The EPA allows more fluoride in water than is considered safe by health experts
Recent research on causes of heart disease has revealed a link between fluoride and coronary artery disease. The study, referred to as: Association of vascular fluoride uptake with vascular calcification and coronary artery disease. Researchers examined the arteries of 61 people for signs of calcification – artery hardening due to calcium, and fluoride absorption.
Connection between fluoride and heart disease described as “significant”
Fluoride was detected in the vascular walls (veins) of 96% of study participants, and calcification was observed in the vascular walls of 88% of participants. Study participants arteries also showed significant calcification and fluoride absorption.
Doctors who reviewed study participants’ medical histories noted that there was a very strong link between the presence of fluoride in artery walls and the history of heart disease. Researchers concluded that”An increased fluoride uptake in coronary arteries may be associated with an increased cardiovascular risk.”
Too much fluoride in public water supplies
Earlier this year, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jointly announced that they would be recommending that fluoride levels in drinking water be lowered because of a slow rise in fluorosis – fluoride poisoning that causes brittle bones, brain damage, and discolored teeth, among other health problems.
The HHS proposed lowering maximum allowable levels of fluoride in water to 0.7 mg/l. The EPA, which sets actually sets the standard, currently allows up to 4 mg/l of fluoride in water. This means that the EPA allows 5.71 times more fluoride in water supplies than the HHS actually deems safe! The EPA has said it is considering lowering the allowable level of fluoride in water, but has not officially acted yet.
Why the difference?
The EPA and the HHS have two separate goals when it comes to fluoride:
- HHS – (recommendation) Reduce tooth decay while minimizing the rate of fluorosis
- EPA – (Sets the standard) Maximum concentration of fluoride it considers safe
What this means: The EPA now believes its current standard (4 mg/l) is too high, but the EPA is not ready to set a new standard yet. Until the EPA sets a new standard, it is possible that the level of fluoride in your water could pose risks to your health.
How to reduce the level of fluoride in water
You can reduce the level of fluoride in your water by using filters designed to remove heavy metals from water. Why a heavy metals filter? Because fluoride is a metal! LIFE Ionizers offers a filter that is able to reduce fluoride levels in water to below detectable thresholds.
The LIFE Heavy Metal + Fluoride (AR-100F) filter protects you from harmful levels of arsenic, fluoride and other inorganic compounds (heavy metals). The AR-100F filter is designed to fit most standard filter housings, so you can easily add it to your existing filtration system. You can also order the AR-100F filter as part of a filtration system from LIFE Ionizers.
Need more information about filtration? Call our safe water experts today at (888) 688-8889.
References
Li, Y. et al. Association of vascular fluoride uptake with vascular calcification and coronary artery disease. PubMed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21946616
Lowes R. HHS Recommends Lower Fluoride Levels in Drinking Water (Medscape) http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/735486