How common are shortages or disruptions of fluoride products?
Shortages or disruptions of fluoride product deliveries are not common. However, there have been periods of shortages and disruptions resulting in difficulties obtaining fluoride additives for water fluoridation. Most shortages and disruptions tend to be of short duration, on the order of several weeks. Shortages or disruptions are usually regional. Fluoride products are produced in only a few areas of the country, and then must be transported to regional depots, typically by rail tanker car. Therefore, there may be sufficient fluoride products nationally, but a particular region may have shortages or disruptions. Shortages or disruptions can also result from inclement weather in fluoride-producing areas. Florida is the largest producer of fluoride products, and hurricanes or other severe weather events can cause phosphate fertilizer manufacturers to suspend operations for several weeks at a time. Seasonal disruptions, such as manufacturing plant maintenance periods, also may delay ope
