How to remove fluoride from water

12/04/2017 Océane Bidault

Fluoride is added to 10% of water supplies across the UK in aim to help improve oral health. Yet due to some recent health concerns there are some that suggest we should remove the chemical from our water altogether. In this article we explore the reasons why some water utility companies add fluoride to our water supplies, as well as explaining how, at certain levels, fluoride may be harmful our health.

• Around 6 million people in the UK are supplied fluoridated water across the UK
• Northern Ireland has never had fluoridated water
• In some instances, when added to tap water supplies, artificial fluoride can contain by-product substances that may cause dental fluorosis which is the pitting and staining of your teeth
• If you are concerned about the levels of fluoride in your tap water use the information at the end of this article to find out what you can do about it

Why does my tap water contain Fluoride?

Used as an oral health aid, artificially fluoridated water is supplied to around 10% of the population in the UK. the nationally recoginised recommended level of flouride concetrate is at 1 ppm.

Whilst fluoride is universally regarded as great for oral health, helping prevent teeth cavities, there still remains controversy about whether directly ingesting the substance is harmful to our overall health.

Fluoride and your health

Fluoride in its natural form is not harmful to your health. However artificial fluoride, which is added to water, can in very rare occasions contain by-product substances such as fluorosilicic acid, sodium silicofluoride and sodium fluoride. It is these that can be detrimental to your overall well-being and cause the most common side affect of excess fluoride consumption; dental fluorosis and the pitting (staining) of your teeth.

What should you do if you want to remove fluoride from your tap water

Whilst some chemicals can be removed through filtration systems and jugs, fluoride proves to be a more difficult chemical to remove and is only achieved using specialised filters and Reverse Osmosis systems.

Because of this, if you have any questions about the amount of fluoride that is within your tap water the best course of action should be to contact your local water supplier or a local plumber.