- "It is crucial to note that this
[NRC] report is NOT about community water fluoridation."
- - The American Dental Association (caps
theirs).
-
- When is toxic sludge good for us?
When profit can be made by selling it. The truth, of course, never
really changes, nor can the truth be altered by even the most corrupt and
outdated of advertising campaigns. No matter how frequently a white-coated
promoter presents himself as an "expert" or an "official"
and repeats the age-worn slogans and distinctions given to this toxic sludge
- i.e., that this product is good for us, that it is "safe and effective,"
and that it is one of the top ten public health wonders of the past century
- toxic sludge remains toxic sludge. It has not ever been "good
for us." According to the government's own databases it has
not ever been "safe and effective" despite their continued "official"
misleading claims. It is time to leave the last century behind along
with its deliberate lies and deceptions. It is time to enter a new
century and learn the truth about the lies - primarily the truth about
fluoride and what fluoride has truly cost the citizens of the United States
of America: According to newly published reports, fluoridation may
have cost some of them their lives and others their health.
-
- Tens of millions of Americans throughout
the US are now spending an unprecedented amount of money each year purchasing
pharmaceutical products. These unprecedented billions of US dollars
(approximately $252 billion for prescription drugs in 2005) are being spent
because US citizens are attempting to purchase relief from an unprecedented
array of mysterious, nationwide symptoms. If one follows the money
and looks at the top ranking pharmaceutical sales, it quickly becomes apparent
that Americans appear to be collectively seeking relief from similar symptoms.
Three of the most common symptoms now occurring in the US are thyroid malfunction,
elevated cholesterol and GI problems. (1, 2, 3)
-
- The billions of US dollars spent in the
search for relief should be speaking loudly to us. The money alone
should be telling us that something affecting most of the nation is affecting
most of the nation rather profoundly. We now find that it is certainly
reasonable to suspect that this "something" might well be the
toxic sludge that has been added to our drinking water for over 50 years.
This mass-medical treatment has been done under the promise that it would
guarantee the prevention of dental cavities, yet the guarantee has never
delivered its promised claim. States with the highest percentage
of water fluoridation - such as Kentucky, which is just under 100% "optimally
fluoridated" - also have the highest percentage of caries and dental
problems. The CDC reports 42% of "optimally fluoridated"
Kentuckians had lost all of their teeth. (4)
-
- As if this were not enough, we now learn
that the substance being used to medically "treat" two-thirds
of the nation via drinking water has never been tested, approved or found
to be safe for human consumption by any government agency, including the
FDA and the USDA. (5)
-
- Forget the "official" advertising
slogans for fluoride; forget the invented titles of grandeur and the emotion-charged
suggestion that we "must do this for the sake of the poor children."
Forget the false news alerts reassuring us that water fluoridation remains
"safe and effective" and forget the reminders that it has been
called one of the great wonders of the past century. Our focus should
now be upon the reports that surfaced just after the Ides of March in 2006.
After over 50 years of misleading glorification, toxic sludge has been
officially identified by a blue ribbon researcher panel as toxic sludge.
We now know we must keep this sludge away from our children and out of
our water - because our lives and health depend upon it.
-
- On March 22, 2006, the National Academies'
National Research Council (NRC) issued a 500-page report looking at peer-reviewed
studies on the side-effects of fluorides. The importance of this
report is profound not only in its findings and recommendations, but also
because the NRC advises government agencies such as the CDC, EPA and others
as to what research evidence is appropriate, timely and relevant to their
work.
-
- Despite the misleading comments now surfacing
that the NRC report dealt only with "naturally occurring fluoride,"
and that the report was "NOT" about water fluoridation, etc.,
the NRC report clearly states that fluoride exposure from all sources was
considered. As stated on page 19 of the NRC report, sources for internal
fluoride exposure include "food, water, beverages, dental products"
and in addition to ingestion, internal exposure to fluoride also occurs
from inhalation and dermal [skin] absorption. "Most fluorine
added to drinking water," the report states, "is in the form
of fluosilicic acid - or sodium fluosilicate - collectively referred to
as fluorosilicates." On page 20, the report states, "The
major dietary source of fluoride for most people in the United States is
fluoridated municipal (community) drinking water." The NRC study
then examined numerous reports, showing an association between fluoride
ingestion and an appalling range of physical side effects, disorders and
diseases.
