Skeletal Fluorosis from a Daily Two-Minute Shower?
Simply taking a Daily Two Minute Shower in fluoridated water can cause skeletal fluorosis in adults. "Ingestion of excess fluoride, most commonly in drinking-water, can cause fluorosis which affects the teeth and bones. Moderate amounts lead to dental effects, but long-term ingestion of large amounts can lead to potentially severe skeletal problems." [1]
The EPA assumes that the volume of drinking water consumed by a 70 kg [about 150 lb] adult is 2 L/day. [2]
The amount of fluoride absorbed thru the skin by bathing or showering in the same fluoridated water can easily be several times greater than that consumed by just drinking a normal volume of water. [3]
The Maximum Contaminant Level of 4.0 mg/L for fluoride in drinking water is set by the EPA.
Calculations:
MCLG based on skeletal fluorosis = 4.0 mg/L (2)
Average Fluoridation Level = 1.00 mg/L x 3.79 L/gal = 3.79 mg/gal
Shower Flow Rate = 2.50 gal/min
Total Absorption Rate @100% = 2.65 mg/gal x 2.50 gal/min = 6.63 mg/min
Absorption Level Basis = 64% (3)
Total Absorption Rate @64% = 6.63 mg/min x 64% = 4.24 mg/min
[1] WHO.org, "Fluorosis - The disease and how it affects people", http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/fluorosis/en/ (accessed September 6, 2014).
[2] "The daily drinking water consumption for the 10 kg child and 70 kg adult are assumed to be 1 L/day and 2 L/day, respectively." (2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories, EPA 822-S-12-001, page vii).
[3] "It is well documented that environmental contaminants such as fluorides are absorbed readily both through the skin and by inhalation … Studies by Drs. H.S. Brown, D.R. Bishop and C.A. Rowan in the early 1980s demonstrated that an average of 64% of the total dose of waterborne contaminants, such as fluoride, are absorbed through the skin." (American Journal of Public Health 1984; 74: 479-84) --Fluoride: Drinking Ourselves to Death, Barry Groves, page 275.
[4] "MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level. The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLG as feasible using the best available analytical and treatment technologies and taking cost into consideration. MCLs are enforceable standards." (2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories, EPA 822-S-12-001, page vii).
[5] "MCLG [4.0 mg/L for Fluoride] based on skeletal fluorosis." (2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories, EPA 822-S-12-001, page 8).
The EPA assumes that the volume of drinking water consumed by a 70 kg [about 150 lb] adult is 2 L/day. [2]
The amount of fluoride absorbed thru the skin by bathing or showering in the same fluoridated water can easily be several times greater than that consumed by just drinking a normal volume of water. [3]
The Maximum Contaminant Level of 4.0 mg/L for fluoride in drinking water is set by the EPA.
Calculations:
MCLG based on skeletal fluorosis = 4.0 mg/L (2)
Average Fluoridation Level = 1.00 mg/L x 3.79 L/gal = 3.79 mg/gal
Shower Flow Rate = 2.50 gal/min
Total Absorption Rate @100% = 2.65 mg/gal x 2.50 gal/min = 6.63 mg/min
Absorption Level Basis = 64% (3)
Total Absorption Rate @64% = 6.63 mg/min x 64% = 4.24 mg/min
[1] WHO.org, "Fluorosis - The disease and how it affects people", http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/fluorosis/en/ (accessed September 6, 2014).
[2] "The daily drinking water consumption for the 10 kg child and 70 kg adult are assumed to be 1 L/day and 2 L/day, respectively." (2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories, EPA 822-S-12-001, page vii).
[3] "It is well documented that environmental contaminants such as fluorides are absorbed readily both through the skin and by inhalation … Studies by Drs. H.S. Brown, D.R. Bishop and C.A. Rowan in the early 1980s demonstrated that an average of 64% of the total dose of waterborne contaminants, such as fluoride, are absorbed through the skin." (American Journal of Public Health 1984; 74: 479-84) --Fluoride: Drinking Ourselves to Death, Barry Groves, page 275.
[4] "MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level. The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLG as feasible using the best available analytical and treatment technologies and taking cost into consideration. MCLs are enforceable standards." (2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories, EPA 822-S-12-001, page vii).
[5] "MCLG [4.0 mg/L for Fluoride] based on skeletal fluorosis." (2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories, EPA 822-S-12-001, page 8).