Hello, I am back
again for my 3rd blog of this toxicology class. Today I am going to
be talking about fluoride. The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the
word fluoride is the chemical element fluorine because I am in chemistry as
well. Fluorine is the most electronegative element which means, tending to
acquire electrons and form negative ions in chemical reactions. That really has
nothing to do with fluoride so let’s start talking about it. Fluoride is an inorganic, monatomic
anion
of fluorine. Fluoride is the
simplest anion of fluorine. Its salts and minerals are important chemical
reagents and industrial chemicals, mainly used in the production of hydrogen
fluoride for fluorocarbons. Fluoride occur on earth in many
different minerals, fluorite mostly, but are only present in very small dosages in
water. Fluoride can cause a distinctive bitter taste. Fluoride salts and
hydrofluoric acid are two of the the main uses of fluoride.To learn more basic
background information about Fluoride, click here…http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1068-FLUORIDE.aspx?activeIngredientId=1068&activeIngredientName=FLUORIDE
Compounds with fluoridic bonds fall into the
realm of “organofluorine chemistry”. The main uses
of fluoride are in the production of cryolite, (Na3AlF6).
And are in t the form of hydrogen fluoride because that produces hydrofluoric
acid, which is used in aluminium smelting. Aluminum smelting is an
electrolytic process of taking aluminum from its oxide compound. A long time ago, it was mined, but now it
comes from hydrogen fluoride. Fluorite is a commodity chemical used in
steel-making. By helping separate the steel slag. Steel slag, is a by-product
of steel making, it is produced during the separation of the molten steel from
its inpurities in steel-making furnaces. The slag occurs as a molten liquid
melt and is a complex solution of silicates and oxides that solidifies upon
cooling. Hydrofluoric acid and its other form, hydrogen
fluoride, is also used in the production of Hydrofluoric acid has a variety of specialized
applications, including its ability to dissolve glass. Fluoride containing
compounds, such as sodium fluoride are used in topical and
systemic “fluoride therapy” for preventing tooth decay.
They are used for water fluoridation and in many products
associated with oral hygiene. To learn more about the uses of
fluoride, click here…http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5014a1.htm
Fluoride can have
many dangerous effects on the human body…
1) Brain, High levels of fluoride exposure can lead to
high effects of neurodevelopment in children.
2) Bones, Toxic levels of fluoride have been associated with
an increase of weaker bone structures and an increase in hip and wrist
fractures. Long exposures to Fluoride can lead to heavy concentrations of
arthritis.
3) Kidney. One of the main effects fluoride has on the kidney
is induced nephrotoxicity. The fluoride disables the bodies system of urination
leading to polyuria. Increased levels of fluoride can also lead to dehydration.
Which is terrible for the kidneys.
To learn more about
the effects of fluoride on the body click here…http://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/
I just gave you many
benefits and harms of fluoride. Fluoride is very controversial because it helps
us as a society in many ways. But like one of the main points of toxicology, it’s
all about the dosage. Have a great day!
No comments:
Post a Comment