Fluoride and Public Health, Research Paper Example

Aluminum is a known toxin that when ingested in adequate amounts can have devastating effects on the human body and can even lead to death. This is because that upon ingestion, fluoride can form hydrofluoric acid in the stomach, which can lead to GI irritation or corrosive effects (WebMD). Once absorbed into the blood stream, fluoride will bind to calcium ions and can lead to hypocalcemia.  Fluoride reacts readily with many biochemical operations within the body, including disrupting oxidative phosphorylatin, glycoloyis, coagulation and neurotransmission (due to the fact that  it binds with calcium). Possible effects of fluoride toxicity can include hyper-salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures from hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia. Severe toxic effects of fluoride can include multi-organ failure, cardiotoxicity and central vasomotor depression (WebMD).

What is especially alarming, then, is the amount of fluoride that is typically ingested daily by most people. Fluoride is found in products such as tap water, toothpaste, vitamins and dietary supplements and also in chemicals such as glass etching solutions, chrome cleaning agents, insecticides and rodenticides.  The controversy surrounding fluoride today stems mostly from its addition to drinking water and its use by dentists to treat the teeth of both children and adults. According to Dr. Hirzy, who spoke before Congress on the issue on June 29, 2000, excessive fluoride is leading to development and behavioral disorders in children, whose smaller body sizes make them more susceptible to poisoning.

The controversy surrounding fluoride and its effects on public health is ongoing. As more studies are conducted, more light will be shed on this controversy. Since 90% of the fluoride used in national water fluoridation programs is from the waste products of fertilizer industries, these products should be tested for public safety (Hirsy).

Works Cited

Hirsy, William J. The Fluoride Controversy Woodlands Healing Research Center (February 25, 2001).    Web. 21 November 2010. http://www.woodmed.com/Fluoride.htm

Nochimson, Geofrey Toxicity, Fluoride WebMD (December2, 2008). Web. 21 November 2010. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/814774-overview