Dr. Paul Connett
Professor of Chemistry
St. Lawrence University, NY 13617
315-229-5853 ggvideo@northnet.org
1) Fluoride
is not an essential nutrient. No disease has ever been linked to a fluoride
deficiency. Humans can have perfectly good teeth without fluoride.
2)
Fluoridation is not necessary. Most Western European countries are not
fluoridated and have experienced the same decline in dental decay as the
US (see data from World Health Organization on levels of tooth decay
in Europe, US, New Zealand, and Australia in Appendix 1).
3)
Fluoridation's role in the decline of tooth
decay is in serious doubt. The largest survey ever conducted in the US
(over 39,000 children from 84 communities) by the National Institute of
Dental Research showed little difference in tooth decay among children
in fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities (Hileman,
1989 and Yiamouyiannis, 1990).
According to the NIDR's statisticians, the study found an average difference
of only 0.6 DMFS (Decayed Missing and Filled Surfaces) in the permanent
teeth of children aged 5-17 residing in either fluoridated or unfluoridated
areas (Brunelle and Carlos, 1990). This difference is less than one tooth
surface! There are 128 tooth surfaces in a child's mouth.
4)
Where fluoridation has been discontinued
in communities from Canada, the former East Germany, Cuba and Finland,
dental decay has not increased but has actually decreased (Maupome
et al, 2001; Kunzel and Fischer,1997,2000; Kunzel et al, 2000 and Seppa
et al, 2000).
5)
One of the early trials which helped to launch fluoridation took place
in Newburgh, NY, with Kingston, NY as the control community. After 10
years of this trial (which was methodologically flawed), it looked as
if there was a large decrease in dental caries in the fluoridated community
compared to the non-fluoridated community. However, when children were
re-examined in these two cities in 1995 (50 years after the trial began)
there was practically no difference in the dental decay in the two communities.
If anything, the teeth in unfluoridated Kingston were slightly better
(Kumar and Green 1998).
6)
Modern research (e.g. Diesendorf, 1986;
Colquhoun,
1997, and De Liefde, 1998) shows that decay rates were coming down before
fluoridation was introduced and have continued to decline even after its
benefits would have been maximized. Many other factors influence tooth
decay. Studies in India (Teotia and Teotia, 1994) and Tuczon, Arizona
(Steelink, 1992) have shown that tooth decay actually increases as the
fluoride concentration in the water increases.
7)
Leading dental researchers (Levine, 1976; Fejerskov, Thylstrup and Larsen,
1981; Carlos, 1983; Featherstone, 1987, 1999, 2000; Margolis and Moreno,
1990; Clark, 1993; Burt, 1994; Shellis and Duckworth, 1994 and Limeback,
1999, 2000), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC,
1999) are now acknowledging that the mechanism of fluoride's benefits
are mainly TOPICAL not SYSTEMIC. Thus, you don't have to swallow fluoride
to protect teeth. As the benefits of fluoride (if they exist) are topical,
and the risks are all systemic, it makes more sense, for those who want
to take the risks, to deliver the fluoride directly to the tooth in the
form of toothpaste. Since swallowing fluoride is unnecessary, there is
no reason to force people (against their will) to drink fluoride in their
water suppy. (All the referencs for "topical versus systemic
benefits" are listed as a group in the reference section).
8)
The US fluoridation program has massively failed to achieve one of its
key objectives, i.e. to lower dental decay rates while minimizing
dental fluorosis (mottled and discolored enamel). The goal of the
early promoters of fluoridation was to limit dental fluorosis (in its
mildest form) to 10% of children (NRC, 1993, pp. 6-7). The percentage
of children with dental fluorosis in optimally fluoridated areas is up
to EIGHT TIMES this goal (Williams, 1990; Lalumandier, 1995; Heller, 1997
and Morgan, 1998). The York Review estimates
that up to 48% of children in optimally fluoridated areas have dental
fluorosis in all forms and up to 12.5% in the mild to severe forms (McDonagh,
2000).
9) Dental fluorosis means
that a child has been overdosed on fluoride. While the mechanism by which
the enamel is damaged is not definitively known, it appears fluorosis
may be a result of either inhibited enzymes in the growing teeth (Dan
Besten 1999), or through fluoride's interference with the thyroid gland.
