Most consumers pay very little attention to what is in their purchases, but those who do are aware of the many uses of fluorochemicals. These compounds have found their way into a variety of markets. In addition to being the key ingredients in many medicines, these chemicals are used to synthesize a number of other products.

What are fluorochemicals?

Fluorochemicals are compounds that contain the periodic element fluorine. Fluorochemicals are easy to manipulate because they are the most chemically reactive element. This is due to fluorines high electronegativity. These traits make it possible for each fluorochemical to be completely unique.

Fluorochemicals in Dentistry

Those who doubt the pervasiveness of fluorochemicals in modern life are likely unaware that about 70% of all citizens of the United States have fluoridated water coming out of their tap. The practice of adding fluoride and other related chemicals to drinking water started in America in the time right after the Second World War. Studies from the beginning of the twentieth century confirmed that fluoride helped prevent tooth decay, and some scientists suggested that it be distributed to the general public through the water supply to improve oral health. Today, the decision to fluoridate drinking water is made by municipal governments, but a majority of major cities still carry out this practice despite vocal opposition from those in other developed countries.

In addition to fighting tooth decay through drinking water, fluoride in various forms is found in a number of toothpastes and other oral health products. Its benefits are due to its ability to be absorbed into the teeth allowing it to replace lost enamel. Not only do fluoride compounds make the teeth stronger, but they also disrupt the ability of the bacteria in plaque to make acids.

Fluorochemicals in Medicine

Derivatives of molecules containing fluorine have also found their way into other types of medicine. In fact, researches have only recently discovered how some fluorochemicals can become key active ingredients in breakthrough pharmaceuticals. One realm of medicine in which they are pervasive is that of anesthetics. The most common general anesthetics used in the operating room are fluorochemicals. The gasses sevoflurane and desflurane are both stable and non-flammable agents that can enter the blood stream and cause a human to lose consciousness.

Other compounds containing fluorine are found in cutting-edge drugs. They have proven to be important antibiotics and are even useful in the fight against HIV. They seem particularly well suited to being used as part of anti-inflammatory medicines. They also play a big part in many of the most popular SSRI antidepressants. Fluoro-structures are found in Prozac, Celexa, and Emocal, among others. These chemicals change serotonin levels in the brain in an effort to elevate the mood of the patient.

Fluorochemicals in Other Products

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