Fluoride Foes Win the Year - Politically and Scientifically
NYSCOF
New York - January 16, 2006 - Fluoride, added to water supplies, is
touted as a tooth decay preventive. Science increasingly shows
fluoridation is ineffective, harmful and a waste of money. But the
politics of organized dentistry keeps fluoridated water flowing.
Last year, 2005, was a very successful year for the Fluoride Action
Network (FAN) and their affiliated groups for getting the truth out and
bringing negative fluoride science to the media's attention.
Voters rejected fluoridation in at least nine referenda including
Bellingham, Washington, where fluoridationists spent $260,000 to lose
against a small group of volunteers armed with the truth and very
little cash. Eight legislative bodies rebuffed fluoridation. Five
state mandates were deflected. Another study linked fluoridation to
bone cancer. Several others point to fluoride's harm. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) professionals ask for a fluoridation
moratorium.
FAN together with the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Beyond
Pesticides ask the EPA to revoke their approval of fumigant sulfuryl
fluoride because it adds harmful levels of fluoride residues to foods
- at levels even your dentist wouldn't recommend.
We captured the media's attention. FAN members appeared on TV, radio
and in print.
And there were many other highlights. Some are detailed below
1) Voters Reject Fluoridation:
· Neosho, Missouri: April 5, 2005
· Hood River, Oregon: May 2005 *
· Greymouth, New Zealand October 7, 2005
· Bellingham, Washington: 53-47% Against Fluoridation:
November 8, 2005 (see
letter in 12. below).
· Tooele, Utah: 66-34% Against Fluoridation: November 8, 2005
· Springfield, Ohio: 57-43% Against Fluoridation: November 8,
2005
· Xenia, Ohio: 63-37% Against Fluoridation: November 8, 2005
· Mammoth Lakes, California: 72-28% Against : November 8,
2005 *
· Golden, BC, Canada: 69-31% Against Fluoridation: November
2005
* Pure Water Initiatives - prohibits addition of industrial waste or
any substance causing maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) to be
exceeded. Please note the MCLG for both lead and arsenic is ZERO.
2) Legislative bodies reject fluoridation:
· Snohomish, Washington: January 2005
· Pagosa Springs, Colorado March 2005
· Bonney Lake, Washington, Approves Alternative to
Fluoridation
· Water on Okinawa bases no longer fluoridated
· North Attleboro Board of Health, Massachusetts
· Battlefield, MO October 2005
· Homer, New York: November 1, 2005
· Hampton, Iowa December 13, 2005
3) Fluoridation State Mandates Deflected:
Arkansas
Nebraska
New Jersey
Oregon
Pennsylvania
4) FAN finds bone cancer study "buried" at Harvard and EWG touches
off firestorm:
a) In January 2005, thanks to information from silicofluoride expert
Myron Coplan, FAN members obtained copies of key sections of a 2001
Harvard PhD thesis strongly associating fluoride in drinking water to
the incidence of osteosarcoma (a frequently fatal bone cancer) in young
males. Dr. Elise Bassin had successfully defended this thesis in 2001.
Despite its revelations of a life threatening disease related to low
fluoride exposure these findings were not shared by Bassin's thesis
advisor with the scientific community, US regulators or the public.
This information only came out because FAN made copies of the relevant
sections avilable.
http://www.fluoridealert.org/health/cancer/bassin-2001.pdf
b) Based on Bassin's thesis and other studies, EWG asked the National
Toxicology Program of the National Institutes of Health to list
fluoride in tap water as a carcinogen.
http://www.ewg.org/issues/fluoride/20050606/index.php
c) EWG also petitioned the National Institutes of Environmental Health
to investigate the apparent cover-up and misrepresentation of the
conclusions of the thesis by Bassin's mentor Chester W. Douglass -- a
Harvard Professor and editor of a Colgate newsletter.
http://www.ewg.org/issues_content/fluoride/20050627/pdf/ltr_strother_20050627.pdf
Harvard is investigating . http://www.ewg.org/news/story.php?id=4205
5) Eleven U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Unions call for
fluoridation moratorium:
In light of the Harvard research linking fluoridation with childhood
bone cancer, and in light of many previous studies, eleven U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency Unions, representing over 7000
environmental and public health professionals employed by the EPA, ask
for a fluoridation moratorium and congressional hearings looking into
the safety of water fluoridation. In a letter to EPA Administrator,
Stephen Johnson, they also ask for a maximum contaminant level goal
(MCLG) of zero for fluoride in drinking water.