10) The
level of fluoride put into water (1 ppm) is 100 times higher than normally
found in mothers' milk (0.01 ppm) (Institute of Medicine, 1997). There
are no benefits, only risks, for infants ingesting this heightened level
of fluoride at such an early age (this is an age where susceptibility
to environmental toxins is particularly high).
11)
Fluoride is a cumulative poison.
Only 50% of the fluoride we ingest each day is excreted through the kidneys,
the remainder accumulates in our bones, pineal gland, and other tissues.
If the kidney is damaged, fluoride accumulation will increase.
12)
Fluoride is very biologically active even at low concentrations. It interferes
with hydrogen bonding which is central to the structure and function of
proteins and nucleic acids. Thus, fluoride has the potential to disrupt
events at the very heart of living things (Emsley, 1981).
13) Fluoride
inhibits enzymes in test tubes (Waldbott, 1978), in bacteria in the oral
cavity (Featherstone, 2000), in the growing tooth (DenBesten, 1999), in
bone (Krook and Minor, 1998) and in other tissues (Luke, 1998).
14) Fluoride has been shown to be mutagenic, cause chromosome damage and interfere with the enzymes involved with DNA repair in a variety of insect, tissue culture and animal studies (DHSS, 1991, Mihashi and Tsutsui, 1996).
15) Fluoride administered to animals at high doses wreaks havoc on the reproductive system - it renders sperm non-functional and increases the rate of infertility (Chinoy, et al, 1995; Kumar & Susheela, 1994; Chinoy & Narayana, 1994; Chinoy & Sequeira, 1989). A recent study from the US found increased rates of infertility among women living in areas with 3 or more ppm fluoride in the water. According to this latter study, which was published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, "Most regions showed an association of decreasing TFR [Total Fertility Rate] with increasing fluoride levels" (Freni 1994).
16) Fluoride forms complexes with a large number of metals, which include metals which are needed in the body (like calcium and magnesium) and metals (like lead and aluminum) which are toxic to the body. This can cause a variety of problems. For example, fluoride interferes with enzymes where magnesium is an important co-factor, and it can help facilitate the uptake of aluminum into tissues where the aluminum wouldn't otherwise go.
17)
Rats fed for one year with 1 ppm fluoride in doubly distilled and de-ionized
water, using either sodium fluoride or aluminum fluoride, had morphological
changes to their kidneys and brains and had an increased level of aluminum
present in their brain (Varner et al, 1998). Aluminum in the brain is
associated with Alzheimers disease.
18) Fluoride
and aluminum fluoride complexes interact with G-proteins and thus have
the potential to interfere with many hormonal and some neurochemical signals
(Struneka and Patocka, 1999).
19) Aluminum
fluoride was recently nominated by the Environmental Protection Agency
and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences for testing by
the National Toxicology Program. According to the EPA and NIEHS, aluminum
fluoride currently has a "high health research priority" due
to its "known neurotoxicity" (BNA,
2000). If fluoride is added to water which contains aluminum, than
aluminum fluoride complexes will form.
20) Animal
experiments show that fluoride exposure alters mental behavior (Mullenix
et al, 1995). Rats dosed prenatally demonstrated hyperactive behavior.
Those dosed postnatally demonstrated hypoactivity (i.e. under activity
or "couch potato" syndrome).
21) Studies by Jennifer
Luke (1997) showed that fluoride accumulates in the human pineal gland
to very high levels. In her Ph.D thesis Luke has also shown in animal
studies that fluoride reduces melatonin production and leads to an earlier
onset of puberty.
22) Three studies from China show a lowering of IQ in children associated with fluoride exposure (Li et al, 1995; Zhao et al, 1996 and Lu et al, 2000). Another study (Lin et al, 1991) indicates that even just moderate levels of fluoride exposure (e.g. 0.9 ppm in the water) can exacerbate the neurological defects of iodine deficiency, which include decreased IQ and retardation. (According to the CDC, iodine deficiency has nearly quadrupled in the US since the 1970's, with nearly 12% of the population now iodine deficient.)
23)
Earlier in the 20th century, fluoride was prescribed by a number of European
doctors to reduce the activity of the thyroid gland for those suffering
from hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid) (Merck Index, 1960, p. 952;
Waldbott, et al., 1978, p. 163). With water fluoridation, we are forcing
people to drink a thyroid-depressing medication which could serve to promote
higher levels of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) in the population,
and all the subsequent problems related to this disorder. Such problems
include depression, fatigue, weight gain, muscle and joint pains, increased
cholesterol levels, and heart disease.
