A shortage of fluorosilicic acid has caused the essential water treatment chemical to disappear from the Brazilian market [1].

This scarcity threatens public health efforts to prevent dental decay across the country. Because Brazil relies heavily on imports for this specific chemical, any disruption in the global supply chain directly impacts the quality of municipal drinking water.

Reports indicate that imports of fluorosilicic acid to Brazil have dropped by roughly 70% compared to the same period in 2025 [1]. The Brazilian water treatment sector estimates that this shortage could affect up to 30 million people if the issue is not resolved [1].

Industry officials said the crisis is due to the war in the Middle East and its subsequent impact on global logistics [1]. However, some reports suggest the shortage is primarily driven by logistical bottlenecks at Brazilian ports [2].

In Santarém, Pará, the impact is already evident. While the city recently acquired new chlorination equipment to improve water safety, these upgrades do not address the fluoride deficit. A sanitation engineer in Santarém said the lack of fluoride still depends on the import of fluorosilicic acid [2].

The Brazilian Association of Sanitation (Abraso) is now calling for government intervention to maintain public health standards. A representative for Abraso said, "Precisamos de flexibilidade nas normas para garantir a continuidade da fluoretação enquanto o insumo não volta ao mercado" [1].

The industry is seeking regulatory flexibility to allow for alternative methods, or chemicals, to ensure that water fluoridation continues while the primary supply chain remains broken. Without these adjustments, millions of residents may receive water that does not meet national health standards for fluoride levels.

“Imports of fluorosilicic acid to Brazil have dropped by roughly 70% compared to the same period in 2025.”

The crisis highlights Brazil's vulnerability to geopolitical instability due to its dependence on imported chemicals for basic infrastructure. By relying on a narrow supply chain concentrated in conflict-prone regions, the national water treatment system faces a systemic risk where foreign wars can directly degrade domestic public health outcomes.