Early this week, I received a call from a friend inquiring about fluoridation in the Philippine water system. I’ve read that fluoride was introduced to the water systems across America to promote healthy teeth.
I’ve asked one of my cuz’s who is actually in one of the our water utility firm and he said that addition of fluoride to our tap water is not being practiced in the Philippines. In some parts of the country it was found that fluoride is naturally present at high levels.
So why should we be concerned about fluoride in our tap water?
Fluoride may be beneficial to our teeth as it prevents tooth decay. But the risks involved in having too much fluoride outweigh the benefits to health which results when it is ingested.
Effect on the brain.. Studies of the National Research Council (NRC) reveal that fluorides increase the production of free radicals in the brain through several different biological pathways. These changes have a bearing on the possibility that fluorides act to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Effect on the endocrine function.. According to the NRC, evidence of several types indicates that fluoride affects normal endocrine function or response; the effects of the fluoride-induced changes vary in degree and kind in different individuals. Fluoride alters normal endocrine function or response.
Effect on the kidney... According to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), results of a research study conducted by a team of researchers at Tongji Medical College in China, suggests that fluoride exposure – at levels currently deemed safe by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – can damage both kidney and liver function in children.
More on the health effect of fluoride, click here.
With all this studies conducted on the adverse effects of fluoride on drinking water, the US Environmental Protection Agency decided to raise the standard for fluoride to 4mg/L, while the Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water pegged fluoride at a maximum level of 1mg/L. Hmmm… is this safe enough?
