For decades, municipalities have been adding fluoride to public drinking water to improve dental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 72% of Americans with access to public water are consuming fluoridated water. However, some households would like to remove fluoride from their drinking water, and this continues to generate rising consumer interest.
There have been studies that suggest overfluoridation can cause issues, such as lower IQ in children, for example. Yet others want to remove fluoride from their drinking water so they know exactly what their family is consuming.
Regardless of the reason, however, there are ways to remove or reduce fluoride in your water without switching from public to private water sources.
In this article:
- Why Is There Fluoride in Tap Water?
- Is Fluoride in Water Harmful?
- How to Remove Fluoride from Water
- When to Consider a Filtration System
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is There Fluoride in Tap Water?
In the early 20th century, studies were conducted to determine the safety of fluoride for human consumption. Once it was determined that it was safe, municipalities began introducing it to public water systems. They did so to better the dental hygiene of everyday Americans, specifically children. Tooth decay was a significant problem for Americans during this period. After fluoride was introduced to the water supply, the incidence of cavities in children dropped by 60% in just a few years, according to the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins.
The History of Water Fluoridation
According to the CDC, Grand Rapids, Michigan, was the first city to add fluoride to its community water in January 1945. By 1954, over 20 million Americans had fluoridated water, and just two years later, Crest introduced fluoride into its toothpaste.
Who Controls Fluoride Levels?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulating levels of fluoride in community water. It is up to the municipalities to control those levels, however. The EPA standard for fluoride is between 2.0 and 4.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L). Anything above or below that range is not allowed.
However, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends only 0.7 mg/L fluoride in drinking water to continue battling tooth decay while lowering the risk of health risks due to dental fluorosis, which can cause dental deformities in young children. The two departments have different enforced standards because the EPA is more focused on preventing excessive fluoride exposure in water, while the HHS examines the public’s exposure to fluoride from all sources, including things like toothpaste.
Is Fluoride in Water Harmful?
At recommended levels, the CDC states that community water fluoridation isn’t harmful. It can be incredibly beneficial for dental health. That said, there have also been advances in other dental hygiene practices since water fluoridation was introduced, including the use of fluoridated toothpaste. That likely explains why even countries that don’t fluoridate their water have also experienced significant declines in dental problems, such as cavities.
Potential Health Effects of Fluoride
Although fluoridated water in recommended amounts is safe to drink, there are health effects if levels are too high. One issue is dental fluorosis. According to the CDC, this cosmetic condition only affects young children under the age of 8. Dental fluorosis can cause issues with tooth enamel, resulting in visible changes such as lines or spots.
Similarly, excessive fluoride intake can also lead to skeletal fluorosis. This condition causes changes in the bones, which can result in symptoms such as joint pain, osteoporosis, or even neurological issues, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, the NIH also points out that this condition is “extremely rare” in the U.S. and is not caused by consuming fluoridated water at recommended levels.
Why Some People Choose to Filter Fluoride Out
Many people choose to filter fluoride out of their water because of personal preference or to improve water quality at home. They prefer to have control over what’s in their water without having to convert to a private water system, such as a well. Others may be sensitive to the fluoride in their water or wish to avoid potential health issues.
How to Remove Fluoride from Water
Standard water filters, particularly those containing activated carbon, will not remove or reduce fluoride. That means pitcher filters, such as Brita, or faucet attachments won’t work. Instead, homeowners will need a more advanced water filtration system to remove fluoride effectively.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a highly effective filtration system. Besides eliminating fluoride from water, the CDC notes that it can also remove bacteria, dissolved solids, heavy metals like lead, PFAS, parasites, and viruses. What makes RO unique is its semi-permeable membrane filter. This filter has tiny holes in it, which only allow molecules the size of water molecules to pass through. That means the larger ions, such as fluoride, cannot pass through.
Various components of an RO system require different maintenance, such as replacing the filters annually. The system’s pre-filter needs to be replaced every six to twelve months. However, the more complex membrane can last between two and three years. How often you must replace these filters depends on the quality of your home’s water.
Activated Alumina Filters
Using activated alumina (AA), a form of aluminum oxide, these filters absorb common water contaminants. As water passes through the filter, impurities such as fluoride and arsenic essentially get trapped inside the filter.
Compared to RO systems, these systems are often more affordable and have a potentially long life of several years. AA will last longer if homeowners follow the regeneration process, which involves backwashing and rinsing the filter with the appropriate chemical rinse to restore its original absorption level. However, AA systems do not filter as many contaminants (such as bacteria) as RO, they are more challenging to dispose of, and can be affected by the water’s pH levels.
Bone Char Filters
As their name implies, bone char filters are made from charred animal bones. These carbon filters, much like alumina filters, utilize their porous structure to absorb fluoride and other contaminants, including heavy metals. This process primarily occurs through ion exchange, where the bone char’s ions effectively capture and retain fluoride ions as water passes through the filter.
Distillation Units
Using the power of boiling, vaporizing, and condensation, distillation units collect clean water. During the distillation process, water molecules become vapor and are collected until they condense back into a liquid from their gaseous form. This removes contaminants such as fluoride, dissolved solids, heavy metals, and certain bacteria and viruses.
This effective water filtration system is excellent for purifying water; however, it comes at a higher cost. It’s both more costly to install and uses a lot of energy, which can increase your electricity costs. Distillation units also require more maintenance than other filtration options. Homeowners must clean the boiling chamber and replace the filter every few months to maintain optimal performance. It is also essential to disassemble the unit and clean each part to remove the scale buildup.
Ineffective Methods to Avoid
In addition to carbon-activated filters like Brita or PUR, there are other ineffective methods for removing fluoride that you should be aware of. Water softeners do not remove fluoride. A softener helps remove hardness in a home’s water caused by minerals like calcium. Additionally, although distillation units use boiling, simply boiling water on your own will not remove fluoride. Technically, boiling water would increase the ratio of fluoride in the water since some of the water will vaporize in the process, leaving fluoride behind
When to Consider a Fluoride Filtration System
There are several reasons why you should consider installing a filtration system for fluoride removal in your home. If you want control over the content of your home’s water, your household has sensitivity to fluoride, or you’re concerned about health effects, it’s a good idea to install a filtration system. When you’re ready to take back control of your water, be sure to contact the experts at Leaf Home Water Solutions to discuss your water treatment. With over 250 product combinations, our experts will test your water and recommend a personalized solution for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does boiling water remove fluoride?
No, boiling water does not remove fluoride. Boiling water would likely increase the ratio of fluoride in water since some of the water will vaporize off.
Can a Brita filter remove fluoride?
No, activated carbon filters such as Brita or PUR do not remove fluoride. Only more advanced water filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis, activated alumina, and distillation units, will effectively remove fluoride.
How do I know if my water has fluoride?
If you use public water in the United States, it is likely fluoridated. Approximately 72% of households with community water supply systems have fluoride in their water. The best way to know if you do have fluoridated water is to contact your water supplier directly.
Is fluoride harmful to children?
In excess of legal amounts, fluoride can be harmful to young children. Specifically, it can cause dental fluorosis, a cosmetic issue affecting their teeth, resulting in spots and streaks. There have also been studies done that indicate excess fluoride can cause lower IQs in children as well.
