Arsenic (As) in fluoridated water is found in foods and beverages processed with that water. Hydrofluorosilicic acid (HFSA) or its sodium salt (NaSF) are used in the majority of water fluoridation systems. Pharmaceutical grade (USP) sodium fluoride (NaF) is used in toothpaste. HFSA contains significant amounts of As. HFSA and NaSF leach lead (Pb) from plumbing. NaF does not. The EPA's health-based drinking water standards for As and Pb are zero. We compare the net social costs associated with the difference in numbers of cancer cases   arising from As levels in USP NaF vs. HFSA as fluoridating agents using EPA Unit Risk values and the cost of treating lung and bladder cancer cases published by EPA, along with commercial prices of HFSA and USP NaF. The U.S. could save $1 billion to more than $5 billion/year by using USP NaF in place of HFSA   .

Cost-benefit analysis of use of high arsenic vs. low aresenic compounds in municipal water fluoridation systems

244th National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.