Fluoride compounds were added to water supplies as early as the 1950s because claims were made for the use of fluoride as an anti-cavity agent. However, studies conducted decades ago showed that fluoride is an extremely dangerous substance that should be avoided completely. These views or claims about fluoride are just too contradictory, both cannot be true. Fluoride has hidden dangers that few people know about and should be removed from water supplies despite false information that it is actually beneficial, and the practice of water fluoridation should be completely eliminated. First of all, you need to know a little about fluoride. These are indisputable facts about fluoride. Fluoride is the negative ion of the fluorine atom. Fluorine is a non-metal and is also a halogen. Halogens are the most reactive non-metals and fluorine is the most reactive halogen. This is because fluorine has an extremely high electronegativity, meaning that it has a very strong attraction to electrons and must gain one to become stable. When it gains an electron, it becomes a negative ion called fluoride. Its reactivity makes it compete with other atoms in chemical reactions; it also forms strong bonds that change the shape of the molecules it binds to. Sodium fluoride that is added to toothpaste and water supplies is a byproduct of the aluminum and other industries and is very expensive to dispose of. Fluoride has been added to water supplies in many communities over the years, primarily to cure cavities. prevention. According to Oral Health in America: “Randomized controlled trials, which can be conducted under ideal circumstances” have produced favorable results. (Oral) These tests...... middle of article...... far exceed any evidence on this subject and have been shown to be much more reliable. Works Cited Murphy, Dean. The Devil's Poison How Fluoride Kills You. Vitoria, British Columbia, Canada: Trafford Publishing 2008. (Book)Oral Health in America. “Community and other approaches to promote oral health and prevent oral diseases.” (Internet source)Kirshen, Ira. “The Nation of Fluoridation.” Maclean's July 20, 2009: 4. Expanded academic as soon as possible. Internet. May 3, 2010 (Journal: online database)Colquhoun, John. “Why I changed my mind about water fluoridation.” 1997. n.page. Online. Internet. May 2, 2010. Available: http://www.fluoride-journal.com/98-31-2/312103.htm (Internet source)Connett, Paul. “The absurdities of water fluoridation.” November 28, 2002. n.page. Online. Internet. May 2, 2010. Available: http://www.fluoridealert.org/absurdity.htm (Internet source)