What Type of Water Filter Removes Fluoride? Learn Here!
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated: Oct 14, 2022
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Most public water systems add fluoride because it helps prevent tooth decay.
However, studies have shown that too much fluoride could harm teeth and cause other health problems.
If you’re concerned about the level of fluoride in your water, you have the option to install a water filter that can remove it.
In this post, we’ll detail the different types of water filters that remove fluoride so that you can choose the ideal option for your home.
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Key Takeaways
- Bone char and activated alumina filtration, reverse osmosis water purification, and water distillation are all effective at fluoride removal.
- Fluoride water filters come in different forms: pitchers, whole house systems, countertop/under the sink systems, filter bottles, shower filters, and gravity filters.
What Type of Water Filter Removes Fluoride?
This section will cover the most effective filtration processes for removing fluoride from water.
Bone Char Water Filters
A bone char filter is one of the most effective ways to remove fluoride from water.
Bone char is a granular substance made from animal bones that have been charred. It’s very porous, which makes it ideal for absorbing contaminants like fluoride.
Activated Alumina Water Filters
Fluoride can also be removed from water using an activated alumina filter.
Activated alumina is a type of aluminum oxide that has been treated to make it highly porous. This gives it a large surface area, making it great for adsorbing impurities like fluoride.
However, AA filters’ effectiveness also depends on your water’s pH level. A pH level of 5-6 is recommended.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
A reverse osmosis system is a type of water purification that forces water through a semipermeable membrane.
This process can remove up to 99% of fluoride, as well as contaminants like lead and arsenic.
However, reverse osmosis filters can be expensive.
(Water Distillers)
While water distillation is technically different from filtering, it is worth mentioning because of its high success rate in removing fluoride.
Distillation involves boiling water and then condensing the steam back into water, leaving any impurities behind. This process is highly effective in removing any contamination including fluoride.
Recommended Fluoride Water Filter Types
Now that we’ve covered the most effective fluoride filtration processes, let’s look at the types of water filters that can feature those processes.
Just note that not every filter model of each type can be used to remove fluoride. Reverse osmosis system being the exception, you need to verify each model individually.
Water Filter Pitchers
One popular type of water filter is the pitcher style. Water filter pitchers typically use a combination of different filter media to treat contaminants.
They’re a good option if you’re looking for something affordable and easy-to-use. However, they may be a hassle to use if you’re looking to filter a large amount of water at once.
RO Systems
RO systems typically feature multiple filters to remove various contaminants, including fluoride.
RO systems can be more expensive than other types of water filters, but they’re a good investment if you’re looking for something that can filter a large amount of water quickly and effectively.
Other Under-the-Sink & Countertop Water Filters
Some, not all, under sink and countertop filters use reverse osmosis in combination with other stages of filtration.
These point-of-use filters are typically more expensive than pitcher-style filters, but they’re a great choice if you want to filter water at a specific point of use.
Whole House Water Filters
Whole house water filters are installed directly on your home’s main water supply filtering every single drop of water.
Plus, there are bone char, AA, and reverse osmosis whole house water filters that can be used to target fluoride.
Gravity Water Filters
Gravity water filters use gravity to draw water through a filter. They typically feature multiple filtration stages to provide clean drinking water.
However, they can be more expensive and bulkier, so they might not be the best option if you’re looking for something compact.
Filter Water Bottles
You might want to consider water filter bottles if you’re on the go. They’re typically easy to use and can be taken wherever you go. Specific brands use filtration technology that is known to remove more than 99% of fluoride.
Shower Filters
You can also look at shower filters to remove fluoride from your bathing water. They’re easy to install and don’t require any significant changes to your plumbing.
However, we have yet to find shower filter brands that are reliably effective in removing fluoride. The best we could find can only remove up to 50%.
How Else to Reduce Fluoride Exposure at Home
- Limit your consumption of processed foods, as they may be processed with fluoridated water
- Switch to organic fruits and vegetables which are less likely to contain remnants of fluoride pesticides
- Check your medicine labels; some medications may contain fluoride
- Limit your intake of brewed tea, as it may contain high levels of fluoride
- Use non-fluoridated toothpaste; consult your dentist first before doing this
Can You Remove Fluoride by Boiling Water?
No, boiling water will not remove fluoride. Boiling will more likely increase the level of fluoride in water because it will evaporate and then be more concentrated when the water cools down.
Further Reading:
Is Fluoridated Water Dangerous?
There are several health problems associated with an excess intake of fluoride. These include:
- Dental fluorosis: This is a condition that causes the staining and pitting of tooth enamel. It’s most commonly seen in children who ingest too much fluoride while their teeth are still developing.
- Skeletal fluorosis: This is a similar condition that affects the bones and joints, causing pain and stiffness.
- Hypothyroidism: Overexposure to fluoride can damage the thyroid and affect its functions.
While these health problems are serious, it’s important to note that they’re only seen in people who have ingested large amounts of fluoride over a long period of time.
If you have any questions about what kind of water filter removes fluoride please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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