Fluoride: The Confusion Between Healthy And Unhealthy
Fluoride is a natural mineral present in our bones and teeth. It serves the purpose of improving weakened teeth. Most teeth care products use the presence of fluoride in their products to woo customers to buy the product. Fluoride can also be found in the soil, in plants, and some rocks. Some water companies add a bit of fluoride in their water to reduce tooth decay. When found in large amounts in water for human and home consumption, it is not so pleasing. It can also be harmful to health-wise when consumed in large doses. Some of the health risks associated with fluoride are dental fluorosis in children, thyroid problems, skeletal fluorosis, fluoride poisoning, and issues. Most tapped water contains fluoride to some amount, mostly within a safe range. However, some would prefer to consume zero degrees of fluoride in their water.
Is There A Way Of Completely Purifying Water To Get Rid Of All Fluoride?
Technology has come up with water purification devices that can remove fluoride wholly or to almost negligible amounts. Most people flock the market looking for such water purification devices to protect the lives of their families. Many researchers have reviewed available water purification devices and come up with those believed to give fluoride-free water completely. Some of the water filters that remove fluoride are;
- Reverse Osmosis Filters
These are filters that resemble the under-sink sieve from outside but are indeed very different inside. They are fixed under the sink and are connected to the cold water pipe. 99.9% of all the total dissolved solids are served through a reverse osmosis membrane. A good example is a water drop reverse osmosis system. It is a tankless system that reduces the probability of bacteria breeding, and it can read TDS levels and display exact water quality. It clears Fluoride from the water almost completely. It is ideal for those homes whose water has high levels of fluoride.
- Faucet Fluoride Filters
Some faucet water filters reduce fluoride, but not all. The faucet filters are connected to the faucet end of the kitchen faucet since they are small. The water goes through the valve, then the sieve, and drawn from the filters sprout. A filter traps the larger solids. A good example is a water drop faucet filter, an activated carbon filter that can easily be connected to a faucet in the kitchen to give clear and clean water. It is certified as able to remove any impurities. It is a small and instant application. It can clean 320 gallons before replacement
- Distillers
These are the commonest distillers. Probably everyone knows that water is purified by boiling. The distillers boil water into vapor than cool it again to condense. Since the impurities cannot vaporize, they are left when the water turns to steam. The process may take long i.e., approx 5 hours for one gallon, but it is a comprehensive and useful process. Distillers are beneficial as they are durable; don’t need constant changing as do filters. An example is the pure water mini-classic distiller, which is a countertop distiller.
- Under The Sink Fluorite Filter
Some under the sink water filters are effective in removing fluoride in the water. These are connected to the cold water pipe. The water moves from the tube to filter and back to pipe then out through the faucet. They have sieves that prevent fluoride particles from passing on with the clean water.
- Counter Top Fluoride Filters
These connect to the kitchen faucet, and then water flows from the pipe to the filter and the tap. The filters are fitted with activated carbon filters that exchange the fluoride ions for hydroxide.
- Filter Pitcher
The pitcher-based purifiers are very easy to use. All you do is fill water in the pitcher then allow it to pass through the filter. They are also very affordable, but unfortunately, not all can effectively filter out fluoride in water. An example is the aqua gear pitcher, a purifier that removes 90.6% of water impurities such as chlorine, according to the manufacturer, and is certified to remove health risk contaminants. It can filter 150 gallons before a filter change. It is relatively cheaper than other filters.
It is essential to read and understand what the manufacturer says about the purification device and the cost, durability, and other impurities it can help remove. It is healthy to purify your water so that you and your loved ones stay healthy and avoid fluoride related health problems.