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Soluble fluoride salts, of which sodium fluoride is the most common, are toxic, and have resulted in both accidental and self-inflicted deaths from acute poisoning. [4] The lethal dose for most adult humans is estimated at 5 to 10 g (which is equivalent to 32 to 64 mg elemental fluoride per kg body weight).
Sodium fluoride (NaF) is an inorganic compound with the formula Na F.It is a colorless or white solid that is readily soluble in water. It is used in trace amounts in the fluoridation of drinking water to prevent tooth decay, and in toothpastes and topical pharmaceuticals for the same purpose.
Fluoride's effects depend on the total daily intake of fluoride from all sources. Drinking water is typically the largest source; [13] other methods of fluoride therapy include fluoridation of toothpaste, salt, and milk. [14] The views on the most efficient method for community prevention of tooth decay are mixed.
Water fluoridation is the controlled addition of fluoride to a public water supply to reduce tooth decay, and is handled differently by countries across the world. [2]Water fluoridation is considered very common in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Chile and Australia where over 50% of the population drinks fluoridated water.
Fluoride's suppressive effect on the thyroid is more severe when iodine is deficient, and fluoride is associated with lower levels of iodine. [clarification needed] [31] Thyroid effects in humans were associated with fluoride levels 0.05–0.13 mg/kg/day when iodine intake was adequate and 0.01–0.03 mg/kg/day when iodine intake was inadequate.
Fluoride therapy is the use of fluoride for medical purposes. [2] Fluoride supplements are recommended to prevent tooth decay in children older than six months in areas where the drinking water is low in fluoride. [3] It is typically used as a liquid, pill, or paste by mouth. [4] Fluoride has also been used to treat a number of bone diseases. [5]
The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently assessing the effects of fluoridated toothpaste, milk fluoridation and salt fluoridation in Africa, Asia, and Europe. The WHO supports fluoridation of water in some areas. [89] In some other countries, sodium fluoride is added to table salt. [90]
Disposal of fluoride-laden sludge is problematic. Precipitation is the most well-established and most widely used method, particularly at the community level. However, it has only moderate efficiency and a high chemical dose is required. Excessive use of aluminum salts produces sludge and adverse health effects through aluminum solubility.