Biological Aspects
See also: Fluoride deficiencyFluoride is not considered an essential mineral element for mammals and humans. Small amounts of fluoride may be beneficial for bone strength, but this is an issue only in the formulation of artificial diets. Food and drinking water typically contain at least small amounts of fluorides, which are naturally present.
Several other biological aspects of fluorine exist. Fluoride is widely used for prevention of dental cavities. In pharmaceuticals and agrichemicals, fluorine sees increasing use in new molecules. Both radioactive and natural fluorine isotopes are important in respective scanning applications. Oxygen-carrying perfluorocarbons present a possibility for human liquid breathing. Poisons containing fluorine are well known for killing insects and rodents and the very few organisms that incorporate fluorine in their biochemistry do so to make natural poisons.
Read more about this topic: Fluorine Compounds
Famous quotes containing the words biological and/or aspects:
“Man’s biological weakness is the condition of human culture.”
—Erich Fromm (1900–1980)
“That anger can be expressed through words and non-destructive activities; that promises are intended to be kept; that cleanliness and good eating habits are aspects of self-esteem; that compassion is an attribute to be prized—all these lessons are ones children can learn far more readily through the living example of their parents than they ever can through formal instruction.”
—Fred Rogers (20th century)