When most individuals hear the term “fluoride,” they correctly think of proper dental health. Fluorides and hydrofluoric acid are chemicals that contain the chemical element fluorine. This element actually has broad applications beyond dental care. It also has the potential to cause life-threatening damage to an individual. Hydrofluoric acid is the name for hydrogen fluoride in solution (Fluorides, hydrogen fluoride and fluorine, 2003). It is readily absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes. It is a highly corrosive agent. It is utilized in the glass-making industry to frost and etch the glass. Hydrofluoric acid is a contact poison. It may also be absorbed as fluorides and hydrogen fluorides. The acid causes contact burns and is absorbed into the tissues. The burns are extremely painful. Additionally, significant exposure to this acid may result in death. The chemical seeks out calcium in the body and binds to it. This creates a devastating chain of events in the body (Meyer, 2005, pp. 332-334).
Two studies examined fluorides and hydrogen fluorides. One examined calls to Taiwan’s Poison Control over a twenty year period. During this time frame, 324 calls were made. The majority of poisonings were from dermal exposure. This accounted for 84% of the cases. Additionally, the majority of the episodes resulted from an occupational hazard. Eighty percent of the cases occurred as a result of an occupational hazard. Sixty-one percent of the exposures were the result of the employment in the semi-conductor industry. This indicates that this area could utilize better protocols and training. Additionally, most cases were treated with antidotal therapy. Antidotal therapy includes the use of calcium, either through calcium soaking or intravenous calcium administration. The risk of calcium-binding within the body represents the greatest threat of this chemical. Twenty patients (7%) required surgery as a result of the injury. Hypocalcaemia resulted in 8.6% of the cases. Two individuals died from it (Yu, Wang, Ger, Tsai, & Deng, 2013).
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Another study also focused on Taiwan’s tea exports. The authors concluded that tea from the Taiwan area actually contains high levels of fluoride. Black tea had the highest level of fluoride within it. As a beverage, tea is consumed in significant quantities worldwide. It is the second most-commonly consumed drink, after water. This clearly indicates that the chemicals found in tea have tremendous potential to be consumed by the global population. Additionally, when sugar is added to the tea, it increased the infusible fluoride within the beverage. Furthermore, the type of container, such as a calcium carbonate pottery, does not decrease the amount of infusible fluoride. Individuals who consume large quantities of this tea may actually develop health problems as a result of its consumption (Lung, Cheng, & Fu, 2008, pp. 158-161).
In toxicology, the chemical or agent is studied to determine how it impacts individual cells, organs, systems and individuals. In epidemiology, the agent is examined to determine if there is an impact on the population. Additionally, toxicological methods focus on laboratory experiments. This includes determining the amount of agent within a compound. It also focuses on determining dose-response levels. Epidemiology focuses on real world data and how populations are affected by the chemical. Fluoride has been studied in both methods. The ability to determine how calcium affects a body is a toxicological aspect. Fluoride has been greatly studied in epidemiology studies related to fluoridation of water to improve dental health. While scientists argue that it is good for the population for dental health, it may have individual negative effects, especially when concentrated. Both are necessary because they offer different ways to consider the benefits and detriments of a chemical or agent. It is crucial to understand how the chemical works on an organism. However, science also needs to assess the real-world impact of it.
- Fluorides, hydrogen fluoride and fluorine. (2003, September). ATSDR. Retrieved September 9, 2013, from: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/
- Lung, SC., Cheng, HW., & Fu, CB. (2008). Potential exposure and risk of fluoride intakes from tea drinks produced in Taiwan. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol, 18, 158–166.
- Meyer, E. (2004). Chemistry of hazardous materials. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Brady.
- Wu, ML., Yang, CC., Ger, J., Tsai, WJ., & Deng, JF. (2013) Acute hydrofluoric acid exposure reported to the Taiwan Poison Control Center, 1991-2010. Human Exp Toxicol. Published online before print July 25, 2013.
