Fact Check: Can water containing fluoride turn toxic if boiled?

Hyderabad: Social media users are sharing a Facebook post claiming that fluoride in tap water turns toxic if it is boiled.

“Boiling tap water is dangerous as the fluoride in the water changes the solution into fluorine which is poisonous to the body. This increases the calcification of the pineal gland. Do this instead’ along with a link to an article on Calcification of the Pineal Gland Shows a Strong Correlation in the Developing of Alzheimer’s Disease,” the caption said.

The presence of fluoride in tap water and its adverse effects have been a concern over the years. We found multiple such posts on social media.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be false as the concentration of fluoride present in the tap water has been considered to be safe.

We spoke to our expert Dr. Y. Krishna Mohan, Clinical Director and Head of the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, to debunk the claim.

He said: “Fluoride in tap water is considered to be safe if present in recommended quantity. The current enforceable drinking water standard for fluoride is 4.0 mg/L. This is the maximum amount that is allowed in water from public water systems.”

Boiling tap water does not remove fluoride but increases its concentration relative to the water volume. It still ain’t poisonous or converted into fluorine as claimed.

Over asking, whether drinking fluoride-containing water causes calcification in the pineal gland Dr. Krishna said, “There's no conclusive scientific evidence to support the claim that fluoride in boiling water causes calcification in the pineal gland. While fluoride can accumulate in the body, especially in bones and teeth, its impact on the pineal gland is still a subject of research.”

What is Fluoride and how it gets mixed in water?

Fluoride, a mineral, is naturally present in many foods and available as a dietary supplement. Fluoride is the ionic form of the element fluorine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the mineral fluoride occurs naturally on earth and is released from rocks into the soil, water, and air. All water contains some fluoride.

Fluoride is also present in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and various chemical products.

In the United States, community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in drinking water to a level recommended for preventing tooth decay. Moreover, the United States has a national goal for 77% of Americans to have water with enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay by 2030.

A study has found fluoride to be beneficial for humans. It further adds that an excess of this ion can produce numerous adverse effects on overall human health. Surface water is usually low in fluoride, with a value lower than 1.5 mg/L, although groundwater can contain an increased level of fluoride depending on geographical situations.

Is fluoride in tap water safe?

Yes. World Health Organisation says, “To produce signs of acute fluoride intoxication, minimum oral doses of at least 1 mg of fluoride per kg of body weight were required.”

While boiling water may help you get rid of impurities, such as bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. But it doesn’t remove fluoride.