Fluoride Studies
Fluoride studies have been conducted in astronomical numbers since its introduction to water
supplies in the 1940's. Since 1970, over 3,700 studies have been conducted by private and
governmental research groups (2). From all of the studies completed, no one has been able
to say for sure that fluoride is beneficial. Most groups would say that fluoride addition is in
the best interest of the community. Some, however, argue that the possible adverse affects
outweigh the positive effects.
Fluoride is a derivative of the element fluorine. Fluorine is a halogen element. It is extremely
reactive and toxic. Chemically combined with sodium, the compound sodium fluoride is
obtained, this compound is the main compound used to fluoridate water supplies. Exposure
to excessive levels of fluoride can result in a variety of physiological responses. The extent of
the response depends upon the dosage received, duration of exposure, age and weight (2).
There are three categories of data used to determine fluoride toxicity: epidemiological data, short-term mutagenic tests
and animal bioassays (2).