Fluoride

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral compound derived from fluorine, one of the most abundant elements on Earth. Naturally, it seeps into groundwater as water flows through rocks and soil rich in fluorides. It is also present in certain foods and beverages.

While small amounts of fluoride may help prevent dental cavities, the main source of exposure for most people is not natural — it comes from water fluoridation, a process where governments add fluoride to public water supplies in an effort to improve dental health across the population.

What are the health effects of Fluoride?

Although originally promoted as a public health measure, excess fluoride exposure has been linked to a range of health issues:

Dental and skeletal fluorosis – discoloration of teeth, weakened enamel, calcification of tendons/ligaments, and bone deformities【WHO】.
Bone fragility – high fluoride levels can replace calcium in bone structures, making them brittle and more prone to fracture【CDC】.
Thyroid dysfunction – fluoride may suppress thyroid activity, leading to hypothyroidism, characterized by fatigue, weight gain, and depression【National Research Council, 2006】.
Cardiovascular complications – studies suggest links between high fluoride exposure and arterial calcification, hypertension, and increased cardiovascular disease risk【Environmental Health Perspectives, 2019】.
Reproductive effects – fluoride exposure has been associated with reduced fertility and altered hormone balance, as well as earlier puberty onset in girls【NIEHS】.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates that up to 40% of Americans show signs of dental fluorosis, with children being most vulnerable due to developing teeth and bones.

How does Fluoride get into tap water?

There are two primary pathways:

Natural leaching – fluoride naturally dissolves from rocks and minerals into groundwater.
Water fluoridation – the largest source of fluoride in tap water comes from government-run fluoridation programs. Since 1945, many public water systems have added fluoride compounds (such as sodium fluoride or fluorosilicic acid) to drinking water supplies to help reduce cavities.

Unlike contaminants that enter water unintentionally, fluoride is deliberately added, meaning everyone consumes it — whether they want to or not.

Who is most at risk?

Certain groups face greater risks from fluoride exposure:

Children and infants – fluoride accumulates in developing teeth and bones, with risks of fluorosis and skeletal issues. Babies fed powdered formula mixed with tap water are especially vulnerable.
Pregnant women and fetuses – excessive exposure during pregnancy may influence skeletal development and thyroid function.
People in high-fluoride regions – areas with naturally high groundwater fluoride can exceed safety thresholds.
Individuals with kidney problems – reduced ability to excrete fluoride increases risk of accumulation and toxicity.

How to avoid/reduce Fluoride from water

Boiling or standard jug filters do not remove fluoride. To reduce exposure, you need advanced filtration technology specifically engineered to target fluoride and its compounds.

At PuraHome, our multi-stage filters are independently tested to reduce fluoride, along with hundreds of other contaminants. To successfully remove fluoride completely, a high quality Reverse Osmosis system is required.