Abstract |
The average daily hydrogen fluoride intake is on the order of 1.2-3.0 mg/day from food and water, respectively. For children and adults who do not have any occupational exposure to or do not live in the immediate vicinity of industrial operations that emit HF. Use of fluoridated dentifrices contributes an additional 0.25 mg/day; less than 0.1 mg/day comes from inhaled fluoride. This total exposure level (approximately 0.06 mg/kg/day) has been shown to have a cariostatic effect, especially in children, and is generally considered to be the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL). This level of exposure has been established as the oral reference dose (RfD) by the Agency, although it should be noted that very mild dental fluorosis (mottling) has been observed in about 20% of the people who are chronically exposed at this level. The possible carcinogenic potential or chronic exposure to fluoride has been investigated, and the Agency has stated that there is not enough information to conclude that fluoride presents a cancer risk to humans. |