On invitation from public health education and advocacy organisation Fluoride Free New Zealand, international fluoridation experts Professor Emeritus Paul Connett and Dr Bill Hirzy will be in New Zealand next week, 22nd to the 28th of February.
Dr Bill Hirzy is a former senior scientist with the US Environmental Protection Agency who was invited to testify before the US Congress about the EPA Union of Scientists’ opposition to water fluoridation. Prof Paul Connett is co-author of the book The Case Against Fluoride: How Hazardous Waste Ended Up in Our Drinking Water, and the Bad Science and Powerful Politics That Keep It There. Prof Connett was also invited to contribute to the US National Research Council’s Review of Fluorides in Drinking Water.
Both scientists are known throughout the world for their expertise on fluoridation. They will be giving public presentations in Taupo and Thames and speaking to politicians about fluoridation during this year’s tour.
Opposition to fluoridation is growing rapidly in the remaining 5% of the world still fluoridating municipal water supplies. Last year, Israel outlawed fluoridation, and over the past year, 18 Irish councils have voted to reject it. Hundreds of cities have stopped fluoridating in the past thirty years.
Prof Connett visited New Zealand in 2011, 2013 and 2014. Each time there has been tremendous response to the information he has provided, and consequently, New Plymouth, Taumarunui and Waipukurau stopped fluoridation. After giving presentations, councils in Hamilton, Whakatane and Hastings decided to hold fluoridation referenda; Dunedin City Council lowered its fluoride level; and Upper Hutt City Council then voted to lobby Regional Council to stop fluoridation. Last year, Auckland City Councillors became very concerned after hearing Prof Connett’s presented information, which resulted in Professor Gluckman producing a report, attempting to quell concerns.
However, the Gluckman fluoridation report has been severely criticised and Professor Connett and Dr Hirzy are well placed to explain why.
Public interest in this issue is now higher than it has ever been. They look forward to answering questions from professionals and the public. These experts will be available for interviews during their week- long 2015 New Zealand tour.
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