Fluoridation of our Public Drinking Water

I’ve had several debates now with people (some being Ph.D’s in their field) regarding fluoride in our water.

It seems that there is a major gap in knowledge about “Fluoride in Drinking Water.”

• Hydrofluosilicic Acid (aka Fluorosilicic acid, Hexafluorosilicic acid, Dihydrogen hexafluorosilicate, Fluosilicic acid, Hydrosilicofluoric acid)  is what is being added to our water supplies in order to make the water:  “Fluoridated.”  The problem I have with this is that fluosilicic acid is the substance derived from the pollution scrubbing devices of the superphosphate fertilizer industry.  Fluosilicic acid, which is a classified hazardous waste, is the substance used in 90% of the water fluoridation programs in the United States.

Fluoride is a neurotoxin.  It currently is used to make rat poison.

Yes, yes, I am aware that low levels of any substance can prove to be a non-issue.  But, there is an argument to be made that we are getting too much fluoride. Just about every tube of toothpaste sold in the United States is packed full of fluoride.  Most mouth washes are adding fluoride.  Fluoride exists in juices and juice drinks. Pediatricians and Dentists are giving kids fluoride tablets to chew.

Studies show that adults can absorb up to 0.5 mg per brushing. Small children, even if pea-size amount is used, will still absorb the same, more if the child is younger and has less swallowing control skills. Half a tube of toothpaste can kill a child. Current content of sodium fluoride in toothpaste in Canada and the US is up to 0.4% = 4000 ppm (parts per million). Bubblegum-flavored oral products are especially inviting for children. Since April 1997 all toothpaste in the US must carry a warning label, advising parents what to do if their child swallows more than the pea-size brushing amount. Wholesale containers carry the poison symbol of skull and crossbones.  I’m not trying to be alarming.  I’m just stating facts.

On the other side of the argument, you have places like Quackwatch which excoriates anyone who dares question the “Fluoride is Great!” mantra with this response:

“The antifluoridationists’ (“antis”) basic technique is the big lie. Made infamous by Hitler, it is simple to use, yet surprisingly effective. It consists of claiming that fluoridation causes cancer, heart and kidney disease, and other serious ailments that people fear. The fact that there is no supporting evidence for such claims does not matter. (editor’s note:  Really?!  Is this not a Hitlerian “big lie” trick?  Absurd.) The trick is to keep repeating them—because if something is said often enough, people tend to think there must be some truth to it.”

Sounds like Al Gore speak to me: “All the scientists agree.  The science is settled.  There is no more debate.  Case closed.”

To which I say:  “Take a look and listen to the videos below.  Make up your own mind and research this topic on your own.”

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   *** CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION ***

RTECS NUMBER            : VV8225000
CHEMICAL NAME           : Silicate(2-), hexafluoro-, dihydrogen
CAS REGISTRY NUMBER     : 16961-83-4
OTHER CAS REGISTRY NOS. : 1309-45-1
LAST UPDATED            : 199710
DATA ITEMS CITED        : 11

MOLECULAR FORMULA       : F6-Si.2H
MOLECULAR WEIGHT        : 144.11
WISWESSER LINE NOTATION :   H2 SI-F6
SYNONYMS/TRADE NAMES :

   * Acide fluorosilicique
   * Acide fluosilicique
   * Acido fluosilicico
   * Dihydrogen hexafluorosilicate (2-)
   * FKS
   * Fluosilicic acid
   * Hexafluorokieselsaiure
   * Hexafluorokiezelzuur
   * Hexafluosilicic acid
   * Hydrofluosilicic acid
   * Hydrogen hexafluorosilicate
   * Hydrosilicofluoric acid
   * Kiezelfluorwaterstofzuur
   * Sand acid
   * Silicofluoric acid
   * Silicon hexafluoride dihydride

                       *** HEALTH HAZARD DATA ***
                        ** ACUTE TOXICITY DATA **

TYPE OF TEST            : LDLo - Lowest published lethal dose
ROUTE OF EXPOSURE       : Subcutaneous
SPECIES OBSERVED        : Amphibian - frog
DOSE/DURATION           : 140 mg/kg