It bears noting that according to the Department of Health and Human Services
(1991) fluoride exposure in fluoridated communities is estimated to range
from 1.58 to 6.6 mg/day, which is a range that actually overlaps the dose
(2.3 - 4.5 mg/day) shown to decrease the functioning of the human thyroid
(Galletti & Joyet,
1958). This is a remarkable fact, and certainly deserves greater
attention considering the rampant and increasing problem of hypothyroidism
in the United States. (In 1999, the second most prescribed drug of the
year was Synthroid, which
is a hormone replacement drug used to treat an underactive thyroid).
24) Some
of the early symptoms of skeletal
fluorosis, a fluoride-induced bone and joint disease that impacts
millions of people in India, China, and Africa , mimic the symptoms of arthritis. According to a review on fluoridation
by the journal of the American Chemical Society, "Because some of
the clinical symptoms mimic arthritis, the first two clinical phases of
skeletal fluorosis could be easily misdiagnosed" (Hileman,
1988). Few if any studies have been done to determine the extent of
this misdiagnosis, and whether the high prevalence of arthritis in America
(over 42 million Americans have it) is related to our growing fluoride
exposure, which is highly plausible. The causes of most forms of arthritis
(e.g. osteoarthritis) are unknown.
25) In
some studies, when high doses of fluoride were used in trials to treat
patients with osteoporosis in an effort to harden their bones and reduce
fracture rates, it actually led to a HIGHER number of hip fractures (Hedlund
and Gallagher, 1989; Riggs et al, 1990).
26) Eighteen
studies (four unpublished, including one abstract) since 1990 have examined
the possible relationship of fluoridation and an increase in hip fracture
among the elderly. Ten of these studies found an association, eight did
not. One study found a dose-related increase in hip fracture as the concentration
of fluoride rose from 1 ppm to 8 ppm (Li et al, 1999, to be published).
Hip fracture is a very serious issue for the elderly, as a quarter of
those who have a hip fracture die within a year of the operation, while
50 percent never regain an independent existence. (All 18 of these
studies are referenced as a group in the reference section).
27) One animal study (National Toxicology Program, 1990) shows a dose-related increase in osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in male rats. The initial finding of this study was of "clear evidence of carcinogenicity" a finding which was soon conspicuously downgraded to "equivocal evidence" (Marcus, 1990). EPA Professional Headquarters Union has requested that Congress establish an independent review of this study's results (Hirzy 2000).
28) Two epidemiological studies show a possible association (which some have discounted: Hoover, 1990 and 1991) between osteosarcoma in young men and living in fluoridated areas (National Cancer Institute, 1989 and Cohn, 1992). Other studies have not found this association.
29) Fluoridation is unethical because individuals are not being asked for their informed consent prior to medication. This is standard practice for all medication.
30) While referenda are preferential to imposed policies from central government, it still leaves the problem of individual rights versus majority rule. Put another way -- does a voter have the right to require that their neighbor ingest a certain medication (even if it's against that neighbor's will)?
31) Some
people appear to be highly sensitive to fluoride as shown by case studies
and double blind studies (Waldbott, 1978 and Moolenburg, 1987). This may
relate to fluoride interfering with their hormone levels including those
produced by their thyroid gland. Can we as a society force these people
to drink fluoride?
32) According
to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR, 1993)
some people are particularly vulnerable to fluoride's toxic effects; these
include: the elderly, diabetics and people with poor kidney function.
Again, can we in good conscience force these people to ingest fluoride
on a daily basis?
33) Also vulnerable are those who suffer from malnutrition (e.g. calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin D and iodide deficiencies and protein poor diets). Those most likely to suffer from poor nutrition are the poor, who are precisely the people being targeted by new fluoridation proposals (Oral Health in America, May 2000). While being at heightened risk, poor families are less able to afford avoidance measures (e.g. bottled water or removal equipment).
34) Since dental decay is most concentrated in poor communities, we should be spending our efforts trying to increase the access to dental care for poor families. The real "Oral Health Crisis" that exists today in the United States, is not a lack of fluoride but poverty and lack of dental insurance.
