How can families reduce the risk of exposure to fluorides, hydrogen fluoride, and fluorine?
If your doctor finds that you have been exposed to significant amounts of fluorides, hydrogen fluoride, and fluorine, ask whether your children might also be exposed. Your doctor might need to ask your state health department to investigate.It is unlikely that the general population would be exposed to fluorine gas or hydrogen fluoride. Because fluorides are found naturally in the environment, we cannot avoid being exposed to them. Some areas of the United States, such as the Southwest, naturally have high levels of fluorides in well water. There has been an increase in the cosmetic condition of tooth enamel fluorosis in children in both fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities. Ask your health department whether your area has naturally high levels of fluorides in the drinking water. If you live in such an area, you should use bottled drinking water and consult your dentist for guidance on the need for appropriate alternative fluoride supplements.These areas may also contain high le
