Thursday, March 28, 2024

Potential health effects of excess fluoride levels in people and pets

Acute fluoride toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and discomfort. It can be fatal to pets.

NEW HANOVER COUNTY —Wednesday, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority released a ‘do not drink’ advisory citing an overabundance of fluoride in the drinking water supplied by the CFPUA Richardson Nano Groundwater Treatment Plant.

New Hanover county residents were also warned that a failure to follow this advisory could result in illness.

While fluoride is safe for dental health at low concentrations, excessive fluoride levels can have negative effects on human health.

According to the National Institutes of Health, acute fluoride toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and discomfort.

What about pets?

According to Dr. Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, fluoride levels greater than 460 parts per million (ppm) is toxic for dogs.

“Local residents that are concerned should give their pets filtered spring water, not distilled water,” Dr. Gina Scarzella, veterinarian at the College Road Animal Hospital said. “Short term effects of acute fluoride toxicity in pets will include upset stomachs, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite or abnormal behavior. Residents should contact their veterinarian for specific concerns.”

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