The Protect Our Water Alliance (POWA) organized an online petition in
support of these federal EPA professionals who are sworn to protect
our health: http://www.powalliance.org/petition
The petition has over 9,000 signatures, so far, including 343 Medical,
168 Nurses, 104 Dentists, 18 Registered Dental Hygienists, 538 with
higher academic degrees, 40 members of the legal profession, 1 State
Senator (Hawaii), the National Toxics Campaign Director for Greenpeace,
USA, as well as the officers of many other state environmental
organizations.
6) More scientific studies indicate fluoride's dangers at low levels
and fluoridation's ineffectiveness :
Erdal S, Buchanan SN. (2005). A quantitative look at fluorosis,
fluoride exposure, and intake in children using a health risk
assessment approach. Environmental Health Perspectives 113:111-7.
This study, published in Jan '05, provides an analysis of total
fluoride intake in children. It finds that some children are ingesting
too much fluoride. To quote:
"the findings of this health risk assessment study support concerns
that a segment of the infant and child population in the United States
may be exposed to amounts of fluoride greater than the optimum level
for caries prevention... This raises questions about the continued
need for fluoridation in the U.S. municipal water supply to protect
against the risk of fluorosis."
CDC (2005). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 54:1-43.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) releases findings of a
1999-2002 national survey showing that 32% of American children now
have dental fluorosis, an increase of 9% since the last national survey
in 1986-87. See:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5403a1.htm and
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5403a1.htm#tab2
Liu JL, et al. (2005). [The dose-effect relationship of water fluoride
levels and renal damage in children] Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 34:287-8.
This Chinese study found that children drinking water with > 2 ppm
fluoride are at increased risk for kidney disease. See:
http://www.fluoridealert.org/health/news/25.html
Eichmiller et al. (2005) Controlling the fluoride dosage in a patient
with compromised salivary function. Journal of the American Dental
Association.
"The combination of gastric problems, difficulty in swallowing, leg
muscle pain, and pain in the knee and hip joints is a key indicator
of fluoride toxicity, and patients using high-concentration home
fluoride treatments should be monitored for these symptoms."
Whyte et al. (2005) Skeletal fluorosis and instant tea. American
Journal of Medicine.
Woman's bone and joint pain diagnosed as fluoride toxicity in a woman
consuming excessive quantities of instant tea.
Komarek et al. (2005). A Bayesian analysis of multivariate
doubly-interval-censored dental data. Biostatistics 6:145-55.
This study, from a European team, utilized a large set of dental data
to investigate the impact of ingested fluoride (as reflected by the
presence/absence of dental fluorosis) on cavity rates. According to
the authors:
"Our analysis shows no convincing effect of fluoride-intake on caries
development... This agrees with current guidelines for the use of
fluoride in caries prevention, where only the topical application
(e.g. fluoride in tooth paste) is considered to be essential."
Mullenix, P.J. (2005) Fluoride Poisoning A Puzzle with Hidden
Pieces. International Journal of Environmental Health.
In this article Mullenix reveals hidden industrial studies which
indicated fluoride's potential damage to workers which if known would
have necessitated reduction of acceptable air concentration levels in
the work place. See: http://www.ijoeh.com/pfds/IJOEH_1104_Mullenix.pdf
See http://www.FluorideAction.Net/health for a comprehensive discussion
of fluoride's health effects.
7) Throughout 2005, FAN has kept the NRC panel reviewing the
toxicology of fluoride in water (expected to report back in eary 2006)
fully informed on the latest scientific findings and revelations:
FAN's submissions have included a thorough analysis of the Bassin
thesis as well a review of the other studies which have invesitgated a
possible connection between fluoridation and osteosarcoma.
http://www.fluoridealert.org/health/cancer/fan-nrc.part1.pdf
http://www.fluoridealert.org/health/cancer/fan-nrc.part2.pdf
8) FAN, EWG and Beyond Pesticides appeal EPA's approval of the use of
Sulfuryl Fluoride on food:
FAN, EWG and Beyond Pesticides intervened on EPA's approval of very
high fluoride residues on food as a result of approving
DowAgroSciences's application for first-use of Sulfuryl Fluoride as a
fumigant on food. This includes 900 ppm on powdered eggs! By
comparison kids are told to spit out toothpaste containing 1000 ppm
fluoride.
FAN is confident that this intervention will lead to an evidentiary
hearing in 2006 and thus force fluoride apologists to testify and be
cross-examined under oath. This could ahve huge ramifications for
water fluroidation because the EPA's health risk is predicated on the
dated and scientifically undefendable MCLG for fluroide of 4 ppm.
http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/sf.press.release.12-21-05.html
9) Media
Television and Radio:
· ABC-TV World News covers the Bellingham, WA fluoridation
fight.
· KGMI talk radio (Clear Channel Communications) hosted a 1
hour debate between San Diego dentist David Kennedy and BFFF Co-chair,
pediatrician Ken Gass. It was followed by a 1 hour call-in program the
next day for public discussion on the debate.