35) Fluoridation
has been found to be ineffective at preventing one of the most serious
oral health problems facing poor children, namely, baby bottle tooth decay,
otherwise known as early childhood caries (Jones,
2000).
36) Once
fluoride is put in the water it is impossible to control the dose each
individual receives. This is because, one, some people (e.g. manual laborers,
athletes and diabetics) drink more water than others, and because, two,
we receive fluoride from sources other than the water supply. Other sources
of fluoride include food and beverages processed with fluoridated water;
fluoridated dental products, and pesticide residues on food.
As one doctor has aptly stated, "No physician
in his right senses would prescribe for a person he has never met, whose
medical history he does not know, a substance which is intended to create
bodily change, with the advice: 'Take as much as you like, but you will
take it for the rest of your life because some children suffer from tooth
decay. ' It is a preposterous notion."
37)
Despite the fact that it is recognized that we are ingesting too much
fluoride, and despite the fact that we are exposed to far more fluoride
in 2000 than we were in 1945 (when fluoridation began), the "optimal"
fluoridation level is still 1 part per million, the same level deemed
optimal in 1945!
38) The
early studies conducted in 1945 -1955 in the US, which helped to launch
fluoridation, have been heavily criticized for their poor methodology
and poor choice of control communities (De Stefano, 1954; Sutton 1959,
1960 and 1996). According to Dr.
Hubert Arnold, a statisician from the University of California at
Davis, the early fluoridation trials "are especially rich in fallacies,
improper design, invalid use of statistical methods, omissions of contrary
data, and just plain muddleheadedness and hebetude."
39) The US Public Health Service first endorsed fluoridation in 1950, before one single trial had been completed (McClure, 1970)! It may not be coincidental that in the same year of the US PHS endorsement, the Sugar Research Foundation, Inc. (supported by 130 corporations) expressed its aim in dental research as, "To discover effective means of controlling tooth decay by methods other than restricting carbohydrate (sugar) intake" (Waldbott, 1965, p.131).
40)
The fluoridation program has been very poorly monitored. There
has never been a comprehensive analysis of the fluoride levels in the
bones of the American people. US Health authorities have no idea how close
we are getting to levels which will cause subtle or even serious bone
and joint damage!
41) According
to a letter received by New Jersey Assemblyman John
Kelly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has never approved the
fluoride supplements given to children, which are designed to deliver
the same amount of fluoride as fluoridated water.
42) The
chemicals used to fluoridate water in the US are not pharmaceutical grade.
Instead, they come from the wet scrubbing systems of the superphosphate
fertilizer industry. These chemicals (90% of which are sodium fluorosilicate
and fluorosilicic acid), are classified hazardous wastes contaminated
with toxic metals and trace amounts of radioactive isotopes. Recent testing
by the National Sanitation Foundation suggest that the levels of arsenic
in these chemicals are high and of significant concern.
43) These
hazardous wastes have not been tested comprehensively. The chemical usually
tested in animal studies is pharmaceutical grade sodium fluoride, not
industrial grade fluorosilicic acid. The assumption being made is that
by the time this waste product has been diluted down, all the fluorosilicic
acid will have been converted into free fluoride ion, and the other toxics
and radioactive isotopes will be so dilute that they will not cause any
harm, even with lifetime exposure. These assumptions have not been examined
carefully by scientists, independent of the fluoridation program.
44)
Studies by Masters
and Coplan (1999) show an association between the use of fluorosilicic
acid (and its sodium salt) to fluoridate water and an increased uptake
of lead into children's blood.
45) Sodium
fluoride is an extremely toxic substance -- just 3 to 5 grams, or about
one teaspoon, is enough to kill a human being. Both children (swallowing
gels) and adults (accidents involving malfunctioning of fluoride delivery
equipment and filters on dialysis machines) have died
from excess exposure.
46)
Some of the earliest opponents of fluoridation were biochemists and at
least 14 Nobel Prize winners are among numerous scientists who have expressed
their reservations about the practice of fluoridation (see appendix
4 for list). Dr. James Sumner, who won the Nobel Prize for his work
on enzyme chemistry, had this to say about fluoridation: "We ought
to go slowly. Everybody knows fluorine and fluoride are very poisonous
substances
We use them in enzyme chemistry to poison enzymes, those
vital agents in the body. That is the reason things are poisoned; because
the enzymes are poisoned and that is why animals and plants die"
(Connett, 2000).