-
- Shortly after the above NRC study was
published, a long-awaited Harvard study led by Dr. Elise Bassin also surfaced
after several years of being shelved rather than released to the public.
Dr. Bassin's dissertation was completed in May of 2001. In her study
she found that boys who ingested fluoridated water between the ages of
6 to 8, were significantly more likely to later develop a deadly form of
bone cancer, osteosarcoma, than boys who did not drink fluoridated water.
(6)
-
- According to a letter from the Environmental
Working Group (EWG) to the National Toxicology Program, Report on Carcinogens,
dated June 9, 2005, Dr. Bassin's study first came to the attention of the
EWG "as a result of a failed attempt to obtain the full doctoral thesis
by the staff of the National Research Council committee on fluoride safety.
After being repeatedly denied a copy of the thesis, the NRC committee instead
sent a committee member to the Harvard Countway Library of Medicine to
read the entire document and report back to the committee. Environmental
Working Group obtained a copy of the results section of the document from
the Fluoride Action Network, who sent two researchers to the library, each
of whom were allowed to copy 10 percent of the document." (7)
-
- The knowledge that we have lost children,
and children have lost limbs as a result of mandated fluoride ingestion
is nothing short of a national disgrace. If there is anything more
appalling than learning this, it is perhaps in learning about the deliberate,
ongoing suppression of information linking fluoride ingestion to adverse
health effects, and the deliberate disinformation being dispensed to the
unsuspecting public by promoters.
-
- As stated earlier, three of the most
common, major problems currently plaguing US citizens are thyroid malfunction,
raised cholesterol levels, and GI problems. As of the publication
of the NRC report, it becomes apparent that there are reports linking these
major problems to fluoride exposure.
-
- On page 225, the NRC study states that
when fluoride is ingested it combines with hydrogen ions, forming hydrogen
fluoride (HF). "Upon entering the interstitial fluid in the
mucosa where the pH approaches neutrality, HF dissociates to release fluoride
and hydrogen ions which can cause tissue damage." The last four
words will perhaps be the most relevant and clearly stated words for most,
especially those suffering from chronic GI problems. According to
a March, 2005 News Release of the American Gastroenterological Association,
"Gastrointestinal disease is a growing U.S. health problem, now affecting
more than 65 million Americans." (8, 9)
-
- It is in the NRC chapter pertaining to
fluoride's "Effects on the Endocrine System," that we learn about
thyroid malfunction and its corresponding effect on cholesterol levels.
Many people do not yet realize that when the thyroid is damaged, an extraordinarily
wide range of symptoms then occurs. In fact, one of the complaints
that fluoride promoters have had about fluoridation opponents,
is that the opponents have blamed fluoride for a "laundry list"
of ailments. It turns out that the laundry list was right on target
- damage the thyroid and the whole body and mind are affected.
-
- The NRC states, "Biondi et al. (2002)
associate subclinical thyroid dysfunction with changes in cardiac function
and corresponding increased risks of heart disease." Other reports
listed in the NRC show thyroid malfunction is associated with "bone
demineralization, increased cholesterol, depression, cognitive dysfunction
and reduced IQ levels in offspring." On page 197, the NRC states,
"Thus, several lines of information indicate an effect of fluoride
exposure on thyroid function." The NRC went on to state that
because of the complexity of thyroid function and other factors including
nutrition, "it is difficult to predict exactly what effects on thyroid
function are likely at what concentration of fluoride exposure and under
what circumstances." Fluoride levels associated with goiter
prevalence in some areas studied were less than "0.1 to 0.36 mg/L."
According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, approximately
27,000,000 Americans now have thyroid disorders. (10)
-
- In addition to all of this, we also have
the numerous dental problems clearly long-associated with fluoride.
Because the dental problems are so visible, they have been historically
the only problems acknowledged by the promoters as a link to fluoride poisoning.
Even in acknowledgement, however, these problems have been downplayed.
