Display Settings:

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination

    Am J Public Health. 1988 Jun;78(6):711-3.

    Community health effects of a municipal water supply hyperfluoridation accident.

    Petersen LR, Denis D, Brown D, Hadler JL, Helgerson SD.

    Centers for Disease Control.

    For 12 hours, excess hydrofluorosilicic acid was diverted to a 127-home community water supply. Fluoride levels peaked at 51 parts per million (ppm). Water acidification caused copper to leach from the domestic plumbing; raising copper levels to 25-41 ppm. Fifty-two (33 per cent) of those who drank hyperfluoridated water developed mild gastroenteritis. Vomiting was uncommon and symptom onsets usually occurred greater than 30 minutes after drinking water; suggesting that fluoride, rather than copper, caused illness. Skin contact with hyperfluoridated water caused itching and skin rashes.

    PMID: 3369608 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

    PMCID: 1350293

    Supplemental Content

    Click here to read Click here to read

    Patient drug information

    • Fluoride (ACT®, APF Gel®, Control Rx®, ...)

      Fluoride is used to prevent tooth decay. It is taken up by teeth and helps to strengthen teeth, resist acid, and block the cavity-forming action of bacteria. Fluoride usually is prescribed for children and adults whose h...