Fluoride's Rising Battle

Adding Fluoride -- Dividing Communities

Communities, big and small, have jumped into the fray. Fluoride (F^-) is one of the few chemicals added to our drinking water, but its presence stirs debate on the social, economic, and political fronts.

Here are just two viewpoints swirling around the drain:

• Fluoride is a neurotoxin that lowers a child's IQ and weakens the immune system
• Fluoride protects against tooth decay and saves money on dental care for children and adults

Google News Advanced Search (May 10-May 20, 2014)

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), two-thirds of community water systems add fluoride to tap water. The District of Columbia's tap water is 100 percent fluoridated; Hawaii's tap water is less than 11 percent fluoridated.

 

The graphic above reflects the status in 2006. How this has changed in the last eight years and how it may change in the next two years may show where we are going as a nation.

Many say the key to fluoridation is balance. Fluoride added at 1 part per million (ppm) dilution is the usual concentration used. But, in a study conducted by the University of Nebraska in 2008, 4 ppm can cause discoloration of teeth and other health concerns. Your natural water supply may also contain more-than-acceptable levels. In addition, some foods and beverages naturally contain fluoride (e.g. tea, juices, wine, etc.).

If you are looking for ways to minimize the problem, these are two solutions that will not work:

• Water filters in point of use (POU) containers and tap attachments
• Boiling/freezing water (does not evaporate/eliminate fluoride)

The main questions for water filtration experts from their customers:

1. If fluoride is added to my tap water and they don't want it, can I filter it out? You cannot eliminate, but you can reduce, fluoride concentrations. 
2. Is inorganic fluoride less dangerous than organic fluoride? Probably.

Reverse Osmosis (R/O) Is the Key 

Beside the obvious (not adding fluoride in the first place), R/O systems are the most effective way to
filter and reduce fluoride. Semi-permeable membranes prevent fluoride ions from continuing through the water stream. Ionization is another possibility to lower concentrations.

Paragon Water Systems can build an R/O system that reduces contaminants (including fluoride) in your point of entry (POE).

Contact us today for more information about reducing fluoride and other chemicals in the water supply!

13805 Monroes Park
Tampa, FL 33635 USA

Toll-free 1-800-288-9708
Click here to contact us online

 

Heavy Metal U.S.A.: Part 1 -- Mercury

Mercury contamination map -- epa.gov

In previous posts, we’ve looked at man-made chemicals and how runoff creates a contamination event in drinking water supplies. We now turn to Earth’s natural elements and how erosion (ironically, by water) leaches into groundwater and aquifer sources. Natural elements like mercury are also discharged in industrial applications creating a one-two punch for the environment. 

Liquid form of mercury -- CC

Hocus Pocus!

 

Mercury is a unique substance – liquid in its elemental form – inorganic. When combined with other elements it forms compounds used in industrial applications. In its organic form -- due to sulfate-reducing microscopic organisms which unites it with carbon to form methylmercury. This stealthy compound hides in algae and zooplankton whose quantities biomagnify within the fresh and saltwater food chain.

Get the Mercury Out!

Coagulation-filtration is a common treatment. Heavier substances precipitate out as sludge and is trucked off to a hazardous waste site. 

Mercury in native state -- CC

Activated carbon in granular form uses its surface porous-ness to absorb and hold contaminants.

Clarks' Process (lime softening) is a mid-19^th century treatment which raises the pH level to participate out heavy metal into mercury hydroxide.

Reverse osmosis pushes water through a semi-permeable film (or membrane) and holds the contaminant on its surface.

Paragon Water Systems' Processes

We are a leader in carbon and reverse osmosis processes. Our American Carbon Block division provides fine micropore product to reduce trace mercury. Our R-O system professionals can supply quality solutions for your business.

ODM and OEM solutions for corporate/industrial needs?  We can do that! 

Visit these links: 

Paragon Water Systems / American Carbon Block 

or call us at 1-800-288-9708 for more information.