Deflouridation – A Review
Abstract
Fluoride is a normal constituent of natural waters and its concentration varies depending on the water source. According to World Health Organization - the standard level of fluoride in drinking water is 1.5 mg/L. The 1984 WHO guidelines suggested that in areas with a warm climate the optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water should remain below 1 mg/l (1ppm or part per million), while in cooler climates it could go up to 1.2 mg/l. The latest information shows that fluorosis is endemic in at least 25 countries across the globe. Fluoride is often described as a ‘double-edged sword’ as inadequate ingestion is associated with dental caries, where as excessive intake leads to dental and skeletal fluorosis which has no cure. Considering the fact that fluorosis is an irreversible condition and has no cure, prevention is the only solution for this menace. Providing water with optimal fluoride concentration is the only way by which the generation yet to be born can be totally protected against the disease.
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