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Holistic Healing
Fluoride Toxic Chemicals In Your Water
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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:
- 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.
- A study
published in Brain Research 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. There is scientific
evidence that increased fluoride exposure leads to increased levels of
caries. 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.)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
A study
published in 2000 showed that the dumping of toxic silicofluoride compounds
into water ("fluoridation") causes an increase in blood lead levels in
children.
- Fluoride Causes Osteoarthritis
In a study published in
Rhuematology International in 2001, researchers found a link between
fluoride exposure and the development of osteoarthritis. The level of exposure
that caused osteoarthritis is common in the United States.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
official EPA union statement.
Even the Candian Dental Association Consultant and Researcher urged people to avoid drinking
fluoridated water.
- 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.
- 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 definately not give children any fluoride since they appear to
be more susceptible to the neurological toxicity from fluoride.
If your
water department adds toxic fluoride compounds to the water, the best course of
action is usually to drink and cook with bottled "spring" water. Carbon filters
do not remove fluoride compounds to any significant extent. Avoid putting
fluoridated water in humidifiers. Many non-organic juices have large amounts of
fluoride from pesticide residues. It is best to juice your own vegetables and
fruits from organic produce or go to a health food store to purchase organic
juices.
Avoid toothpastes that have fluoride even if the manufacturers
claim that the fluoride came from "natural" sources. Even though topical
fluoride treatment may have an effect to help remineralize cavities at the early
stages, the combination of a healthy diet, proper dental hygiene and saliva can
have a similar effect. It is impossible to avoid swallowing some fluoride from
fluoridated toothpaste. I have tried various toothpastes and current use the
natural Weleda toothpaste with baking soda. I like that fact that it does not
contain fluoride or the detergent, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
More
detailed information about fluoride and proper dental care:
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