Last year's (2000) recipient of the Noble Prize
for Medicine and Physiology, was Dr. Arvid Carlsson of Sweden. Dr. Carlsson
was one of the leading opponents of fluoridation in Sweden. He was part
of the panel that recommended that the Swedish government reject the practice,
which they did in 1971. In her book "The Fluoride Question: Panacea
or Poison" Anne-lise Gotzsche quotes Carlsson as follows: "It
is not worthwhile to conceal the fact that it is a question of applying
a pharmacologically active substance to an entire population" (p.69).
47) The
Union representing
the scientists at the US EPA headquarters in DC is on record as opposing
water fluoridation (Hirzy, 1999) and rejects the US EPA's approval of
the use of hazardous industrial waste products to fluoridate the public
water supply.
48)
Many scientists, doctors and dentists who have spoken out publicly on
this issue have been subjected to censorship and intimidation (Martin
1991). Tactics like this would not be necessary if those promoting fluoridation
were on secure scientific ground.
49) Promoters
of fluoridation refuse to recognize that there is any scientific debate
on this issue, despite the concerns listed above and objective reviews
of the controversy (Hileman,
1988). Dr. Michael Easley, one of the most vocal proponents, goes
so far as to say that there is no legitimate debate, whatsoever, concerning
fluoridation. According to Easley, who works closely with the CDC and
ADA, "Debates give the illusion that a scientific controversy exists
when no credible people support the fluorophobics' view." Easley
adds that
"a most flagrant abuse of the public trust occasionally occurs when a physician or a dentist, for whatever personal reason, uses their professional standing in the community to argue against fluoridation, a clear violation of professional ethics, the principles of science and community standards of practice" (Easley, 1999). |
Comments like these led the associate technical director for Consumers
Union, Dr. Edward Groth, to conclude that "the political profluoridation
stance has evolved into a dogmatic, authoritarian, essentially antiscientific
posture, one that discourages open debate of scientific issues" (Martin,
1991).
50)
When it comes to controversies surrounding toxic chemicals, invested interests
traditionally do their very best to discount animal studies and quibble
with epidemiological findings. In the past, political pressures have led
government agencies to drag their feet on regulating asbestos, benzene,
DDT, PCBs, tetraethyl lead, tobacco and dioxins. With fluoridation we
have had a fifty year delay. Unfortunately, because government officials
have put so much of their credibility on the line defending fluoridation,
and because of the huge liabilities waiting in the wings if they admit
that fluoridation has caused an increase in hip fracture, arthritis, bone
cancer, brain disorders or thyroid problems, it will be very difficult
for them to speak honestly and openly about the issue. But they must,
not only to protect millions of people from unnecessary harm, but to protect
the notion that, at its core, public health policy must be based on sound
science not political pressure. They have a tool with which to do this:
it's called the Precautionary Principle. Simply put, this says: if in
doubt leave it out. This is what most European countries have done and
their children's teeth have not suffered, while their public's trust has
been strengthened.
It is like a question from a Kafka play. Just how much doubt is needed
on just one of the health concerns identified above, to override a benefit,
which when quantified in the largest survey ever conducted in the US,
amounts to less than one tooth surface (out of 128) in a child's mouth?
For those who would call for further studies, we say fine. Take the fluoride
out of the water first and then conduct all the studies you want. This
folly must end without further delay.
APPENDIX 1. World Health Organization Data (back to top)
Table: DMFT Status (Decayed, Missing & Filled Teeth) for 12 year olds. Organized by Country.
DMFTs | Year | Status | |
Australia | 0.8 | 1998 | fluoridated |
Zurich, Switzerland | 0.84 | 1998 | unfluoridated |
Netherlands | 0.9 | 1992-93 | unfluoridated |
Sweden | 0.9 | 1999 | unfluoridated |
Denmark | 0.9 | 2001 | unfluoridated |
UK (England, Scotland, N. Ire) | 1.1 | 1996-97 | 10% fluoridated |
Ireland | 1.1 | 1997 | fluoridated |
Finland | 1.1 | 1997 | unfluoridated |
US | 1.4 | 1988-91 | fluoridated |
Norway | 1.5 | 1998 | unfluoridated |
Iceland | 1.5 | 1996 | unfluoridated |
New Zealand | 1.5 | 1993 | fluoridated |
Belgium | 1.6 | 1998 | unfluoridated |
Germany | 1.7 | 1997 | unfluoridated |
Austria | 1.7 | 1997 | unfluoridated |
France | 1.9 | 1998 | unfluoridated |
Data from: WHO Oral Health Country/Area Profile Programme Department of Noncommunicable Diseases Surveillance/Oral Health WHO Collaborating Centre, Malmö University, Sweden http://www.whocollab.od.mah.se/euro.html
APPENDIX 2.
