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What is Fluoride?

The term Fluoride describes a collection of compounds made up of the element Fluorine – the lightest of the halogen gases.

Fluoride compounds occur naturally in water & soil, at varying levels.

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How Does Fluoride Get Into Your Water Supply?

Scientists in the 1940s discovered that people who lived in areas with higher levels of naturally occurring Fluoride in their drinking water had few dental cavities (known as caries) than people who had less Fluoride in their drinking water.

Fluoridation is the process of artificially adding Fluoride to drinking water. In the UK, this is carried out by water companies in conjunction with local authorities.

Areas where Fluoridation occurs are:

  • West Midlands
  • North East
  • East Midlands
  • Eastern England
  • North West
  • Yorkshire & Humber

There is currently no Fluoridation carried out in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

The maximum level of Fluoride (comprising both naturally occurring and artificially added) permitted in the UK is 1.5mg/l. The levels are closely monitored by water companies and adjusted as necessary. 

Are there any Benefits to Having Fluoride in Your Water?

Tooth decay is a major global health concern and is a significant problem in the UK.

Fluoride prevents and is even able to reverse the effects of tooth decay, by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that produce acid in the mouth, as well as contributing to the remineralisation of tooth enamel. 

What are the Risks of Fluoride in Your Water?

The impact of Fluoridation has meant that the risk of tooth decay, particularly in children, can be reduced, however, due to the increased availability of fluoride toothpastes and other dental products, the same effect can be achieved without ingesting Fluoride.

Fluoride can come with health risks. Excessive levels of Fluoride in the body can result in a condition called Fluorosis, which causes changes in the tooth enamel, ranging from barely visible white spots to pitting. But Fluoride accumulates in the bones as well as the teeth and extremely high levels can result in stimulating bone cell growth, altering the structure and weakening the skeleton. In the UK, this is very unlikely as Fluoride levels are strictly monitored and managed to keep them well within safe limits. 

How Can You Remove Fluoride from Your Water?

If you are looking to remove Fluoride from drinking water, unlike other impurities, boiling water can actually increase the concentration of Fluoride in your water - this is because Fluoride does not vaporise with boiling. What you are left with is the same amount of Fluoride, but in less water, meaning the concentration of Fluoride is higher.

Fluoride in water levels in the UK are closely monitored to keep within safe levels, however, if you are concerned about Fluoride in your water supply, our Fluoride Reduction Cartridge, which can be used as a pre-filter in our under-counter HIP DUO Biotect Ultra + Fluoride system and our British Berkefeld Ultra Fluoride Gravity Filter both contain a specially-developed Fluoride reduction media, ensuring you can rely on your drinking water wherever you are.

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