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

 

Think about Clean Water in the Home Building Phase

Think about Clean Water in the Home Building Phase

 

The new home sales reflect changes in the economy and the wish to start fresh. Old roofs/rooves, aging appliances, and infrastructure (wiring, plumbing) come with their own caveats. If you are starting new, make sure you cover water filtration early in your plumbing blueprint process.

Know your water supply:

• Where does the water originate? 

• Groundwater or surface water

• How does water get to point of treatment? 

• Pumping process and/or holding method

• Who treats the water?

• Does it go through more than one process (e.g. desalination and chemical)?

• Water Authority's area -- how far water supply travels (e.g. regional, county, city)

• Any news reports of frequent breakdowns or known weather-related issues (e.g. flooding, drought)

•  What pipes does the water travel through to your home site

• Water can run through old, frequently-repaired infrastructure to a new subdivision
• Many neighborhoods now use non-potable reclaimed water for irrigation

Consider filtration options already used to treat water supply:

• Flocculation/sedimentation, filtration, ion exchange, absorption, disinfection

Plan a whole-house approach:

• Schematics should follow water's path though house and any outlying structures
• Kitchen
• Bath
• Laundry
• Pool
• Specialized sources (.e.g. greenhouse, ponds, home brewery)
• Lawn watering/house spigots

Remember the overall costs:

• It's not just the filtration system hardware that contributes to clean, healthy water
• Hardware costs for purchase/shipping of system (price depends on quality/complexity)
• Labor costs to install system (e.g. pre-construction, plumber paid by the hour)
• Job materials and supplies (e.g. fittings, connectors, and mounts)
• Specialty equipment (e.g. welding, cutting, threading)

Builders and homeowners alike can benefit from a consultation from our Paragon Water Systems experts. Expect the unexpected and plan for a quality filtration solution today.

Visit these links: 

Paragon Water Systems / American Carbon Block 

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