TOXIC EFFECTS :
   Details of toxic effects not reported other than lethal dose value

REFERENCE :
   CRSBAW Comptes Rendus des Seances de la Societe de Biologie et de Ses
   Filiales.  (SPPIF, B.P.22, F-41353 Vineuil, France)  V.1-    1849-
   Volume(issue)/page/year: 124,133,1937

                              *** REVIEWS ***

   TOXICOLOGY REVIEW

   AMSSAQ Acta Medica Scandinavica, Supplement.  (Almqvist & Wiksell, POB
   45150, S-10430 Stockholm, Sweden)  No.1-730, 1921-88.
   Volume(issue)/page/year: 400,5,1963

                    *** U.S. STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS ***

   OSHA PEL (Gen Indu):8H TWA 2.5 mg(F)/m3
   CFRGBR Code of Federal Regulations.  (U.S. Government Printing Office, Supt.
   of Documents, Washington, DC 20402)  Volume(issue)/page/year: 29,1910.1000,1994

   OSHA PEL (Construc):8H TWA 2.5 mg(F)/m3
   CFRGBR Code of Federal Regulations.  (U.S. Government Printing Office, Supt.
   of Documents, Washington, DC 20402)  Volume(issue)/page/year:  29,1926.55,1994

   OSHA PEL (Shipyard):8H TWA 2.5 mg(F)/m3
   CFRGBR Code of Federal Regulations.  (U.S. Government Printing Office, Supt.
   of Documents, Washington, DC 20402)  Volume(issue)/page/year:  29,1915.1000,1993

   OSHA PEL (Fed Cont):8H TWA 2.5 mg(F)/m3
   CFRGBR Code of Federal Regulations.  (U.S. Government Printing Office, Supt.
   of Documents, Washington, DC 20402)  Volume(issue)/page/year:  41,50-204.50,1994

         *** NIOSH STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT AND SURVEILLANCE DATA ***

NIOSH RECOMMENDED EXPOSURE LEVEL (REL) :

   NIOSH REL TO FLUORIDES, INORGANIC-air:10H TWA 2.5 mg(F)/m3

REFERENCE :

   NIOSH* National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Dept. of
   Health, Education, and Welfare, Reports and Memoranda.
   Volume(issue)/page/year: DHHS #92-100,1992

NIOSH OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE SURVEY DATA :

   NOHS - National Occupational Hazard Survey (1974)
     NOHS Hazard Code - 81843
       No. of Facilities: 142 (estimated)
       No. of Industries: 7
       No. of Occupations: 14
       No. of Employees: 775 (estimated)
   NOES - National Occupational Exposure Survey (1983)

     NOES Hazard Code - 81843
       No. of Facilities: 1758 (estimated)
       No. of Industries: 19
       No. of Occupations: 15
       No. of Employees: 10867 (estimated)
       No. of Female Employees: 2068 (estimated)

                          *** STATUS IN U.S. ***

   EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
   EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JUNE 1998
                            *** END OF RECORD ***

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET 


 This information is provided for your protection by:

 LCI,Ltd.
 P. O. Box 49000
 Jacksonville Beach, FL  32240-9000
 904-241-1200

 24 Hour Emergency Assistance:
 Chemtrec: 1-800-424-9300 



Fluorosilicic Acid








Section I
Product Name and Description


Section II
Personal Protection Information


Section III
Health Information


Section IV
Emergency and First Aid Procedures


Section V
Ingredients


Section VI
Physical Data


Section VII
Reactivity


Section VIII
Fire and Explosion Hazards


Section IX
Storage and Special Precautions


Section X
Transportation Requirements


Section XI
Emergency Action - Spill or Leak



Section I

 PRODUCT NAME AND DESCRIPTION




DOT Chemical Name:
Fluorosilicic Acid


Synonyms:
Hydrofluosilicic Acid,
Fluosilicic Acid,
Hexafluosilicic Acid


Chemical Family:
Inorganic Acid
Formula: H2SiF6


CAS Number: 16961-83-4

NIOSH Number: V V 8225000



Note: N/A indicates Not Applicable where shown.

