Calcium Chloride for Fluoride Removal

Fluoride is a mineral substance that exists naturally in water sources, and is derived from the element fluorine. It has been proven to reduce tooth decay and prevent cavities. As a result, it is found in most of the drinking water in America. But if a water source is over-fluoridated, you can use calcium chloride to help remove some of the fluorine from the water.

Fluoride in Water

• In the 1930s, it was scientifically demonstrated that fluoride helped prevent tooth decay. As a result, the US government started encouraging the addition of fluoride to local water supplies. Now, over 60 percent of the tap water in the United States has fluoride added to it. It is estimated that 20 percent to 40 percent of tooth decay has been prevented due to fluoridation of the water supply.

  There is no demonstrated risk whatsoever of too much fluoride for adults. However, in children under age 6, the aesthetic condition fluorosis may present when the child is over-exposed to fluoride. This condition is a permanent unsightly discoloration of the teeth, and cannot be treated by bleaching.

Calcium Chloride Removal

• Many patents have been taken out to describe the process of using calcium chloride to remove fluoride. The process works slightly differently in each case, but generally follows certain steps. In water with excess fluoride and sulfate ions, calcium chloride and phosphate ions are added first. The result is a precipitate of calcium phosphate and a compound of calcium, phosphate and fluoride. The first precipitate is filtered out of the water. Then, carbonate ions are added, forming a second precipitate containing fluoride and calcium. Now that the fluoride has been absorbed into this precipitate, it can be removed from the water using a filter.

  Be warned, though: this process is very complex, requires sophisticated machinery, and is patented.