Statements on fluoridation by governmental officials from several countries:
Germany:
"Generally, in Germany fluoridation of drinking water is forbidden. The relevant German law allows exceptions to the fluoridation ban on application. The argumentation of the Federal Ministry of Health against a general permission of fluoridation of drinking water is the problematic nature of compuls[ory] medication." (Gerda Hankel-Khan, Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany, September 16, 1999). www.fluoridealert.org/germany.jpeg
France:
"Fluoride chemicals are not included in the list [of 'chemicals for drinking water treatment']. This is due to ethical as well as medical considerations." (Louis Sanchez, Directeur de la Protection de l'Environment, August 25, 2000). www.fluoridealert.org/france.jpeg
Belgium:
"This water treatment has never been of use in Belgium and will never
be (we hope so) into the future. The main reason for that is the fundamental
position of the drinking water sector that it is not its task to deliver
medicinal treatment to people. This is the sole responsibility of health
services." (Chr. Legros, Directeur, Belgaqua, Brussels, Belgium,
February 28, 2000). www.fluoridation.com/c-belgium.htm
Luxembourg:
"Fluoride has never been added to the public water supplies in Luxembourg. In our views, the drinking water isn't the suitable way for medicinal treatment and that people needing an addition of fluoride can decide by their own to use the most appropriate way, like the intake of fluoride tablets, to cover their [daily] needs." (Jean-Marie RIES, Head, Water Department, Administration De L'Environment, May 3, 2000). www.fluoridealert.org/luxembourg.jpeg
Finland:
"We do not favor or recommend fluoridation of drinking water. There are better ways of providing the fluoride our teeth need." (Paavo Poteri, Acting Managing Director, Helsinki Water, Finland, February 7, 2000). www.fluoridation.com/c-finland.htm
"Artificial fluoridation of drinking water supplies has been practiced in Finland only in one town, Kuopio, situated in eastern Finland and with a population of about 80,000 people (1.6% of the Finnish population). Fluoridation started in 1959 and finished in 1992 as a result of the resistance of local population. The most usual grounds for the resistance presented in this context were an individual's right to drinking water without additional chemicals used for the medication of limited population groups. A concept of "force-feeding" was also mentioned.
Drinking water fluoridation is not prohibited in Finland but no municipalities have turned out to be willing to practice it. Water suppliers, naturally, have always been against dosing of fluoride chemicals into water." (Leena Hiisvirta, M.Sc., Chief Engineer, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finland, January 12, 1996.) www.fluoridealert.org/finland.jpeg
Denmark:
"We are pleased to inform you that according
to the Danish Ministry of Environment and Energy, toxic fluorides have
never been added to the public water supplies. Consequently, no Danish
city has ever been fluoridated." (Klaus Werner, Royal Danish
Embassy, Washington DC, December 22, 1999). www.fluoridation.com/c-denmark.htm
Norway:
"In Norway we had a rather intense discussion
on this subject some 20 years ago, and the conclusion was that drinking
water should not be fluoridated." (Truls Krogh & Toril Hofshagen,
Folkehelsa Statens institutt for folkeheise (National Institute of Public
Health) Oslo, Norway, March 1, 2000). www.fluoridation.com/c-norway.htm
Sweden:
"Drinking water fluoridation is not allowed in Sweden...New scientific documentation or changes in dental health situation that could alter the conclusions of the Commission have not been shown." (Gunnar Guzikowski, Chief Government Inspector, Livsmedels Verket -- National Food Administration Drinking Water Division, Sweden, February 28, 2000). www.fluoridation.com/c-sweden.htm
Netherlands:
"From the end of the 1960s until the beginning of the 1970s drinking water in various places in the Netherlands was fluoridated to prevent caries. However, in its judgement of 22 June 1973 in case No. 10683 (Budding and co. versus the City of Amsterdam) the Supreme Court (Hoge Road) ruled there was no legal basis for fluoridation. After that judgement, amendment to the Water Supply Act was prepared to provide a legal basis for fluoridation. During the process it became clear that there was not enough support from Parlement [sic] for this amendment and the proposal was withdrawn." (Wilfred Reinhold, Legal Advisor, Directorate Drinking Water, Netherlands, January 15, 2000). www.fluoridation.com/c-netherlands.htm
