The general population is exposed to fluorides in the air and in food, but the main source is found in drinking water. Fluorine, as sodium fluoride, is contained in most municipal drinking water supplies in the United States and has been credited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, U.S.A.) as ?one of the 10 greatest achievements in public health during the 20th century.? Community water fluoridation was first implemented in the United States in 1945, after recognizing that fluoride hardens tooth enamel.
However, an excess accumulation of fluoride in the body can lead to demineralization of bone and tooth enamel, to a toxic condition called fluorosis. Bony changes, characterized by osteosclerosis, exostoses of the spine, and genu valgum, usually are seen only after prolonged high intake of fluoride in adults. These changes occur due to the fact that fluoride is not biodegradable and it accumulates in the body and bones resulting in a toxic or poisoning effect.
fluoride and your health
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