Cows and various birds are known to have reproductive problems when they eat or drink large amounts of fluoride. The results from laboratory studies in animal are mixed. Fluorine, hydrogen fluoride, and fluorides have not been classified for carcinogenic effects. Studies in people have not shown fluorides to be carcinogenic, and the studies in animals are mixed. More research is in progress.
Tests are available to determine recent high exposures to fluorides.
The test measures fluorides in the urine. This test cannot predict any specific health effects from fluoride exposure. Most laboratories that test for chemical exposure can perform the test. Bone sampling is done in special cases to measure a long-term exposure to fluorides. Because fluorine, hydrogen fluoride, and fluorides all enter the body as fluoride, these tests do not distinguish the source of the fluoride.