Monitoring fluoride in Vermont's drinking water

A half-century of community water fluoridation in the United States: review and commentary

The nearly 50-year history of community water fluoridation is reviewed with the major emphasis on the benefits and safety of fluoridation. Other aspects of water fluoridation also described include the apparent reduction in measurable fluoridation benefits because of the abundance of other fluoride sources, the diffusion of fluoridation effects into fluoride-deficient communities, preeruptive and posteruptive effects, technical and cost aspects, sociopolitical and legal issues that affect the successful fluoridation of communities, and alternatives to community water fluoridation. The majority of studies have evaluated the effectiveness of water fluoridation on the permanent teeth of children, while there are fewer studies on deciduous teeth and in adults; the relationship between fluoride ingestion and bone health needs further clarification; the sociopolitical issues of fluoridation need to be better understood.

Maintenance of Optimal Fluoride Levels in Public Water Systems

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the quality of water fluoridation in public water supplies.

METHODS

An assessment of daily fluoride levels among all communities that fluoridate their public water supplies in New Hampshire was conducted from January 1, 2000, through June 30, 2002. Results were compared against recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

RESULTS

The fluoride concentration was less than the recommended minimum value on 42.0 percent of days, within the accepted control range on 49.8 percent of days, and above the recommended maximum value on 1.0 percent of days. On 7.1 percent of days, a fluoride concentration was not determined. Only 2 (18.2%) of 11 public water supplies maintained the fluoride concentration in the optimal range > or =80 percent of the days.

CONCLUSIONS

For public water supplies in New Hampshire that fluoridate, suboptimal levels are the most common problem. Water systems need to better maintain recommended fluoride levels if communities are to realize the full benefits of fluoridation.

Acute fluoride poisoning associated with an on-site fluoridator in a Vermont elementary school

On August 30 1980, an outbreak of minor illnesses consisting of nausea and vomiting affected 22 individuals attending a farmers market at a school. Illness was associated with the consumption of beverages made from school water (Xc2 = 65.6, p less than .0001); analysis of the water showed high levels of fluoride (1,041 mg/l). The most likely source of the contamination was the school fluoridator, which had accidentally been left on continuous operation.

Attitudes concerning water fluoridation among graduating Swedish dentists

The purpose of the investigation was to assess the attitudes concerning water fluoridation among Swedish dentists just having completed their dental education. All senior dental students (168) at the four Swedish dental schools were handed a questionnaire during the last week of November 1974. By the end of February 1975, 98% of the respondents, now dentists, had returned their questionnaires. Water fluoridation was considered by the average respondent to be quite economical and effective but only slightly advisable; 72% expressed approval and support of water fluoridation; 15% expressed indecisiveness; 12% expressed negative views. The negative attitudes were associated with misconceptions concerning economy, technical efficiency, safety and effectiveness. Many respondents, even those who expressed support of water fluoridation, displayed misconceptions concerning the effectiveness of water fluoridation in relation to topical application of fluorides and to the administration of fluoride tablets.