Final answer:
Fluoridation of community water in the US is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, aiming to reduce tooth decay by 25%. The EPA sets maximum fluoride levels to prevent conditions like skeletal fluorosis. The national goal was for 80% of the US population to have fluoridated water by 2020.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fluoridation of drinking water is a public health practice aimed at reducing tooth decay and improving oral health. In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulates the nation's public drinking water supply to ensure it is safe for consumption. Community water fluoridation is recognized as the adjustment of fluoride in the water supply to optimal levels which can lead to a 25% reduction in tooth decay among both children and adults.
As of 2012, about 75% of the US population was served by water systems with sufficient fluoride for tooth protection. Despite its benefits, too much fluoride can lead to conditions like skeletal fluorosis. Therefore, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the maximum fluoride level in drinking water at 4 ppm (4 mg/L). Countries vary in fluoride regulation, which can lead to health issues where groundwater naturally contains high fluoride levels. The goal for the United States was for 80% of the population to have access to fluoridated water by 2020, aligning with national public health objectives.
The fluoridation of community water is deemed the most cost-effective method to provide fluoride to the population, complementing other fluoride-containing products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses. However, it is crucial to balance fluoride levels to prevent the adverse effects of overexposure. The SDWA, enacted in 1974, was a pivotal law in standardizing the safety of drinking water across the United States.