Water filters sift out many particles but do refrigerator water filters remove fluoride?
Fluoride is commonly found in water supplies. While fluoride can improve dental health, many worry about long-term use.
While there is no evidence that the minimal levels of fluoride in drinking water are harmful, some people prefer to avoid it.
Refrigerator water filters do not entirely remove fluoride. They typically only remove lead, chlorine, and volatile organic compounds.
That said, some refrigerator filters can reduce the amount of fluoride in your next glass of water. Carbon filters and reverse osmosis filters can extract some fluoride from the refrigerator water.
If you’re truly concerned about fluoride in your water, it’s best to purchase a home water filter that can remove it.
Refrigerators with water filters are convenient, but do refrigerator water filters remove fluoride? Appliances with carbon filters and reverse osmosis filters remove most fluoride.
Do Refrigerator Water Filters Remove Fluoride? Fluoride Sources
Fluoride is a mineral found in many products we use and consume daily, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and even some bottled water.
It’s also added to many municipal water supplies to improve dental health.
The mineral also bonds with other elements to create new substances. For example, sodium fluoride is an inorganic compound found in drinking water, preservatives, and even rat poison.
Another fluoride-based compound, sulfuryl fluoride, has even been widely used as an insecticidal gas.
While fluoride can prevent cavities and improve oral health, ingesting excessive amounts can cause health problems, including cancer.
That’s why it’s important not to swallow toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride.
TIP: Avoid ingesting fluoride by researching and reading labels on your food and drinks.
Why Don’t Refrigerator Water Filters Remove Fluoride?
The answer is that most refrigerator water filters use activated carbon to remove impurities from your water.
Unfortunately, activated carbon doesn’t absorb fluoride completely. About half of it will pass right through the filter.
TIP: Activated carbon and activated charcoal are often used interchangeably, so don’t be fooled by claims that one or the other can remove all fluoride.
Reverse Osmosis Filters
Reverse osmosis (RO) filters are a type of water filter that forces water through a semipermeable membrane. This process removes most impurities from your water, including fluoride.
While RO filters are effective at removing most fluoride, they have several drawbacks.
Some refrigerators feature reverse osmosis filters, but they are not common. Additionally, RO filters are expensive and require frequent maintenance.
A good quality RO filter can cost hundreds of dollars up to a few thousand, making them impractical for many people.
Second, RO filters require a lot of water to operate. For every gallon of filtered water, you’ll get two to three gallons of wastewater produced.
This wastewater must be properly disposed of, which can be difficult and expensive.
Third, RO filters can remove beneficial minerals from your water, like calcium and magnesium. When this happens, the water can taste bad and cause health problems if you drink it over time.
TIP: Speak with your physician about any health concerns before investing in an RO system. They can shed light on how it might impact existing conditions.
Water Filters That Remove Fluoride
Four different water filters can remove fluoride from water, each to different degrees.
- Carbon Filters
- Ion-Exchange Filters
- Reverse Osmosis Filters
- Ultraviolet Filters
- Carbon Filters
Carbon filters are the most common. They can remove various impurities, including fluoride.
Carbon filters come in a wide range of sizes and styles, so it’s easy to find one that suits any needs and budget.
Ion-Exchange Filters
Ion-exchange filters can also remove fluoride. These filters work by exchanging ions between your water and the filter material.
This process removes impurities, like fluoride, from your water.
Ion-exchange filters are not as common as carbon filters, but they are becoming more popular. They are generally more expensive than carbon filters but require less maintenance.
TIP: If you’re handy, many home improvement stores have ion-exchange filters available.
Reverse Osmosis Filters
Reverse osmosis filters can remove fluoride from your water, as we mentioned earlier.
While RO filters are effective at removing most fluoride, they have several drawbacks that you should consider before purchasing one.
Ultraviolet Filters
Ultraviolet (UV) filters are a type of water filter that uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other impurities in your water. UV filters effectively remove fluoride from your water.
Unfortunately, UV filters are rare, expensive, and require frequent maintenance. As a result, they are not a practical option for most people.
TIP: Reverse osmosis and ion-exchange filters are the best options for removing fluoride.
How to Avoid Fluoride in Water
Here are ways to avoid consuming fluoride.
At-Home Water Filter
The easiest way to avoid fluoride in your water is to use a water filter designed to remove it.
Several different filter types and variations can remove fluoride, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
When choosing a water filter, be sure to look for one certified by an independent testing agency, like NSF International or the Water Quality Association.
These organizations test filters to ensure they meet their claims.
Limit Soda Consumption
Limit your consumption of soda. Many sodas contain high fluoride levels, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
Soda also carries empty calories and added sugars that are not good for our overall health.
Read Labels On Bottled Water
If you buy bottled water, check the label to see if it contains fluoride. Some bottled water brands are treated with fluoride, so it’s important to know what you’re buying.
Avoid Canned Food
Canned food is often made with Fluoridated water, so it’s best to avoid it if you’re concerned about fluoride exposure.
Canned foods are usually chosen as a more effortless and cheaper option. Unfortunately, fluoride is mixed in with most canned goods. At least aim to limit the number of canned foods you consume.
Check Medication Labels
Some medications, like fluoride supplements, contain high levels of fluoride. Be sure to check the labels of any medications you take.
You can also ask your pharmacist for advice on choosing fluoride-free options.
Check Your Local Water Report
Finally, you can check your local water report to see if fluoride is present in your water supply. If it is, you may want to consider using a water filter to remove it.
You can find your local water report online or by contacting your water supplier.
Pesticides on Fruits and Veggies
Pesticides can also contain fluoride, so it’s essential to wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
You can also buy organic produce to lower exposure to these chemicals.
FAQs
Do you still have questions about fluoride in water? These answers might help clear things up!
How Can I Remove Fluoride from Water Cheaply?
One of the cheapest ways to remove fluoride from water is to use a carbon filter. Carbon filters are very effective at removing impurities as well as fluoride.
Most refrigerators are equipped with carbon filters. You can also purchase them for regular use.
What Does the Refrigerator Water Filter Remove?
Most refrigerator water filters remove various impurities, including chlorine, lead, and sediment.
Some filters also remove fluoride. To know for sure, check the specifications of your filter to see what it’s designed to remove.
Are Refrigerator Water Filters Effective?
Refrigerator water filters are generally effective at removing impurities from your water. However, they are not 100% effective at eliminating all impurities, especially without removing calcium and magnesium.
Conclusion
Do refrigerator water filters remove fluoride? Yes, but not entirely. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in groundwater and sometimes added to municipal water reserves.
It’s desirable because it effectively fights cavities and tooth decay. However, consuming too much fluoride can have adverse health effects, including skeletal weakness and some types of cancer.
If you’re concerned about fluoride in your water, you can use a water filter to remove it. Ion-exchange and reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing fluoride.
Remember always to check the specification to ensure you get the right filter for your needs.