What is the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for fluoride?

The Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for fluoride is established to protect public health by limiting exposure to levels of fluoride in drinking water that might pose a risk to human health. The MCLG for fluoride is set at 4.0 mg/L (milligrams per liter). This level is grounded in extensive research and scientific evidence regarding the potential health effects of fluoride exposure, which includes beneficial effects such as cavity prevention at lower concentrations, as well as harmful effects at higher levels, including dental and skeletal fluorosis.

Setting the MCLG at this level allows for a margin of safety for vulnerable populations, including children, who may be more susceptible to the effects of fluoride. Therefore, it reflects a balance between health benefits and potential risks, ensuring that the water supply is safe while also considering public health guidelines.

The other choices reflect levels either below or above the established MCLG for fluoride and do not align with regulatory standards based on scientific assessment. Each of these levels has been explored in various research contexts but does not represent the goal set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the safety of fluoride in drinking water.