Fluoride (F-) is a common constituent of many minerals. Municipal water treatment plants commonly add fluoride to the water for prevention of tooth decay, and they try to maintain a level of 1.5 - 2.5 mg/l. Concentrations above 5 mg/l are detrimental to tooth structure. High concentrations are contained in waste water from the manufacture of glass and steel, as well as from foundry operations. Organic fluorine is present in vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Inorganic fluorine, under the name of sodium fluoride, is a waste product of aluminum and is used in some rat poisons. The MCL established for drinking water by the US EPA is 4 mg/l.

The adding of fluoride to drinking water in the U.S. intended benefit was to reduce tooth decay on a mass scale in a cost effective manner. Fluoride isn't just added at a water treatment plant. It is also a naturally occurring compound in some water supplies so it is possible to have fluoride in your drinking water even if a municipality does'nt fluoridate it.

Lately, fluoride has become a hugh controversy and the Web is FULL of PROs and CONs.

For decades, activists AGAINST fluoride blamed fluoride (which is only slightly less poisonous than arsenic) for a variety of problems, including osteoporosis, bone cancer, kidney problems, arthritis, genetic damage and birth defects, premature aging, lowered intelligence, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.

Although there are numerous studies suggesting links between fluoride and various illnesses, activists FOR fluoride have always contended correctly that the exact effects of long-term fluoridation on our bodies have not been established beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Many people did not notice that in 1997, toothpaste containing fluoride in the USA started carrying the warnings: "If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a Poison-Control Center Immediately."

Dr. Hardy Limeback, who is a leading Canadian fluoride authority, has made many comments on the matter of fluoride. Although he still believes fluoride in toothpaste is effective against tooth decay, he says it doesn't need to be added to our water and we may be taking unnecessary risks by doing so. "There is no point swallowing fluoridated water. The only benefit comes with direct contact with the teeth." He also states: "Children under three should never use fluoridated toothpaste or drink fluoridated water. "

Whatever your position on fluoride is, it is simply a mater of personal preference. You can search the web and find the PROs and CONs to fluoride in drinking water and decide for yourself. Until there is a strait, forward and definitive answer, you simply have two choices:

1. If you WISH to drink drinking water with fluoride in it, simply do nothing.

2. If you WISH NOT to drink water with fluoride in it, remove it!

"How Do I know if my municipality adds fluoride?"

You need to contact your municipality and ask if it adds fluoride. Some large U.S. cities with fluoridation include New York City, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Detroit, Dallas, Baltimore, San Francisco, Indianapolis, Memphis, Washington, DC, Milwaukee, Boston, Columbus, New Orleans, Cleveland, Denver, Seattle, Nashville, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Fort Worth, St. Louis.

"Does Bottled Water have Fluoride in it and if so how much?"

There are more than 20 brands of bottled water with added fluoride currently available. Some of these brands are sold nationwide in stores like Walmart, etc.. If it has fluoride in it, it should say so on the label and show the amount. If the amount of fluoride is not stated simply contact the company."