Week 6 - Halogen

Fluorine is the most chemically reactive element due to it's need for 1 more electron to fill it's outer shell. Fluorine is a pale yellow highly corrosive gas. In labs, fluorine must be contained in teflon or copper because it has the ability to burn glass, ceramic and most metals. Fluoride, a fluorine ion, is often added to our public drinking water. It is believed that small amounts of fluoride are helpful in reducing the decay of tooth enamel. 

Fluoride in toothpaste:

Fluoride is now viewed as a toxic substance and should be avoided in significant quantities. One hundred ppm for adults and 500ppm for children for toothpaste and 1 ppm for drinking water.Over consumption of Fluoride can lead to Fluorosis, dental or skeletal. Children under 8 years old can develop Dental Fluorosis, seen as white streaks or brown spots and cracking of the teeth. Skeletal Fluorosis is a result of fluoride reacting negatively with calcium and magnesuim in the body. The symptoms range from muscle and joint pain to compression of the spine, deformities of spine and other bones and calcification of ligaments.