GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first community in the world to add fluoride to tap water. When subsequent studies showed a significantly lower rate of cavities in schoolchildren, water fluoridation spread to other towns and cities.

Detailed explanation-2: -Fluoride is now used in the public drinking water supplied to about 3 out of 4 Americans. The decision to add fluoride to drinking water is made at the state or local level. The types of fluoride added to different water systems include fluorosilicic acid, sodium fluorosilicate, and sodium fluoride.

Detailed explanation-3: -Existing Drinking Water Standards for Fluoride 1) What is the current drinking water standard for fluoride? 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.

Detailed explanation-4: -This includes: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the majority of Switzerland (97%), and the majority of the United Kingdom (90%). Fluoride is the only chemical added to drinking water for the purpose of medication (i.e. to prevent tooth decay).