Drinking water, a vital resource, should be synonymous with purity and health. However, reality is more complex and concerning.
Fluoride and its Initial Purpose:
Originally, the addition of fluoride to water was implemented with the intention of strengthening teeth and preventing dental caries, since 1945 in the US. However, as studies progress, some critical voices question whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Some examples of potential risks are pointed out in studies conducted at the bone, pulmonary, endocrinological, and dermatological levels.
In a locality in Utah, United States, when compared to two similar communities consuming water with fluoride levels below 0.3 mg/L, a significant increase in the frequency of osteoporosis-related bone fractures was observed.
On the other hand, epidemiological research conducted in North Carolina showed that the presence of minimal doses of fluoride was associated with a higher prevalence of primary Alzheimer's-type dementia in areas with higher concentrations of this compound in the water supply.
Two studies concluded that fluoride acts as an endocrine disruptor. In a study conducted in England, a higher incidence of hypothyroidism was identified in regions where the fluoride content in the water supply was elevated.
Topical exposure to fluorinated elements increases the risk of developing fluoroderma.
Ingestion of fluorides carries risks for various diseases affecting the skeletal, neurological, endocrine, and dermatological systems. Dental and skeletal fluorosis manifest as indicators of chronic and excessive fluoride ingestion.
PFAS: A Troubling Origin:
PFAS, including substances like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), originate from a range of industrial and consumer products, from non-stick cookware (like Teflon) to water repellent products. Contamination of drinking water with PFAS has become a growing concern due to the persistence of these compounds in the environment and their ability to infiltrate water sources, as various studies have shown that they can pose health risks such as:
Impact on the Immune System: Studies suggest that prolonged exposure to PFAS could weaken the immune system, increasing vulnerability to diseases and disorders. Developmental Effects: Prenatal exposure to PFAS is associated with concerns about child development, including growth and neurological development issues. Cancer and Other Health Problems: Research has linked PFAS exposure to an increased risk of cancer and issues in organs such as the liver and thyroid. Regulatory and Monitoring Challenges:
The complexity of regulating and monitoring the presence of PFAS in drinking water poses significant challenges. The lack of uniform standards complicates the task of ensuring the safety of the water supply.
Alternatives and Possible Actions:
As alternatives to avoid these chemicals, it is suggested that, given the potential presence of fluoride and PFAS in drinking water, communities should consider advanced filtration systems that can address both issues. Authorities must intensify efforts to establish and enforce stricter standards for the presence of these compounds in drinking water. However, in most cases, specialized infrastructure is required to supply communities, for which there is no resource.
Currently, technologies have been developed that can provide a safe water supply free of these chemicals for you and your family, such as NUBE, which generates water from humidity in the environment, has its own filtering, mineralizing, and storage system with its UV source to keep the water free of pathogens.
And you, do you already have peace of mind in your water supply? Get your NUBE here.