Section II

 PERSONAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

 Respiratory Protection: A NIOSH approved cartridge respirator with full-face shield. Chemical cartridge should provide protection against acid fumes (Hydrogen Fluoride). For concentrations greater than 20ppm, a NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full-face shield should be used. 

 Eye and Face Protection: Use tight-fitting chemical splash goggles and a full-face shield, 8 inch minimum. Contact lenses should not be worn. 

 Hand, Arm and Body Protection: Prevent contact with skin by use of acid-proof clothing, gloves and shoes. Use a NIOSH approved acid proof suit and boots where liquid or high vapor concentration is possible. 

 Other Protective Clothing and Equipment: Eye wash and emergency shower facilities should be available in handling area. 

 Engineering Controls: General or local exhaust systems sufficient to maintain vapors below

 2.5 mg/m3 (as F). 

 Section III 

 HEALTH INFORMATION

 OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): 2.5mg/m3(as F) 

 ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 2.5mg/m3(as F) 

 Listing in the following:

 Department of Transportation Hazardous Material Regulations (49CFR)

 Massachusetts Hazardous Substance List

 toxic Substances Control Act Inventory of toxic Substances (TSCA) 

OSHA Health Hazard Classification: Corrosive 

Primary Route(s) of Entry: Eye and skin contact, inhalation 

 Symptoms of Exposure:

 Acute: Liquid or vapors can cause severe irritation and burns which may not be apparent for hours. Can cause severe irritation to the lungs, nose and throat if swallowed, can cause severe damage to throat and stomach.

 Chronic: Prolonged exposure could result in bone changes, corrosive effect on mucous membranes including ulceration of nose, throat and bronchial tubes, cough, shock, pulmonary edema, Fluorosis, coma and death.

 Aggravated Medical Condition: Any skin condition and/or pre-existing respiratory  disease including asthma and emphysema.

 Toxic Data: LD50200 mg/kg (Oral - Guinea Pig) 

 Section IV 

 EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES

 Inhalation: Remove exposed person to an uncontaminated area immediately. If breathing has stopped, start artificial respiration at once. Oxygen should be provided for an exposed person having difficulty breathing (but only by an authorized person) until exposed person is able to breathe easily by themselves. Exposed person should be examined by a physician.

 Eye Contact: Flush eyes for at least 15 minutes with large amounts of water.  Eyelids should be held apart during the flushing to insure contact of water with all accessible tissue of the eyes and lids. Medical attention should be given as soon as possible.

 Skin Contact: Exposed person should be removed to an uncontaminated area and subjected immediately to a drenching shower of water for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes. Remove all contaminated clothing while under shower. Medical attention should be given as soon as possible for all burns, regardless of how minor they seem.

 Ingestion: If conscious, give the exposed person large quantities of water immediately to dilute the acid. Do NOT induce vomiting. Milk may be given for its soothing effect. A physician should be contacted immediately.

 Note to Physician: Beware of late onset of pulmonary edema for up to 48 hours. Treat severe burns similar to Hydrofluoric Acid exposure. 

 Section V 

 INGREDIENTS



Composition




Percentage


H2SiF6




25.0 +/- 2%


H2O




75.0 +/- 2%




Section VI 

 PHYSICAL DATA



Boiling Point: 222°F (105°C)
Freezing Point: 4°F(-15.5°C)


Specific Gravity(H2O=1): 1.234 @ 25%
Vapor Pressure(mm Hg): 24 @ 77° F


Percent Volatile by Volume: N/A
Vapor Density (Air=1): N/A


Solubility in Water: Complete
Evaporation Rate: N/A


Physical State: Fuming Liquid
Molecular Weight: 144.08


Bulk Density: 10.29 lbs/gal @ 25%
pH (1% Solution): 1.2




Appearance and Odor: Water white to straw yellow,burning liquid,with pungent odor 

 Section VII 

 REACTIVITY 

 Stability: Stable.

 Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.

 Conditions and Materials to Avoid: Metal, glass, stoneware, alkali and strong concentrated acids.

 Hazardous Decomposition Products: When heated to decomposition (222°F) it  emits highly toxic and corrosive fumes of Hydrogen Fluoride, Silicon Tetra-fluoride and Hydrogen Gas. 

 Section VIII 

 FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS 

 Flash Point and Method Used: N/A

 Flammable Limits - % Volume in Air: Lower N/A  Upper N/A

 Extinguishing Media: Use agent which is appropriate for surrounding fire.

 Special Fire Fighting Procedures and Precautions: Wear NIOSH approved self-contained acid suits.

 Auto Ignition Temperature: N/A

 Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Reacts with many metals to produce flammable and explosive hydrogen gas. Keep container cool with water, using fog nozzles, as decomposition will occur  above

 222°F and produce toxic and corrosive fumes of fluoride. 

 Section IX 

 STORAGE AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS 

 Handling and Storing Precautions: Store in containers in cool, dry, well ventilated area away from sources of heat or ignition. Do NOT store in glass or stoneware. Use non-sparking tools. Keep separate from alkali metals, oxidizing agent, combustible solids and organic peroxides.

 Ventilation: Provide adequate general and/or local exhaust to maintain vapors below 2.5 mg/m3 (as F).

 Other Precautions: Do not inhale fumes and prevent skin contact. If pungent, irritating odor can be detected, workers are being over-exposed. Eye wash and safety shower should be available in all acid handling areas.

 Section X 

 TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS



DOT Proper Shipping Name: Fluorosilicic Acid
Packing Group: II


DOT Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
Subsidiary Hazard Class: N/A


Identification Number: UN 1778
Placarding Requirement: Corrosive


EPA Hazardous Substance: No
Reportable Quantity: N/A




RCRA Status of Unused Material if Discarded: Not Listed

 Waste Disposal Method: Disposer must comply with federal, state and local  disposal or discharge laws.

 Additional Comments: For International transportation, Fluorosilicic Acid is regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for vessel and air movement as a Class 8. Packaging, marking, labelling and shipping paper descriptions must precisely reflect the regulation for export movement. 

 Section XI 

 EMERGENCY ACTION - SPILL OR LEAK 

 Emergency Action: Keep unnecessary people away. Stay upwind, keep out of low areas. Isolate hazard area and deny entry. We recommend that the user establish a spill prevention, control and countermeasure plan. This plan should include procedures for proper storage as well as containment and clean-up of spills and leaks. The procedures should conform to safe practices and provide for proper recovery and disposal in accordance with federal, state and local regulation. Contact Chemtrec at 1-800-424-9300 for 24-hour emergency assistance. 

 Small Spills: Any personnel in area should wear a NIOSH approved air supplied acid suit. Dike area to contain material. Do not allow solution to enter sewers or surface water. Neutralize the spill with water and lime (hydrated lime). Take up with sand or non-combustible absorbent material and place in containers for later disposal. Provide ventilation and be wary of hydrogen generation upon reaction with some metals. Contact Chemtrec at 1-800-424-9300 for 24-hour emergency assistance. 

 Large Spills: Contact Chemtrec at 1-800-424-9300 for 24-hour emergency assistance. Any personnel in area should wear a NIOSH approved air supplied acid suit. Dike area ahead of spill to contain material. Do not allow solution to enter sewers or surface water. Neutralize the spill with water and lime (hydrated lime). Provide ventilation and be wary of hydrogen generation upon reaction with some metals. Notify the National Response Center, if required.
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Related posts:

1. Australians Rejecting Fluoridation of their Water
2. Water Treatment Worker Refuses to Fluoridate Town’s Water
3. An ECO Machine that can pull water out of the air