Final answer:
The statement suggesting overconsumption of fluoride is common from EPA-regulated water is false. Instead, EPA regulations aim to prevent overconsumption. Community water fluoridation is considered cost-effective for delivering controlled fluoride levels, with the challenge lying in managing high natural fluoride levels in certain regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that overconsumption of fluoride is a common consequence of drinking water that has been altered to meet guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is false. The EPA sets a maximum contaminant level for fluoride in drinking water to prevent overconsumption, which is 4 parts per million (ppm) or 4 mg/L. Overconsumption can lead to severe health risks such as skeletal fluorosis, affecting more than 2.7 million people worldwide. However, community water fluoridation is a controlled process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in water with the aim of preventing tooth decay, recognized as the most cost-effective method for delivering fluoride to the community.
It is essential to understand that in places with high concentrations of fluoride naturally occurring in groundwater, the lack of regulation in these areas can lead to fluorosis. Hence, the issue of overconsumption is more prevalent due to natural high levels of fluoride rather than the water treatment processes adhering to EPA guidelines, which are intended to safeguard public health. It's also worth noting that the goal of having 80% of Americans accessing fluoridated water by 2020 has been established to increase the benefits of fluoride for oral health. Lastly, the Flint Michigan Water Crisis is a separate issue related to lead contamination due to poor water management and infrastructure, highlighting the importance of proper water treatment and regulation.