Flouride

   
What is the fluoride level in Mount Pleasant Waterworks' water?                                                               

The optimal concentration of fluoride, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency , is 0.7 parts per million (ppm). The target concentration for Mount Pleasant Waterworks and Charleston Water System is 0.7 ppm.


Does Mount Pleasant Waterworks add fluoride to the water?
Yes, at the level recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency.


Why add fluoride to drinking water?
Fluoride consumed at a level of 0.7 parts per million may help prevent dental caries (cavities) by strengthening tooth enamel.  It's best to discuss your family's fluoride supplement requirements with your dentist.

Who shouldn't have fluoride?
Attention Parents of Infants

According to the Center for Disease Control and American Dental Association a recent study has raised the possibility that fluoride exposure during the first year of life may play a role in fluorosis development. It now appears that the amount of the fluoride contained in the water (bottled or tap) used for mixing infant formula may influence a child’s risk for developing enamel fluorosis, particularly if the child’s sole source of nutrition is from reconstituted infant formula. For more information please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/safety/infant_formula.htm. 
Please discuss your family’s fluoride needs with your dentist and pediatrician.


How much fluoride is too much?
Fluoride in concentrations over 3.0 mg/L (or ppm) can cause dental fluorosis, a discoloration in the tooth enamel. This spotty or patchy appearance, called mottling, can cause the affected enamel to be lighter or darker than the surrounding enamel. This occurs in nursing infants, while teeth are developing, and in children younger than eight years old.
 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HHS’ proposed recommendation of 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water replaced the past recommended range of 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams. This updated recommendation is based on recent EPA and HHS scientific assessments to balance the benefits of preventing tooth decay while limiting any unwanted health effects. These scientific assessments will also guide EPA in making a determination of whether to lower the maximum amount of fluoride allowed in drinking water, which is set to prevent adverse health effects.

The new EPA assessments of fluoride were undertaken in response to findings of the National Academies of Science (NAS).  At EPA’s request, in 2006 NAS reviewed new data on fluoride and issued a report recommending that EPA update its health and exposure assessments to take into account bone and dental effects and to consider all sources of fluoride. In addition to EPA’s new assessments and the NAS report, HHS also considered current levels of tooth decay and dental fluorosis and fluid consumption across the United States.