Fluoride has been added to municipal drinking water across North America since the 1940s. It began as a way to control tooth decay among residents. Today, fluoride continues to be added for the same reason.
However,
many other countries in the world have rejected fluoridation, and several studies say there are a number of adverse health effects of fluoride. Many believe
fluoridation in water leads to skeletal and dental fluorosis, causing
discoloration of the teeth and, potentially, a harmful bone disease.
While
some governments are now deciding
de-fluoridate due to public pressure around the
controversial subject, for some the process just won’t come quick enough. We’re
not here to conclude whether fluoridation is right or wrong. The fact is, many
individuals and families are deciding to
de-fluoridate on their own.
There
are several options on the market for water filtration systems that can remove
fluoride, along with other potentially harmful contaminants. If you are looking
to remove fluoride from your drinking water, read on for the best water filter
methods and products available to do so.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse
osmosis uses a membrane and usually
several carbon block filters to de-fluoridate the water. The filtration systems
are connected directly to your plumbing system
and are typically installed under the
kitchen sink. They can include anywhere from four to ten stages of filtration
to remove the fluoride.
Reverse
osmosis is a very effective way to reduce
fluoride by about 97%, depending on the system.
We
have several reverse osmosis systems and parts available.
One solution is the Everpure ROM II Reverse Osmosis
System.
It not only removes fluoride, but also lead, arsenic, and nitrites. As a bonus,
it minimizes scale build-up and fits nicely underneath a sink. This system is recommended for office use.
Another
reverse osmosis system that works very well is the Whirlpool Reverse Osmosis system. It has a fairly simple installation and filter changing
process. It significantly reduces the fluoride content in water, sediments,
chlorine, and other contaminants.
What’s
great about these types of systems is that, due to their compact size, you can
remove them and take them with you if you move.
Water Pitcher Filter
Water
pitcher filters are commonplace in homes that don’t have installed filtration
systems or in those homes where families wish to take an extra step in
filtering their drinking water.
Common pitchers, such as the Brita filter, use activated carbon to filter the water. While
this does remove several potentially harmful contaminants and can provide a
fresh taste for water, this type of system, unfortunately, does not remove fluoride.
However, one system is discussed as being very effective at removing most fluoride from
water. The AquaGear water pitcher system consistently makes the top lists of
recommended pitcher filters that do the job.
It
claims to remove 2,000% more contaminants than the Brita, while keeping healthy
minerals in the water such as calcium and magnesium.
So,
if you’re looking for a quick fix without having to install a new appliance to
your plumbing system, one of these water pitchers may be a good choice for you.
Deionization
Deionization
water filter systems will also remove
over 90% of the fluoride in your drinking water.
Deionization
removes all ionized salt and minerals from your drinking water through ion
exchange. To ensure fluoride is removed,
the deionization system must include an ion-exchange resin. You can purchase
deionization systems that don’t, so make sure you check the specifications
before you buy.
To
add a deionization system to your home, you can simply
add cartridges to your current water filtration system.
Water
Filters Fast has a few deionization filters available that can be added to some
of the most common water filtration housings available, such as the Aries fluoride
reduction cartridge.
The
Aries system uses ion exchange resin and other absorbents to remove not only
fluoride but many other contaminants from a household’s water supply.
In
addition to removing fluoride, it will soften hard water, remove tannins, nitrates,
arsenic, heavy metals, and more. It fits most system housings.
Water Distiller
Another
option to remove fluoride from a household’s drinking water is to distill the
water. A distiller essentially boils the water, collecting the steam, which then
becomes the drinking water, sans the contaminants, including fluoride.
Distillation
systems can vary greatly in size, but
many are available that sit on your countertop. It’s recommended to go with a
glass water collector to improve the distillation process, but the market
offers many distillation products, depending on your needs.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to reduce or eliminate fluoride in your drinking water. If you have questions remaining, you can always contact us to help you decide on the best system for you and your family.