Northern Ireland:
"The water supply in Northern Ireland has never been artificially fluoridated except in 2 small localities where fluoride was added to the water for about 30 years up to last year. Fluoridation ceased at these locations for operational reasons. At this time, there are no plans to commence fluoridation of water supplies in Northern Ireland." (C.J. Grimes, Department for Regional Development, Belfast, November 6, 2000). www.fluoridealert.org/Northern-Ireland.jpeg
Austria:
"Toxic fluorides have never been added to the public water supplies in Austria." (M. Eisenhut, Head of Water Department, Osterreichische Yereinigung fur das Gas-und Wasserfach Schubertring 14, A-1015 Wien, Austria, February 17, 2000). www.fluoridation.com/c-austria.htm
Czech Republic:
"Since 1993, drinking water has not been treated with fluoride in public water supplies throughout the Czech Republic. Although fluoridation of drinking water has not actually been proscribed it is not under consideration because this form of supplementation is considered:
APPENDIX 3.
Statement of Douglas Carnall,
Associate Editor of the British Medical Journal, published on the BMJ
website ( http://www.bmj.com ) on the day that they published the York
Review on Fluoridation.
See this review on the web at http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/321/7265/904/a
British Medical Journal
October 7, 2000
Reviews
Website of the week
Water fluoridation
Fluoridation was a controversial topic even before Kubrick's Base Commander
Ripper railed against "the international communist conspiracy to
sap and impurify all of our precious bodily fluids" in the 1964 film
Dr Strangelove. This week's BMJ shouldn't precipitate a global holocaust,
but it does seem that Base Commander Ripper may have had a point. The
systematic review published this week (p 855) shows that much of the evidence
for fluoridation was derived from low quality studies, that its benefits
may have been overstated, and that the risk to benefit ratio for the development
of the commonest side effect (dental fluorosis, or mottling of the teeth)
is rather high.
Supplementary materials are available on the BMJ 's website and on that
of the review's authors,
enhancing the validity of the conclusions through transparency of process.
For example, the "frequently asked questions" page of the site
explains who comprised the advisory panel and how they were chosen ("balanced
to include those for and against, as well as those who are neutral"),
and the site includes the minutes of their meetings. You can also pick
up all 279 references in Word97 format, and tables of data in PDF. Such
transparency is admirable and can only encourage rationality of debate.
Professionals who propose compulsory preventive measures for a whole population
have a different weight of responsibility on their shoulders than those
who respond to the requests of individuals for help. Previously neutral
on the issue, I am now persuaded by the arguments that those who wish
to take fluoride (like me) had better get it from toothpaste rather than
the water supply (see www.derweb.co.uk/bfs/index.html
and www.npwa.freeserve.co.uk/index.html
for the two viewpoints).
Douglas Carnall
Associate Editor
British Medical Journal
APPENDIX
4.
List of 14 Noble Prize winners who have opposed or expressed reservations
about fluoridation.
1) Adolf Butenandt (Chemistry, 1939)
2) Arvid Carlsson (Medicine, 2000)
3) Hans von Euler-Chelpin (Chemistry, 1929).
4) Walter Rudolf Hess (Medicine, 1949)
5) Corneille Jean-François Heymans (Medicine, 1938)
6) Sir Cyril Norman Hinshelwood (Chemistry, 1956)
7) Joshua Lederberg (Medicine, 1958)
8) William P. Murphy (Medicine, 1934)
8) Giulio Natta (1963 Nobel Prize in Chemistry)
10) Sir Robert Robinson (Chemistry, 1947)
11) Nikolai Semenov (Chemistry, 1956)
12) James B. Sumner (Chemistry, 1946)
13) Hugo Theorell (Medicine, 1955)
14) Artturi Virtanen (Chemistry, 1945)
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for publication. Contact details: Dr. Yiming Li, Loma Linda School of
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18. Suarez-Almazor, M., G. Flowerdew, et al. (1993). "The fluoridation
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