Water Quality in Hanford, CA

What is Boron?

Boron is an element that occurs naturally in the earth's crust as borate minerals. It can be found in food, consumer products and some water sources, including some bottled water and groundwater from highly mineralized aquifers. While evidence suggests it is likely an essential nutrient for human health, animal studies have shown that exposure to high levels of boron can cause adverse developmental and reproductive effects.

Health Effects

Health protective levels of boron in drinking water have been established based on potential developmental toxicity.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards

What is Fluoride?

Naturally occurring mineral in the environment and an essential element of tooth enamel

Health Effects

Elevated levels of fluoride in drinking water can lead to dental fluorosis in children, which is the discoloration and molting away of tooth enamel. Evidence on low-dose, chronic exposure to fluoride is not definitive but has been indicated as having potential neurological impacts. Studies have clearly established that long-term exposure to high doses of fluoride, higher than typically found in US drinking water, can have adverse effects on skeletal tissue (bones and teeth), which may cause higher risk of bone fractures in seniors. Skeletal fluorosis is a debilitating condition caused by high fluoride exposure during bone development in children.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

Certified Filter Standards