A new perspective on metals and other contaminants in fluoridation chemicals

Abstract

Background:

Fluoride additives contain metal contaminants that must be diluted to meet drinking water regulations. However, each raw additive batch supplied to water facilities does not come labeled with concentrations per contaminant. This omission distorts exposure profiles and the risks associated with accidents and routine use.

Objectives:

This study provides an independent determination of the metal content of raw fluoride products.

Methods:

Metal concentrations were analyzed in three hydrofluorosilicic acid (HFS) and four sodium fluoride (NaF) samples using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Arsenic levels were confirmed using graphite furnace atomic absorption analysis.

Results:

Results show that metal content varies with batch, and all HFS samples contained arsenic (4·9–56·0 ppm) or arsenic in addition to lead (10·3 ppm). Two NaF samples contained barium (13·3–18·0 ppm) instead. All HFS (212–415 ppm) and NaF (3312–3630 ppm) additives contained a surprising amount of aluminum.

Conclusions:

Such contaminant content creates a regulatory blind spot that jeopardizes any safe use of fluoride additives.

Keywords:

• Fluoride additives
• Metal contaminants
• Drinking water regulations

Acknowledgments

The author thanks the Town of Selmer, Tennessee for providing one of the fluoride additives that was analyzed in this study.

Notes

^*Presented in part at the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission’s Educational Seminar “Pharmaceutical Contaminants in the Water Treatment Industry,” Wanaque, New Jersey, July 14, 2009.