sodium fluoride. So do many pharmaceutical "medicines". By
minimizing your sodium fluoride intake, your body can begin eliminating the
fluorides in your system slowly.
Magnesium is a very
important mineral that many are lacking. Besides being so important in the
metabolism and synthesis of nutrients within your cells, it also inhibits the
absorption of fluoride into your cells! Along with magnesium, calcium seems to
help attract the fluorides away from your bones and teeth, allowing your body
to eliminate those toxins. So during any detox efforts with fluoride, it is
essential that you include a healthy supplemental dose of absorbable
calcium/magnesium as part of the protocol.
So Now Let's Speed Up the
Fluoride Detox
This author received a
comment stating that an earlier article's source reference to sunlight for
decalcifying the pineal gland was inaccurate. He said that darkness, not light,
is needed to stimulate the pineal gland into melatonin production, which should
lead to breaking up the calcification of that gland. Besides being logical,
further source research indicates the critic is correct!
Day time exercise, a
healthful diet, not over eating, and meditation all contribute to higher
melatonin production from the pineal gland. Though very helpful to many for
getting a full night's deep sleep, it appears inconclusive whether melatonin
supplements will help decalcify the pineal gland. But it does seem logical that
it might.
Iodine supplementation has
been clinically demonstrated to increase the urine irrigation of sodium
fluoride from the body as calcium fluoride. The calcium is robbed from your
body, so make sure you are taking effective calcium and magnesium supplements.
Lecithin is recommended as an adjunct to using iodine for excreting fluorides.
Iodine is another nutrient
lacking in most diets and causing hypothyroid symptoms of lethargy or metabolic
imbalances. Eating lots of seafood for iodine has it's constantly rising
mercury hazards. Seaweed foods and iodine supplements that combine iodine and
potassium iodide are highly recommended over sea food by most.
Tamarind, originally
indigenous to Africa but migrated into India and southeast Asia, has been used
medicinally in Ayurvedic Medicine. The pulp, bark, and leaves from the tree can
be converted to teas and strong tinctures, which have also shown the ability to
eliminate fluorides through the urine.
Liver Cleanses are
considered effective for eliminating fluorides and other toxins. There are two
types of liver cleansing, both of which can be performed easily at home over a
week or two of time. One of the protocols focuses on the liver itself, and the
other cleanses the gall bladder, which is directly connected with liver
functions. Simple instructions for both can be found on line with search engine
inquiries.
Boron was studied in other
parts of the world with pronounced success for fluoride detoxification. Borox,
which contains boron, has a history of anecdotal success for detoxifying sodium
fluoride. Yes, this is the borox you can find in the laundry aisles of some
supermarkets. It needs to be taken in with pure water in small quantities.
As little as 1/32 of a
teaspoon to 1/4 of a teaspoon in one liter of water consumed in small
quantities throughout the day is what has been demonstrated as safe and
effective. Around 1/8 of a teaspoon with a pinch of pure sea salt in a liter
consumed in small quantities daily has been reported to have dramatic results.
There is the possibility of a food grade version with sodium borate, if you can
find it.
Dry Saunas combined with
exercise releases sodium fluoride stored in fatty tissues. It can be intense
enough to cause side effects or an occasional healing crisis. So keep the pure
water intake high and drink some chickweed tea to protect the kidneys while
using a highly absorbable cal/mag supplement. Lecithin is another useful
adjunct to this protocol for fluoride detoxification.
Those Adjuncts to the
Listed Remedies
Vitamin C in abundance was
not mentioned as a helpful adjunct. It is now. But do not use ascorbic acid as
your vitamin C source for an adjunct to any of the fluoride detox methods. Do
take in as much other types of vitamin C as you can tolerate, along with a
couple of tablespoons of lecithin daily. Add those to your absorbable calcium
and magnesium supplements with plenty of pure water, get good sleep and rest,
and the detox should be relatively smooth.
Chelation therapies are
recommended primarily for heavy metal removals. Though fluorides are salts, the
synthetic waste product variety, sodium fluoride, comes with a cargo of toxic
heavy metals. And these pernicious salts have a way of combining more heavy
metals. So including any one of several chelation therapies may be beneficial
for overall health improvements while applying your chosen fluoride remedy or
remedies.
Those include bentonite
clay internally or externally, fulvic acid (NOT folic acid), cilantro pesto
with chlorella, and even DMSA or any other chellation therapy with which you
are familiar.
My daughter doesn't drink tap water ever and she has never had a cavity..
ReplyDeleteI have fluorosis. One front tooth had it so bad the surface was drilled out and filled with ceramic. My teeth were 'soft' during all my youth (I have since corrected that with xylitol). I live in a fluoridated area (which means I have an RO filter). Fluoride is a gigantic scam and may the perpetrators of this myth rot in hell.
ReplyDeleteFluoride in some quantity is good for our health that’s why it’s been recommended by government and world health organization, but access of this chemical in water can create a toxic compound which can lead to many health issues. The best way to avoid this problem is to use purified water and distillation process is a best way to get pure water.
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