· Lynn Campbell, Executive Director, Oregon Citizens for Safe
Drinking Water debated Oregon's top fluoride promoter and dentist on
Oregon Public Broadcasting.
· Paul Connett, Executive Director, Fluoride Action Network
debates NY dentist on the Mike Gallagher radio show
· National Public Radio, "All Things Considered," covers
Bellingham, WA, story and interviews Paul Connett
· Paul Beeber, President, New York State Coalition Opposed to
Fluoridation debates New York State Dental Association dentist on
local NYC NBC-TV news show
· Mike Connett, Project Director, FAN, debates Vermont State
Dental Director on Vermont Public Radio.
Print:
· Detroit Free Press, "Toothpaste label revs up some
anxiety," by Susan Ager, January 13, 2005
· Whole Life Times, "The Fluoride Factor", by Kelly Hearn,
April 2005
· News Observer, "Water treatment process called potential
risk; Chemicals mix with plumbing could put lead in tap water, by
Jerry Allegood May 2005
· Philadelphia Inquirer, "It's a drug - with potentially
harmful side effects," by Sharon Finlayson, June 3, 2005
· New York Post, "Fluoridated Water a Bone Danger," by Andy
Soltis, June 8, 2005
· U.K. Observer, "Fluoride water 'causes cancer' Boys at risk
from bone tumours, shock research reveals," by Bob Woffinden, June
12, 2005
· First Magazine, " Thyroid Discovery: New research links
sneaky sources of fluoride with tiredness and weight gain," June 13,
2005
· Irish Independent, "Dentists Demand End to 'Cancer Risk'
Fluoride in Water," by Treacy Hogan, June 14, 2005
· Irish Times, "Call for ban on addition of fluoride to
water," by Alison Healy, June 15, 2005
· Burlington Free Press, "Does fluoridated water still make
sense?" by John Briggs, June 15, 2005
· Burlington Free Press, "Contradictory scientific studies
raise questions about fluoride safety" by John Briggs, June 23, 2005
· UPI, "Group: Dentist hid fluoride-cancer link," June 28,
2005
· Boston Herald, "Claim: Doctor fudged fluoride findings," by
Jessica Heslam, June 28, 2005
· Boston Herald, "Harvard launches probe in dental research
flap," by Jessica Heslam, June 29, 2005
· Harvard Crimson, "Dental school begins investigation of
Prof: School probes accusations that Douglass misreported findings of
cancer study," by Brendan R. Linn, July 1, 2005
· The Scientist, "School launches probe after accusations
that faculty member misrepresented fluoride-cancer study," by Alison
McCook, July 11, 2005
· Washington Post," Professor at Harvard Is Being
Investigated Fluoride-Cancer Link May Have Been Hidden," By Juliet
Eilperin, July 13, 2005;
· Associated Press "Did Harvard study downplay risk of
fluoride? University to probe professor's research on water, bone
cancer in boys," July 13, 2005
· Chicago Sun-Times, "Did prof lie about fluoride-Cancer
link?" July 15, 2005
· AlterNet, "Taking a Closer Look at Fluoride," by Kelly
Hearn, July 21, 2005
· Wall Street Journal, "Fluoridation, Cancer: Did Researchers
Ask the Right Questions?" by Sharon Begley, July 22, 2005
· Biotech Business Week, "Fluoride in tap water linked to
bone cancer," by staff, July 25, 2005
· Albany (Oregon) Democrat-Herald, "Fluoride bill left
decaying in Salem," by Hasso Hering, July 25, 2005
· SL Weekly, Editorial "Bad to the Bone: Fluoride foes get
help in shaking the crackpot label," August 11, 2005
· North West Indiana Times, "EPA unions call for halt to
water fluoridation: Unions want review of chemical's benefits,
dangers," by Phil Wieland, August 22, 2005
· Lawrence Journal-World, "Fluoride opponents' argument gains
teeth", August 24, 2005
· Associated Press, "EPA unions call for moratorium on
fluoride in drinking water", by Mathew Daly, August 31, 2005.
· Brattleboro Reformer, "Fluoride: How much, if any, is a
good thing?" by Howard Weissman, September 15, 2005
· The Tennessean, "Some Rethink Fluoridation of Water: Debate
weighs possible cancer risks vs tooth decay prevention," by Amy Green,
September 19, 2005
· Harvard Crimson, "Professor's Research Reignites
Fluoride-Cancer Correlation Debate With New Research", by Dan R.
Rasmussen
September 28, 2005
· Food Navigator, " Public health bodies slam new fluoride
tolerance levels", October 3, 2005.
