Can Fridge Filters Remove Fluoride?
Drinking healthy water is important for everyone. Most developed countries have developed systems to remove harmful contaminants from drinking water, but there are minerals, like fluoride, that stay behind in the process.
Fluoride can be naturally found in freshwater. It's a monatomic anion mineral that can be found in water, food, soil, and the earth's crust.
It's used in some toothpaste and can also be found in the local water source. Experts debate over the health effects of fluoride in water, and both sides have reasonable arguments.
In most communities, fluoride and chlorine are used in the cleansing of tap water. Although health professionals deem fluoride healthy in doses, there is still concern about the negative health effects of ingesting fluoride in drinking water.
Fluoride in water can also contain other toxic pollutants, which could include arsenic, lead, and mercury.
Filtering fluoride from your drinking water at home is a simple solution to the issue of contaminants in the drinking supply. However fluoride cannot be filtered via fridge water filters. Instead, a reverse osmosis filter system is one of the most common ways people remove fluoride from their drinking supply.
Pros and Cons of Fluoride In Drinking Water
In 1945, the US city of Grand Rapids, MI became the first city in the world to adjust its drinking supply fluoride levels through the process of water fluoridation. Professionals across the world have debated over the pros and cons of fluoridation and the concept has been met with heavy controversy.
Public water is fluoridated in a process that adjusts the natural fluoride levels in drinking water. The process of fluoridation uses the optimal fluoride levels based on the guidelines of the region in an effort to prevent tooth decay.
Several cities across Australia add fluoride to their water through the process of fluoridation. Here's a list of the states that do.
- Tasmania
- New South Wales
- Australian Capital Territory
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Northern Territory
- Victoria
- Queensland
The bottom-line question is, should we drink water with fluoride in it?
Here are some of the pros and cons of consuming water with fluoride in it:
Pros
- Fluoride prevents tooth decay by bonding with teeth allowing them to build a resistance to acid from bacteria.
- The process of water fluoridation has been approved by medical and dental associations across the world. Experts deem it as a safe and effective way to protect teeth and reduce cavities.
- Scientist deem water fluoridation as one of the top 10 more important public health measures of the 20th Century
- Studies show that having a balanced amount of fluoride in water reduces tooth decay by approximately 25% over an average lifespan
- Water fluoridation is low in cost at both an individual and community level
- Studies show that children who drink water with fluoride in it since birth have stronger teeth throughout adulthood.
Cons
- Studies show that fluoride in household water, even at low levels, has been linked to adverse health effects. like thyroid issues, bone fractures, and brain developmental malfunction.
- Studies also show that fluoride is better used topically and should not be ingested
- Too much exposure to fluoride in the water supply can cause dental fluorosis. We've all seen those white spots and brown stains on teeth. Dental fluorosis can also cause pits and breaks in tooth enamel.
Can You Filter Fluoride From Tap Water?
Some people are OK with consuming fluoride, others aren't. Those who aren't usually looking for ways to remove minerals from their tap water.
Filtering fluoride from the water supply is most efficiently done with a reverse osmosis system. Reverse osmosis pushes water through a semi-permeable membrane and uses pressure to remove contaminants from water. RO systems effectively remove lead, fluoride, pesticides, and cysts from drinking water.
There are a few different options for home filtration systems. A basic jug water filter will not be an option for fluoride removal, in fact, most water filters will not effectively remove fluoride, that's why it's very important to do research before investing in a new water filter system. Refrigerator water filters, for example, do not remove fluoride.
A home water filter, like a reverse osmosis water filter, is the most affordable and effective way to remove fluoride from the drinking supply.
There are some DIY approaches for filtering tap water, like using a pot and boiling water with an icepack over the lid, but this method may be tedious for some. Here are some home water filter options that can remove fluoride from drinking water:
- Carbon Filter: Filtering water with carbon is one of the oldest methods. Carbon water filter cartridges work to eliminate about 90% of minerals and substances from water.
- Activated Alumina: The porous qualities of activated alumina allows it to absorb fluoride and contaminants from water. The EPA recommends activated alumina as an option for purifying water. Activated alumina filters only work to filter water with a pH balance below 8.5 and they have limited capability of removing fluoride from water. The process of filtration with activated alumina is complicated and usually used by water treatment professionals with industry devices.
- Reverse Osmosis System: Reverse osmosis cleans water through a pressure system that forces water across a permeable membrane. Fluoride and other unwanted minerals are separated from the water, leaving the water ready for consumption. This solution is perfect for your home water filtration needs.
Alternatives For Fluoride-Free Water
Some recommend keeping tank water on the property is a viable alternative for fluoride-free water, another option is developing a system to collect rainwater on your property. These options may be a bit more tedious than investing in a quality filtration system in the home.
If the experts can't decide if having fluoride in the water supply is good or bad, how can we? If you want to remove fluoride and harmful contaminants from your drinking supply, a quality home water filtration system is recommended. We can help you decide which system works best for you. Call Discount Fridge Filters for further assistance and we'll help select a water filter that's perfect for your needs.