Precautionary Principle - Stop Fluoridation
NYSCOF
Practice shows how the Precautionary Principle applies to fluoridation.
(1)
"Some studies have raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of
the practice [fluoridation]," write authors Tickner and Coffin of the
Lowell, Massachusetts, Center for Sustainable Production.
Precautionary Principle: "When an activity raises threats of harm to
human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken
even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established
scientifically."
"... there are indications that some dental procedures (and other
activities associated with dentistry) may actually cause subtle harm at
a population level," write the authors.
For example, babies fed fluoride-laced water risk discolored teeth,
according to the American Dental Association (ADA) (2) who claims
fluoride chemicals injected into public water supplies prevents
cavities. The ADA usually endorses fluoridation mandates at the local
and state levels.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that up to ½ of school
children now have dental fluorosis.(3) Two-thirds of US water supplies
are fluoridated and virtually 100% of the food supply contains varying
amounts of fluoride, both natural and artificial, usually not listed on
labels.
In 1989, the government's National Institute of Dental Research found
little difference in cavity rates between children who do and don't
receive fluoride, report Tickner and Coffin.
"Further studies have shown that the incidence of cavities has fallen
throughout the western industrialized world regardless of fluoride
use," they report.
"...studies indicate an association between long-term, low-dose
exposure to fluoride and increased risk of hip fractures...[and
between] elevated fluoride exposure in children and decreased
IQs...," write Tickner and Coffin.
The ADA claims "optimal" levels of fluoridation are safe.
"However, this claim is problematic since it does not consider
cumulative exposures from many other sources (toothpaste, pesticide
residues on foods, mechanically deboned meat and many processed foods
and beverages made with fluoridated water)," write Tickner and
Coffin.
"As medical providers, dentists have a responsibility to understand
and prevent potential unintended impacts of their interventions," and
to uphold the medical credo of "first do no harm," they write.
The authors ask, "What are the alternatives or opportunities for
prevention?" and "Is this activity needed in the first place?"
According to lawyer Paul S. Beeber, President of the New York State
Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, "It's a no-brainer. Stop
fluoridation today. Absolutely no one will be harmed and many will be
helped. That's the best precaution there is."
Evidence based dentistry is the emerging standard in dental research,
representing a shift away from subjective expert opinion towards
objective, verifiable evidence through systematic review and scrutiny
References:
(1) http://www.jebdp.com/article/PIIS1532338205002393/abstract
(2) http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/epubs/egram/egram_061109.pdf
(3) http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/figures/s403a1t23.gif
Contact:
Paul Beeber, Esq., nys...@aol.com
President and General Counsel
New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc
PO Box 263
Old Bethpage, NY 11804
http://www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof
Fluoride Action Network
Fluoride Journal
http://www.FluorideResearch.Org
SOURCE: NYS Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc.