The Real Fluoridation Facts
By Andreas Schuld and Darlene Sherrell
Is Fluoride is a Poison?
Yes. Fluoride is an acute toxin with a rating
higher than that of lead.
According to
“Clinical Toxicology of Commercial products,”
5th Edition, 1984, lead is given a toxicity
rating of 3 to 4, and fluoride is rated at
4 (3 = moderately toxic, 4 = very toxic).
On December 7, 1992, the new EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) for lead was set at 0.015 ppm,
with a goal of 0.0ppm. The MCL for fluoride
is currently set for 4.0 ppm - that’s over
250 times the permissible level of lead.
Fluoride used
in water fluoridation is also a toxic waste
product -- which means it contains other heavy
metals. It is the most bone seeking element
known to mankind. The US Public Health Service
has stated that fluoride makes the bones more
brittle and dental enamel more porous.
How Much Fluoride am I
Taking In?
Current total
intake is now estimated to be between 5 and
7 mg/day in “optimally fluoridated” areas.
Current fluoride intake is equally divided
between drinking water (in fluoridated areas),
food, other beverages, and dental products,
meaning that even if you don’t live in a fluoridated
area, fluoride is endangering your health.
Average fluoride content in juices is 0.02
to 2.80 parts per million, in part because
of variations in fluoride concentrations of
water used in production. Children’s ingestion
of fluoride from juices and juice-flavored
beverages can be substantial and a crucial
factor in developing fluorosis. Grape juice
has been found to contain up to 6.8 mg/L of
fluoride, a can of chicken soup up to 4 mg
of fluoride. Fluoride can be found in water,
toothpaste, mouthwash, Dentist’s treatment,
fluoride pills, juice, soft drinks, canned
food, commercial fruit and vegetables, Teflon
and Tefal coated items “such as frying pans”,
etc. (Note: No “optimal” fluoride intake has
ever been scientifically documented.)
How Much is Too Much?
As little as
0.04 mg/kg of body weight per day has been
proven to cause adverse health effects. Retention
of 2 mg a day will produce crippling skeletal
fluorosis in one’s lifetime.
Does Fluoride Accumulate
in the Body?
Yes. Approximately
half of each day’s fluoride intake will be
retained. This is what makes it so dangerous.
“The dose makes the poison.” All sides agree
to the fact that healthy kidneys can eliminate
only about 50% of daily fluoride intake. The
rest gets stored in calcified tissues, like
bones and teeth.
The National
Academy Of Sciences (NAS) stated in 1977 that,
for the average individual, a retention of
2 mg/day would result in crippling skeletal
fluorosis after 40 years. Considering the
above mentioned intake level, it is likely
that skeletal fluorosis already affects many
millions of people in the United States.
Children, the
elderly and any person with impaired kidney
function (which includes many AIDS patients),
are in the high risk group for fluoride poisoning
and must be warned to monitor their fluoride
intake. Also at high risk are people with
immunodeficiencies, diabetes and heart ailments,
as well as anyone with calcium, magnesium
and Vitamin C deficiencies. (At the level
of 0.4 ppm, renal “kidney” impairment has
been shown.) (Junco, L.I. et al, “Renal Failure
and Fluorosis”, Fluorine & Dental Health,
JAMA 222:783-785, 1972)
How Does Fluoride Get Into
the Water?
Most often as
a byproduct from the fertilizer, aluminum
and other industries, who manage to sell this
toxic waste to municipalities nationwide for
human consumption -- incredible, but a fact.
What About My Toothpaste?
Studies show
that adults can absorb up to 0.5 mg per “TV
ribbon” brushing. Small children, even if
pea-size amount is used, will still absorb
the same, more if the child is younger and
has less swallowing control skills. Half a
tube of toothpaste can kill a child. Current
content of sodium fluoride in toothpaste in
Canada and the US is up to 0.4% = 4000 ppm
(parts per million). Bubblegum-flavored dentifrice
obviously is especially inviting for children.
Since April 1997 all toothpaste in the US
must carry a warning label, advising parents
what to do if their child swallows more than
the pea-size brushing amount. Wholesale containers
carry the poison symbol of skull and crossbones.
