What health limit is associated with fluoride in drinking water?

The health limit associated with fluoride in drinking water is 1.5 mg/L. This limit is set based on research indicating that while fluoride can be beneficial for dental health in preventing cavities, excessive exposure can lead to adverse effects, such as dental fluorosis, which can cause discoloration and damage to the teeth during their development.

The World Health Organization and other health authorities have determined that levels above 1.5 mg/L pose a risk to public health. Therefore, maintaining fluoride concentrations in drinking water at or below this level is crucial for safeguarding health, particularly for children whose teeth are still developing. This recognition of fluoride's dual role in health—beneficial in moderation and potentially harmful in excess—underpins the importance of adhering to this guideline.