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http://www.wholly-water.com/d.cgi/JK95/fluoridation.html
Fluoridation / Fluoride - Toxic Chemicals In Your Water
Note: For more information on health-building techniques, please see the
Holistic Healing Web Page.
Fluoride compounds which are put in water (fluoridation), toothpaste and
supplement tablets (including some vitamins) were never tested for safety before
approval. Recent independent research by scientists not associated with dental
trade organizations has shown the following:
1. Neurotoxic and Lowers IQ
In 1995, neurotoxicologist and former Director of toxicology at Forsyth Dental
Center in Boston, Dr. Phyllis Mullenix published research showing that fluoride
built up in the brains of animals when exposed to moderate levels. Damage to the
brain occured and the behavior patterns of the animals was adversely effected.
Offspring of pregnant animals receiving relatively low doses of fluoride showed
permanent effects to the brain which were seen as hyperactivity (ADD-like
symptoms). Young animals and adult animals given fluoride experienced the
opposite effect -- hypoactivity or sluggishness. The toxic effects of fluoride
on the central nervous system was subsequently confirmed by
previously-classified government research. Two new epidemiological studies which
tend to confirm fluoride's neurotoxic effects on the brain have shown that
children exposed to higher levels of fluoride had lower IQs.
2. A study published in Brain Researche shows that rats drinking only 1 part per
million fluoride (NaF) in water had histologic lesions in their brain similar to
Alzheimer's disease and dementia. In addition, evidence was seen pointing to
possible damage to the blood brain barrier from extended fluoride exposure. This
study was the third in a series of papers published by Varner et al. Brain
Research Vol. 784 No. 12 p 284-298 (1998). Results of this recent study and
other studies showing significant dangers from low-level fluoride exposure were
presented at a recent scientific symposium.
3. Causes Cancer
The Department of Health in New Jersey found that bone cancer in male children
was between two and seven times greater in areas where water was fluoridated.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) researchers confirmed the bone
cancer-causing effects of fluoride at low levels in an animal model. A new study
has shown that fluoridation of water is linked to uterine cancer deaths.
4. Changes Bone Structure and Strength
Fluoride gradually builds up in the bones and causes adverse changes to the bone
structure. Quite a few studies have shown that fluoridation leads to increases
in hip fractures. The tensile strength of the hip is destroyed over time by
fluoride ingestion.
5. Causes Birth Defects and Perinatal Deaths
A toxicologist in the United Kingdom recently found that perinatal deaths in a
fluoridated area was 15% higher than in neighboring non-fluoridated areas. The
fluoridated area had a higher socio-economic status and would have been expected
to have less perinatal deaths. The fluoridated area also had a 30% higher rate
of Down's Syndrome. Chile banned fluoridation because of research by the
world-reknowned researcher, Dr Albert Schatz, which showed a link to infant
deaths due to fluoridation.
6. Proven Ineffective
Fluoride compounds in water and in supplements do not provide any significant
cavity-protecting effects. All of the recent large-scale studies of water
fluoridation have shown that there are no positive effects. That is why
countries without fluoridation have shown an equal improvement in dental health
as those with fluoridation. Even pro-fluoridation scientists admit that there is
not any properly-conducted research showing that fluoride supplements help
prevent cavities. (Note: check vitamins carefully to be sure they do not include
fluoride.)
7. Impairs Immune System
Independent research has shown that fluoride impairs the functioning of the
immune system. In the United States, where toxic fluoride compounds are
regularly added to water and given to children since the 1960s and 1970s, we are
beginning to see an overwhelming number of people of that generation who
are developing chronic immune system disorders.
8. Causes Acute Adverse Reactions
Several double-blind studies have shown that fluoridated water can often cause
acute adverse reactions (in addition to the chronic poisoning effects discussed
below). Some of the effects seen in double-blind studies include:
gastrointestinal symptoms, stomatitis, joint pains, polydipsia, headaches,
visual disturbances, muscular weakness, and extreme tiredness. An enlightening
review of a book by one famous and well-respected researcher from The
Netherlands who found adverse reactions in double-blind experiments can be read
here.
9. Causes Initial Stages of Skeletal Fluorosis
Fluoride can cause severe skeletal fluorosis at high levels. Chronic, long-term
exposure to levels of fluoride commonly found in water and food in the U.S. can
cause the beginning stages of skeletal fluorosis including: pains in bones and
joints, sensations of burning, pricking, and tingling in the limbs, muscle
weakness, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, reduced appetite,
backache, osteoarthritis, etc. In fact, decades of ingestion of fluoride from
water and other common sources can be expected to
cause these symptoms in large numbers of people based on calculations of
fluoride intake and excretion. (Keep in mind that fluoride is a cumulative
poison since it builds up in the body of years.) Very few healthcare
practitioners are capable of diagnosing such a condition because healthcare
practitioners are not trained to test for or recognize the effects chronic
poisoning from fluoride.
10. Increases Lead and Arsenic Exposure
Fluoride compounds put into water are often contaminated with lead, arsenic and
radio nuclides since the fluoride compounds are toxic waste byproducts which
largely come from pollution scrubbers of fertilizer plants.
11. Contributes to the Development of Repetitive Stress Injury
A clinical study in New Zealand showed that fluoride ingestion may be a
contributing factor in the development of Repetative Stress Injury (RSI) since
such ingestion may encourage the development of apatite crystal formation.
Elimination of fluoride plus regular supplementation of magnesium appeared to
help RSI patients considerably.
12. Causes Permanent Disfigurement of the Teeth in Many Children
A very large and increasing number of children are experiencing dental fluorosis
which is a permanent adverse structural change to the teeth.
13. Inhibits Key Enzymes
As fluoride builds up in different parts of the body over decades it can disrupt
the actions of many key enzymes. This fact has been known for a long time.
14. Supresses Thyroid Function
Fluoride was given at low levels during the early to mid 20th century as an
effective way of supressing thyroid function and treating hyperthyroidism.
Articles and research can be found on the Thyroid web page.
15. Causes Large Numbers of Acute Poisonings
Fluoride is an extremely poisonous substances at exceptionally low doses and has
caused a large number of acute poisonings. This is why a poison warning is now
required on fluoridated toothpastes sold in the U.S.
16. Unethical
Fluoridation amounts to forced medication of the water supply. Such practices
demonstrate a complete lack of ethics on the part of its promoters. Studies as
early the 1930s showed extreme hazards to man and the environment due to
fluoride dumping and exposure. Companies and organizations involved used the
promotion of "fluoridation" as a way to avoid lawsuits due to dumping toxic
wastes and later for economic gain. Please read the short history of
fluoridation for more detailed information.
17. Independent Experts Oppose Dumping Fluoride Into Water
Over 1500 professionals at the US EPA, including toxicologists and risk
assessment experts voted unanimously to oppose the fluoridation initiative in
California because of the health risks involved. See summary or official EPA
union statement.
18. Banned in Many Countries
Fluoridation is not legal or not used in the overwhelming number of countries
including industrialized countries.
Please see Fluoride Status of Countries web page.
Many independent researchers, organizations, holistic healthcare experts and a
growing number of dentists who avoid the use of toxic substances are warning
their patients to avoid fluoridated water and fluoridated toothpaste and to
definitely not give children any fluoride since they appear to be more
susceptible to the neurological toxicity from fluoride.
( compiled by Leigh Tremaine )
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