What About the Fluoride
Treatment at the Dental Office?
Fluoride treatments
can contain between 10,000 to 20,000 ppm.
There is no regulated dose requirement. There
are known cases of children dying in the dentist’s
chair. (New York Times, Jan.20, 1979: “$750,000
Given in Child’s Death in Fluoride Case” about
a three year old child killed by fluoride
treatment in the Dentist’s office.)
How Can My Dentist Say
That it's Good for my Teeth?
By receiving
limited training on the subject and being
misinformed on purpose by the American Dental
Association. Figures in ADA pamphlets contain
an incredible amount of untruths, and outright
fraudulent claims. If you check the references
cited and numbers listed in your local libraries,
you will undoubtedly come to the same conclusion.
Some fluoridation endorsements are listed
which prove fraudulent when checked. Most
dentists never bother to take the time to
study both sides of the fluoride issue. Consider
this statement by the ADA in 1979: “Individual
dentists must be convinced that they need
not be familiar with scientific reports and
field investigations on fluoridation to be
effective participants and that non-participation
is overt neglect of personal responsibility.”
There are NO reliable studies, conducted under
ethical research guidelines, which prove the
benefits of fluoride supplementation. The
FDA admits this! There are more than 500 peer-reviewed
studies documenting the adverse effects. Furthermore,
dentists make higher profits in fluoridated
areas and through fluoride use. As a result
of mottled enamel, many more restorative measures
are necessary, such as braces, bridges, etc.
For the American and Canadian Dental Associations,
this condition is a real money-maker, because
cosmetic dentistry is far more lucrative than
cavity repair. In addition, there is an abundance
of evidence in the scientific literature indicating
that fluoride causes a delay in the normal
shedding of the ”baby” teeth, and their replacement
by permanent teeth. This delay has been shown
to increase the number of children with malpositioned
teeth. Again, braces are far more expensive
than fillings.
(Note: In a 1972
report by the American Dental Association,
it is stated that dentists make 17% more profit
in fluoridated areas as opposed to non-fluoridated
areas.) (Douglas et al., “Impact of water
fluoridation on dental practices and dental
manpower”, Journal of the American Dental
Association; 84:355-67, 1972) In 1993 the
National Academy of Sciences warned, “dental
fluorosis...might be more than a cosmetic
defect if enough fluorotic enamel is fractured
and lost to cause pain, adversely affect food
choices, compromise chewing efficiency, and
require complex dental treatment.”
The International
Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology has
classified fluoride as an unapproved dental
medicament due to its high toxicity.
The FDA considers
fluoride an unapproved new drug for which
there is no proof of safety or effectiveness.
The FDA does not consider fluoride an essential
nutrient.
Four major studies
involving 480,000 children (US, 39,000; Japan,
22,000; India, 400,000; Tucson, 29,000) comparing
fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas showed
no significant difference in decay rates.
A higher intake of fluoride will actually
cause MORE cavities, especially for children
with low dietary calcium intake.
Is it True That Fluoride
can Cause Cancer?
Yes. In 1990
fluoride was found to be an equivocal carcinogen
by the National Cancer Institute Toxicology
Program. (Maurer, et. al., “Fluoride an equivocal
carcinogen. J.National Cancer Institute 82,
1118-26, 1990) In 1992 further studies by
the New Jersey Department of Health confirmed
a 6.9 fold increase in bone cancer in young
males. (Cohn, Perry D. Ph.D. “An Epidemiological
Report on Drinking Water” Fluoridation and
Osteosarcoma in Young Males, New Jersey Department
of Health, Environmental Health Service, Trenton
NJ November 8, 1992) In 1997 there were more
than 80 references available, linking fluoride
to cancer.
Is it True That Fluoride
can Increase Hip Fractures?
Yes. According
to Dr. J. William Hirzy (vice-president of
the NFFE LOCAL 2050, the union representing
all scientists at the EPA, Washington, D.C.)
there have been 5 epidemiological studies
done since 1990, in three different countries,
all showing a higher increase in hip fractures
in fluoridated communities.
Some studies
have indicated an 87% higher risk of hip fractures
to the elderly in areas where water fluoridation
was below 1.5 ppm.
Can Fluoride Cause Osteoporosis
and Arthritis?
Yes, most definitely.
On July 9, 1998 the Manchester Guardian reported
news of fluoride poisoned water in Central
India, from untested wells drilled in the
1980s, causing severe arthritic damage to
tens of millions of people -- a national disaster.
Fluoride is the most bone seeking element
known to mankind. The US Public Health Service
has stated that fluoride makes the bones more
brittle and dental enamel more porous.
Does Fluoride Cause Brain
Damage?
Yes. Fluorides
lower the intelligence capacity of humans,
with children, again, especially susceptible
to early fluoride toxicity. IQ levels were
significantly lower than children not exposed
to fluorides in all age groups listed. (According
to Dr. Hirzy, 5 to 19 points lower!) (Li,
X.S., Zhi, J.L., Gao, R.O., “Effects of Fluoride
Exposure on the Intelligence of Children”,
Fluoride;28:182-189, 1995) Further studies
proving the neurotoxicity of fluoride in rats
have also been conducted by Dr. Phyllis Mullinex
and her co-workers. (Note: this also explains
a recent University of South Florida study
relating fluoride intake during pregnancy
to the yearly 1% increase in learning disabilities
found in children...) Studies proving that
fluorides transfer through the placenta are
well known. (Meanwhile, Dr.Weil, Internet’s
Health Guru, advocates fluoride supplements
for pregnant women in his book “8 Weeks To
Optimum Health”...)
There are also
several studies linking aluminum with fluoride,
showing that the bioavailability of aluminum
is increased in the presence of fluorides,
causing aluminum in the brain to double in
treated animals. According to an October 28,
1992 Wall Street Journal Article about a study
conducted by Varnier JA, et al.: “Rats fed
the highest doses developed irregular mincing
steps characteristic of senile animals....
Post mortem examination of the rat brains
disclosed ‘substantial cell loss in structures
associated with dementia -- the neo-cortex
and hippocampus’.” (Note: Alzheimer’s Disease,
first diagnosed by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in
1907, is now the #4 killer for every person
over 60 in the US. Every 2nd person over 70
will develop Alzheimer’s.) Environmental fluoride
is implicated in this.
How Widespread is this
Problem?
The US Public
Health Service estimates that 1 in 5 children
have dental fluorosis. (By the way, all native
reservations in the US have mandatory fluoridation,
resulting in very high incidents of dental
fluorosis in those areas.) Realistic figures
are as high as 80% in some areas in the US
and as high as 69% in Canada. Studies have
been conducted directly linking bone tissue
damage to children with dental fluorosis.
Fluorosis is the first visible sign that destructive
effects of fluoride are also occurring in
bone, connective tissue, immune and enzyme
functions.
If All This is True, How
can Fluoridation Possibly be Sanctioned by
Government?
In 1939 a dentist
named H. Trendley Dean, DDS, examined water
from 345 communities in Texas. Dr. Dean worked
for the U.S Public Health Service (PHS). He
determined that high concentrations of fluoride
in the water corresponded to a high incidence
in mottled teeth. To many dentists this provided
an answer to the problem of mottled teeth
they saw in some of their patients. Dr. Dean
also unexpectedly found a lower incidence
of dental cavities in some communities having
about 1 ppm fluoride in the water supply.
Among the native residents of these areas
about ten percent developed the very mildest
forms of mottled enamel, sometimes described
as “beautiful white teeth”. However, Dean
used a technique known as “selective use of
data”, using data from 21 cities while completely
disregarding data from 272 other locations
which show an almost complete lack of correlation
when plotted. (J. Colquhoun; International
Symposium on Fluoridation, Porte Alegre, Brazil,
September 1988) Meanwhile, a number of court
cases were being launched due to fluoride
contamination, mainly by the aluminum industry.
In addition the Manhattan Project, the secret
atomic bomb project, was in a big race to
build the world’s first A-bomb. A pollution
incident of great magnitude occurred at a
factory in New Jersey (DuPont) producing millions
of tons of fluoride for the project. A major
“negative PR” problem was emerging, threatening
the Manhattan Project and the secrecy around
it. In 1945, supposedly as a result of Dr.
