Water Fluoridation Essay

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Water Fluoridation
‘Water fluoridation (noun): the addition of fluorides to a public water supply as a public health measure to reduce the incidence of dental caries’. –MedicalDictionary1
As the above definition suggests, water fluoridation is the process by which municipal water supplies are treated with fluoride based elements as a counter-measure to dental issues. This has become a health and social issue; it is a form of ‘mass medicine’ that has found to be the cause of a variety of health concerns.
Chemistry:
Fluorine is added to form concentrations of below 1 part per million (to result in safe levels) in water. This fluorine is supplied from 3 primary chemicals; Sodium Fluoride (NaF), Fluorosilicic Acid (H2SiF6) and Sodium Fluorosilicate (Na2SiF6). These compounds dissociate in water to produce Fluorine ions by the following reactions:
1) SiF62-(s) + Aq. → SiF62-(aq.) Fluorosilicate ions then react further to produce;
SiF62− + 2H2O → 6F− + SiO2 + 4H+ 2
2) NaF(s) + Aq. → Na+(aq.) + F-(aq.) (all sodium salts are soluble)
Depending on where the fluoride is applied, it can cause different effects. A M Helmenstine states that, when applied directly to teeth, ‘Fluoride [interacts] with hydroxyapatite to form a stronger compound that is less-susceptible to acid attack’ 3. The following is an extract from ScienceLine explaining how the fluoride prevents tooth decay. However, on the other hand, if fluorine is digested it has the potential to form hazardous compounds, in particular Hydrofluoric Acid (HF). An example of this is seen below, in a reaction that Sodium Fluoride partakes in with naturally occurring Hydrochloric Acid in the stomach;
NaF + HCl → HF + NaCl
This acid is known for being highly corrosive and toxic. Furthermo...

... middle of paper ...

...s are dangerous and toxic. Despite the precaution taken in supplementing these chemicals into water, there still exists the probability that these hazardous chemicals will be reproduced by reactions with bodily fluids in areas where they may cause harm to the individual. The production of these chemicals is outlined in the previous section on Chemistry.
Future and Conclusion
Ultimately, water fluoridation is not a necessary treatment. Firstly, the benefits can be reaped through direct application in dental products. Fluorides are not consumed through this method, and thereby cause minimal, if any, damage to systems in the body. On the other hand, fluoride in water is digested and allowed to impact the body in detrimental ways. Due to the lack of benefits and ethical and health reasons, I personally believe that the process will be removed altogether in the future.

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