no, fluoride added to drinking water is not the same as the industrial waste produced by aluminum production, although the two are related. fluoride is a naturally occurring ion found in rocks, soil, and water, and it is also a byproduct of certain industrial processes, including the production of aluminum. however, the fluoride compounds added to public water supplies for the purpose of preventing tooth decay are generally controlled and purified forms, such as sodium fluoride, fluorosilicic acid, or sodium fluorosilicate. these compounds are carefully regulated for safety and effectiveness. in contrast, the fluoride waste generated during aluminum production (often in the form of hexafluorosilicic acid or other less purified forms) can be harmful and toxic in large quantities. however, some of this industrial fluoride waste is repurposed and used in water fluoridation. while there is debate over the safety and ethics of using industrial byproducts in public water systems, the amount added is tightly regulated to ensure it is within safe and effective levels for dental health benefits. so, while there is a connection between industrial fluoride byproducts and water fluoridation, the fluoride compounds used in public water systems are typically purified and controlled for safety. the practice itself is endorsed by many public health organizations, including the cdc and the who, as a means to reduce tooth decay on a population level.
Democrat