The Dangers of Fluoride, Arsenic & Chlorine in Drinking Water

Hundreds of inorganic elements contaminate drinking water in the United States. Some of these contaminants, such as fluoride and chlorine, are added to drinking water for benefits. Elements such as arsenic occur naturally. Although benefits are touted for some elements, dangers also come with ingesting fluoride, arsenic and chlorine regularly.

Fluoride

• Fluoride, which was first added to drinking water in 1945, is touted for its cavity-fighting quality. It was first introduced at 1 part per million (ppm). It's been found, however, that long-term exposure to fluoride at a concentration of 2 ppm causes tooth discoloration and yellow and brown pits and patches. Long-term exposure at 4 ppm can cause birth defects. It continues to be added to water as a dietary supplement to strengthen bones and to reduce the incidence of osteoporosis by 50 percent.

Arsenic

• Arsenic has no taste or odor and is found in the body in small amounts as an essential nutrient. The problem arises when a higher amount is introduced and arsenic toxicity occurs. When a larger amount of arsenic is introduced, it can cause the body to produce fewer red and white blood cells, cause abnormal heart function and kidney and liver damage. Arsenic has also been known to increase the risk of liver, kidney, bladder and lung cancer. One sign of arsenic exposure is light and dark spots on the skin.

Chlorine

• Chlorine is used to remove dangerous contaminants from the water and has reduced the occurrence of diseases that bacteria causes. Chlorine also removes the color from water to make it appear more palatable, but it is very toxic. A 2003 Chlorine Chemistry Council report found that people who consume high levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons are more likely to develop bladder cancer.

Other Inorganic Compounds

• According to a report that the Ralph Nader Research Institute produced, drinking water has at least 2,110 inorganic elements. Inorganic elements are those that do not contain carbon. The report named contaminants -- nitrates, nitrites, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, fluoride, lithium, sulphates -- that could still be in water when it leaves the treatment plant. Many of these compounds have very serious health ramifications.