· TIME Magazine, "Not in My Water Supply: It hardens teeth
and prevents cavities, but 60 years after it began, fluoridation is
meeting new resistance," By Margot Roosevelt, Oct. 16, 2005
· New York Spirit, "Tap Water or Bottled? The Fluoride Issue,"
by Annemarie Colbin, Ph.D., November '05
- Associated Press, "Communities debate fluoride in water"
(Vermont), November 26, 2005.
· Metro West Daily News, "The cost of no cavities: With
Legislature considering fluoride mandate, health questions linger, "
By Jon Brodkin November 27, 2005
· Daily Mail (Charleston WV), "Some oppose fluoride in
water," by Jake Stumpp, November 28, 2005
· Metro West Daily News, "Editorial: Some second thoughts on
fluoridation", November 29, 2005
· Metro West Daily News, "Fluoridation: Debate over safety is
renewed," December 11, 2005
- Times Herald Record, "Fluorosis: Too Much of a Good Thing",
December 28, 2005
10) Other Important Events:
· Burlington, VT, Council passes resolution urging reduction
of fluoride
. Burlington VT Board of Health recommends that infants should
not receive fluoridated water August 31, 2005. See:
<http://www.fluoridealert.org/burlington-boh2005.pdf>
· FAN members protest the ADA/CDC Joint Fluoridation
Celebration on July 13th in Chicago. See pictures:
<http://www.fluoridealert.org/protest-pictures.html>
· The Chicago Citizens Against Fluoridation is formed. (CCAF)
· Dentists predicted fluoridation would put them out of
business but the Wall Street Journal reports that dentists' make more
money than physicians and work fewer days and fewer hours. "Dentists'
pay tops doctors' Even with fewer cavities to fill, dentists'
earnings are skyrocketing," MARK MAREMONT
· Many news reports show most dentists refuse Medicaid
patients and that cavity rates are higher in fluoridated communities.
See: <http://www.FluorideNews.blogspot.com>
· UK Green political party "Fluoridation of our water is
'dangerous unscientific nonsense,'" November 14, 2005
<http://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2300>
· Institute of Science in Society says no to fluoridation.
<http://www.i-sis.org.uk/NotoFluoridation.php>
· Montreal's pro-fluoridation Mayoral candidate loses the
election.
· Robert Kennedy on fluoridation: "Don't trust dogma from
trade groups... It is healthy to be skeptical of the American Dental
Association," The Hutchinson Collegian, November 18, 2005.
· Water Fluoridation "Obsolete" according to a FAN interview
with recent Medicine/Physiology Nobel Prize Scientist Dr. Arvid
Carlsson. Nations who still practice it "should feel ashamed of
themselves" See: <http://fluorideaction.net>
· October 18, Horsham Rural City Council (Australia) delays
vote on fluoridation despite being "ordered" by Victoria's Chief
"health" Officer Dr. Robert Hall to proceed. Citizens group
subsequently forms and is now fighting a major campaign there.
(Getting Robert Hall out
of government is as important to the health of the citizens of
Victoria as getting fluoride out of the water! PC).
· European Directive comes into force on October 31 which
could well make fluoridation illegal in the UK and Ireland.
11) A citizen from Bellingham, Washington sums up their victory and
our continued struggle:
<http://www.bellinghamherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051204/OPINION02/512040321/1009/OPINION>
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Says Bellingham is fluoride bellwether
An historic struggle has been fought in Bellingham.
A small group of volunteers fought long and hard against a slick,
well-funded campaign to put industrial fluoridated compounds in
Bellingham's drinking water.
The pro-fluoridationists came in with a record-breaking amount of
money in an attempt to sway a majority of voters. That effort and
$260,000 spent, wasted.
Bellingham is a bellwether, it has been said. So with the defeat of
Bellingham Initiative No. 1, the pro-fluoridationists made a huge
blunder, one that will resonate across the country and even around the
globe.
We exposed the misleading claims about the fraud called fluoridation.
The truth was exposed under intense media scrutiny.
While some still firmly believe the fib that the product used for
fluoridation is "safe and effective," I believe the reality is that the
contaminated compound used in water fluoridation is a toxic stew
containing fluoride.
It can also contain such toxins as lead, arsenic and mercury and has
never been approved by the FDA or tested for water fluoridation.
The "better-educated voters" saw through the slick, glossy propaganda
that big money provides. They said no to fluoridation and yes to safer
water.
The little guy won this round and so did Bellingham.
Danelle Weaver
Bellingham
END
Contact: Paul Connett, PhD, Executive Director, Fluoride Action
Network
pa...@fluoridealert.org
Media Director: ca...@fluoridealert.org
SOURCE: Fluoride Action Network http://www.FluorideAction.Net