They are repeatedly referred to as mere "cosmetic problems,"
and are therefore routinely dismissed as unimportant. It would appear
that in the official minds of the promoters, these "cosmetic problems"
go no further than the surface of the tooth - as though the head is attached
to a set of wheels rather than a living body. As though it will be
only the tooth enamel that will become etched and stained and destroyed
when the entire body is systemically fluorosed on a daily basis at unknowable
doses - and that the rest of the body will somehow be miraculously spared.
-
- As outlined in the NRC report, the type
of fluoride primarily used in water fluoridation was identified as "fluorosilicates."
Among the most insulting of facts pertaining to fluorosilicates is their
source. This toxic sludge that is being disposed of in our drinking
water is nothing more than an unwanted waste product from the phosphate
fertilizer industry. (11)
-
-
- Voices of reason seem to be much in need
at this time of many questions. Dr Bob Carton is an environmental
scientist who worked for over 30 years in the federal government.
From 1972-1992, Dr. Carton worked at the headquarters of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. writing regulations and managing
risk assessments on high priority toxic chemicals. In 1985, as a
union official, he became aware of the fraudulent nature of the EPA standard
for fluoride in drinking water, and fought to expose it. In 1987, he led
the union attempt to file an amicus brief in a court case brought by the
Natural Resources Defense Council against the EPA, challenging the standards
for fluoride in drinking water. His seems to be a voice of reason.
-
-
-
- "The NRC called for testing of silicofluorides,
the chemicals used to fluoridate water in 92% of fluoridated water supplies,"
Dr Carton stated. "This is a shocking admission that the real
chemicals used to fluoridate water have never been tested by the government."
(12)
-
- At this time, the voices of reason have
spoken, and the reports of March are now sitting upon the table before
us. Despite the contents of those reports, we hear the familiar,
perennial voices of the promoters - people known as "officials"
who are affiliated with collective bodies such as the CDC and the American
Dental Association, issuing confusing statements about the NRC report,
including as already seen, "It is crucial to note that this report
is NOT about community water fluoridation." (Caps theirs.) And,
"This report deals only with naturally occurring levels of fluoride
in water." (Italics and boldface theirs.) And, "This report
in no way examines or calls into question the safety of community water
fluoridation."
-
- It appears that "public health officials"
from coast to coast are coming forward now with similar statements and
misleading or false news, saying things such as, "This report does
not apply to communities that adjust the fluoride in water supplies at
the lower levels effective for preventing tooth decay." And,
"This report does not examine the health risks or benefits associated
with fluoridated drinking water systems." And, "This report dealt
only with naturally-occurring levels of fluoride in water, and is not about
community water fluoridation." (13)
-
- For those who might try to turn to the
CDC for some decent, sage advice, we find that the "official,"
statement on their website incomprehensibly compares fluoride to "vitamins
and minerals," and that despite any findings to the contrary, fluoridation
continues to be "safe and effective" in their opinion. Still
not satisfied that they have fully vindicated the toxin that is now affecting
all of us, they misleadingly state, "The findings of the NRC report
are consistent with CDC's assessment that water is safe and healthy at
the levels used for water fluoridation." (See 13 list.)
-
- When it becomes clear that a great divide
is appearing between the voices of reason and the voices of the promoters,
and when it appears that the voices of the promoters care more about their
product rather than the health and safety of the general public, then it
becomes imperative for each American who values life, limb and health to
stop relying upon the confusing "official" statements, and do
his or her own homework.
-
- Visit the National Academies Press page,
as listed below and you will find an index of eleven chapters, summaries,
appendices, etc. Select the chapters that you feel might pertain
to the health and well-being of you, your family and loved ones - i.e.,
choose from teeth, musculoskeletal, reproductive, developmental effects,
neurotoxicity, neurobehavioral effects, effects on the endocrine system,
effects on gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic and immune system, genotoxicity,
carcinogenic effects. Or perhaps you might feel all of these chapters
could, indeed, pertain to you. Take the time to read the chapters
for yourself so you will see with your own eyes what the NRC report studied,
reviewed and is stating.
-
- This might be the most important reading
you will ever do. It might save the lives, as well as the health,
of those you love.
