Fluoride in Water - Do-It-Yourself Test

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a chemical compound containing the fluoride ion (F⁻). It is derived from fluorine, a chemical element. Fluorides occur naturally in the Earth's crust and can be found in various minerals.

Why is fluoride found in water?

Fluoride is found in water for several reasons:

• Natural sources: Fluoride occurs naturally in groundwater due to the dissolution of fluoride-containing minerals such as calcium fluoride. The fluoride concentration can vary depending on local geology.
• Water fluoridation: In some countries, fluoride is added to drinking water to prevent tooth decay. This practice, called fluoridation, is common in several countries, although it is not used everywhere.
• Industrial discharges: Industrial activities can also contribute to the presence of fluorides in water through discharges and effluents.

Why test the fluoride level in your water?

Dental health:

• Beneficial effects: At appropriate concentrations (generally around 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L), fluoride in drinking water helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel.
• Harmful effects: Excessive fluoride concentrations can cause dental fluorosis, which appears as spots and discoloration on teeth.

General health : Prolonged exposure to high levels of fluoride can cause skeletal fluorosis, affecting bones and joints and causing pain and impaired function.

What fluoride level is allowed in drinking water?

In France, as in many other countries, water quality standards have been established to protect public health. In France, the maximum fluoride concentration in drinking water is set at 1.5 mg/L in accordance with European Directive 98/83/CE.

Test fluoride in your water with the eXact Micro 20 photometer

Test procedure

Turn on the photometer, then press the SELECT button repeatedly to select test group 1. Within this group, press the MENU button repeatedly to select test F (for fluoride).

To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, rinse the device's test cell at least 3 times with the water to be tested, then fill it to the maximum level with the same water.

Close the cell with the supplied cover and press the ON/ZERO button. The cursor will move across the screen, then 0.00PPM will appear. Tilt the device slightly to remove a little water from the test cell so you can add the liquid reagent.

Remove the cell cover and add 10 drops of the supplied bottled reagent. Replace the cover.

Press the READ button. A 20-second countdown will start. During the countdown, turn the device upside down several times. When the countdown ends, place the device back on a flat surface.

The cursor will move across the screen while the test is performed, before displaying the result.