Dean’s discovery, the PHS planned to conduct
a 10-year study of fluoridation in two cities.
Grand Rapids, Michigan was chosen as the city
for artificial fluoridation and Muskegon,
Michigan was the non-fluoridated city for
comparison and cavity rates were to be compared.
In 1950, after only five years into the project,
due again to pressure exerted from the atomic
bomb program, public health officials started
to campaign for fluoridation. The campaign
was based on the fact that fluoridated Grand
Rapids had shown some decrease in cavity rate.
Meanwhile there was also a decrease in cavity
rate shown in non-fluoridated Muskegon. However,
Muskegon was dropped from the study for unknown
reasons. After the project was completed,
only the Grand Rapids result was released
and a major PR campaign promoting fluoride
use started.
How About the Effects on
the Environment?
Many studies
have been conducted examining the adverse
effects of fluoride on the eco-system. In
1995, the Canadian EPA identified the now
closed Brunswick Mining and Smelting Fertilizer
Plant in Belledune, New Brunswick as having
the largest discharge of fluoride to the aquatic
environment in Canada. Toxicity to marine
bacteria and impaired reproduction effects
were demonstrated. Agriculture Canada (1976)
found that 25 out of 36 cattle located on
several Cornwall Island farms in the Saint
Regis Quebec region displayed real or potential
symptoms of chronic fluorosis. A subsequent
study of livestock in this region reported
stiffness and inflamed leg joints, dental
fluorosis, osteosclerosis, osteonecrosis and
bone deformations. Many serious toxic and
detrimental effects to plants and animal species
have been documented, salmon populations in
particluar being in the high risk category.
IT’S A TOXIC
WASTE! Think about it - day after day, unprecedented
quantities of fluoride are deliberately released
into the environment, especially in fluoridated
areas. Showers, toilet flushes, lawn sprinkling
... As a result of the original Manhattan
Project logic, industries, now mainly the
fertilizer and aluminum industries, have a
perfect way to get rid of their hazardous
waste material. It would cost up to $8,000
per truckload to dispose of this hazardous
waste. At a rate of emissions into the air
of 155,000 tons/year, in addition to an estimated
500,000 tons of emissions into lakes, ocean,
rivers (not counting fluoridation) this adds
up to savings of $6 Billion dollars/year to
industry!
What do I Need to do? How
can I Protect Myself and my Children?
If you live in
an area with fluoridated water, drink distilled
water. You can have it delivered or buy it
at Supermarkets. You can also buy distilling
or reverse osmosis systems for home use, which
is the only way to take fluoride out of the
water. Also, eliminate any Teflon or Tefal
coated cookingware, for scratches in the surface
will release PTFT, another toxic fluoride
compound. Avoid fruit juices canned or bottled
in fluoridated areas. All non-organic grape
products are especially high in fluoride content
due to the number of fertilizer and pesticide
applications. Wine can contain up to 3 ppm
fluoride. Avoid using any toothpaste or mouthrinse
containing fluoride. There are many alternatives
on the market. A recent store survey in Vancouver
showed over 20 different brands.
In addition,
lobbying is required to demand fluoride content
labeling on commercial products. Steps to
educate the public about this proven health
risk and fluoride’s toxic properties must
be taken immediately and health advisories
issued. Water fluoridation should cease immediately
and steps should be taken to reduce fluoride
in food, drink, and dental products. If you
live in a fluoridated area, take action to
stop the addition of fluoride into the water
supply. Individuals ARE successful in educating
legislators about the issue and have helped
pass laws to stop the addition of fluoride
into the water supply.
Web pages have
been set up documenting all the above information,
enabling you to conduct your own research
into this matter. All information is verifiable.
For more information with study/research links
to studies, abstracts, charts and fraud papers,
please go to the following websites:
Dental Fluorosis Prevention
Program
Darlene Sherrell
793 South Lacey Road
Charlotte, Michigan 48813
USA
(517) 541-9624
sherrell@inter-view.net
http://www.ia4u.net/~sherrell/
brouhaha records group
ltd.
Andreas Schuld
78 Malta Place
Vancouver, B.C.
V5M-4C4
CANADA
(604) 435-9859
brou@istar.ca
www.bruha.com/fluoride
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