Which fluoride compound is primarily used in municipal water treatment?

The primary fluoride compound used in municipal water treatment is hydrofluorosilicic acid. This compound is favored because it is effective in achieving the desired fluoride concentration in drinking water to promote dental health. Hydrofluorosilicic acid is a soluble form of fluoride that can easily be added to water systems.

When municipalities fluoridate their water supplies, the goal is to prevent tooth decay in the population. Hydrofluorosilicic acid, derived from the phosphate fertilizer industry, is commonly utilized due to its effectiveness and cost efficiency when compared to other fluoride compounds. It dissociates in water to release fluoride ions, which is the active component that provides the dental health benefits.

Other fluoride compounds mentioned, while they can be used for fluoride applications, either do not dissolve as effectively in water or are not as commonly adopted by municipal systems for water fluoridation. Understanding the specific application and effectiveness of hydrofluorosilicic acid clarifies why it is the preferred choice in water treatment processes.