American Journal of Public Health 1988-06-01

Community health effects of a municipal water supply hyperfluoridation accident.

L R Petersen, D Denis, D Brown, J L Hadler, S D Helgerson

Index: Am. J. Public Health 78(6) , 711-3, (1988)

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Abstract

For 12 hours, excess hydrofluorosilicic acid was diverted to a 127-home community water supply. Fluoride levels peaked at 51 parts per million (ppm). Water acidification caused copper to leach from the domestic plumbing; raising copper levels to 25-41 ppm. Fifty-two (33 per cent) of those who drank hyperfluoridated water developed mild gastroenteritis. Vomiting was uncommon and symptom onsets usually occurred greater than 30 minutes after drinking water; suggesting that fluoride, rather than copper, caused illness. Skin contact with hyperfluoridated water caused itching and skin rashes.