Government Report Links Fluoride in Water to Health Issues
Breaking News
A U.S. government report released recently has concluded that fluoride in drinking water at twice the recommended limit is linked with an increased risk of bone cancer in young boys.
The report, which was conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), found that male rats exposed to fluoride levels of 2 parts per million (ppm) in their drinking water developed osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, at a rate that was more than double that of rats exposed to lower levels of fluoride.
The NTP also found that exposure to fluoride at these levels was associated with an increased risk of dental fluorosis, a condition that causes white spots or streaks to appear on the teeth.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that is added to public water supplies in the United States to help prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride works by strengthening the tooth enamel and making it more resistant to cavities.
The recommended level of fluoride in public water supplies is 0.7 ppm.
What are the Health Effects of Fluoride?
The health effects of fluoride have been debated for many years.
Some studies have shown that fluoride can have a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of tooth decay, osteoporosis, and fractures.
However, other studies have linked fluoride to a number of health problems, including bone cancer, dental fluorosis, and thyroid problems.
What is the Recommended Daily Intake of Fluoride?
The recommended daily intake of fluoride for children and adults is 0.05 mg/kg of body weight per day.
This means that a 10-year-old child who weighs 50 pounds should consume no more than 2.5 mg of fluoride per day.
Fluoride can be found in a variety of foods and beverages, including:
- Fluoridated water
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Fluoride supplements
How can I Reduce my exposure to Fluoride?
If you are concerned about the potential health effects of fluoride, you can take steps to reduce yourexposure:
- Drink bottled water instead of tap water.
- Use a fluoride-free toothpaste and mouthwash.
- Avoid taking fluoride supplements.
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