-
- ------------------------------------
- Mary Sparrowdancer is the author of The
Love Song of the Universe, (2001, Hampton Roads), and is a science and
health writer with training in clinical laboratory sciences, including
bacteriology, electroencephalography, hematology and microscopic evaluation.
www.sparrowdancer.com sparrowdancer1@earthlink.net
- Mary co-authors a health newsletter with
Dr. Luise Light, author of "What to Eat," (2006, McGraw-Hill).
Luise is former USDA Director of Dietary Guidance and Nutrition Education,
and was the creator of the real fruit and vegetable Food Pyramid.
- www.luiselight.com
- ------------------------------------
-
- References
- PRIMARY SUGGESTED READING: National
Academies Press - "Fluoride in Drinking Water," Full Report.
Table of Contents. 3/2006. April 2006
- http://darwin.nap.edu/books/030910128X/html/
-
- Cited References
-
-
- 1.
US Drug Sales, 2005. $252 Billion. April, 2006.
- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=38332
-
- 2.
RX List Top 300, 2004. Sales in Billions. April 2006.
-
http://www.rxlist.com/top200_sales_2004.htm
-
- 3.
RX List Top 300, 2004. Prescriptions Dispensed. April 2006
-
http://www.rxlist.com/top200.htm
-
- 4.
State of apparent dental emergency in "optimally fluoridated"
Kentucky. April 2006.
-
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5250a3.htm
-
- 5.
"The dose recommended for water fluoridation when adjusted for weight
is the same dose recommended for prescription supplements. However, no
clinical trials have been conducted and submitted to the FDA to demonstrate
the effectiveness of ingesting fluoride." - NJ Assemblyman John Kelly.
8/14/2000. April 2006
-
http://www.fluoridealert.org/fda.htm
-
- 6.
Boston Herald: 4/6/2006 - "Young boys who drink fluoridated
tap water are at greater risk for a rare bone cancer, Harvard researchers
reported yesterday." April 2006.
-
http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=133828
-
- 7.
Environmental Group - Bone Cancer. April 2006
- http://www.ewg.org/issues/fluoride/20060405/index.php
- http://www.ewg.org/issues/fluoride/20050606/petition.php
-
- 8.
American Gastroenterological Association. April 2006 http://www.fdhn.org/news/TAP_gift_release.pdf
-
- 9.
National Academies Press - "Fluoride in Drinking Water," Full
Report. Table of Contents. 3/2006. April 2006
- http://darwin.nap.edu/books/030910128X/html/
-
- 10.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists - "Thyroid Awareness
Month, 2003." April 2006
- http://www.aace.com/public/awareness/tam/2003/facts.php
-
- 11.
Fluoride Action Network. Overview. Phosphate Fertilizer Industry.
Paul Connett. 5/2003. April 2006.
-
http://www.fluoridealert.org/phosphate/overview.htm
-
Photos, wastewater ponds, sinkhole in gypsum stacks.
-
http://www.fluoridealert.org/phosphate/photographs2.htm
-
-
and
-
- Letter from eleven EPA Unions to Gov.
Schwarzenneger announcing EPA Unions' call for Nationwide Moratorium on
Fluoridation. Fluoride originates from phosphate fertilizer production.
8/9/05. April 2006.
- http://www.congress.org/congressorg/bio/userletter/?id=2032&letter_id=463439566
-
- 12.
Dr. Robert Carton. Personal correspondence and conversations.
April, 2006.
- See also Amicus Brief, of which Dr. Carton
was manager for the EPA professionals union. Among the arguments
presented in the Amicus are, "The EPA Failed to Properly Ascertain
the Acceptable Daily Dose of Fluoride." The statements in this
brief are still operable. April 2006.
- http://www.rvi.net/~fluoride/000052.htm
-
- 13.
American Dental Association, "Crucial" Alert - 4/9/2006
- http://www.ada.org/prof/index.asp
-
-
and
- Oregon, Department of Human Services.
4/6/2006. April 2006.
- http://www.medfordnews.com/articles/index.cfm?artOID=329621&cp=10996
-
- Vermont, Health Department Statement.
3/23/2006. April 2006.
- http://healthvermont.gov/news/2006/032306fluoride.aspx
-
-
and
- CDC - Fluoride is like vitamins and minerals
- and it is safe and effective, too (despite findings to the contrary).
- http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/waterfluoridation/safety/nrc_report.htm
-
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