Fluoride Action Network

Fluoride Can Cause Degenerative Eye Diseases, Study Shows

Source: Press Release: New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc. (NYSCOF) | March 18th, 2019
Location: International

Fluoride contributes to degenerative eye diseases such as cataracts, age related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma, reports DT Waugh in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (March 2019), reports New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc. (NYSCOF).

Although research has consistently shown that it is the topical application of fluoride to teeth, not the ingestion of fluoride that reduces tooth decay, you cannot avoid consuming fluoride when it’s added to public water supplies. Claims of safety from long term ingestion ignore hundreds of studies showing the potential for harm including to the eyes.

In this current study, Waugh identifies, for the first time, the key biological pathways and mechanisms by which fluoride contributes to degenerative eye diseases. He suggests minimizing fluoride exposure to reduce the occurrence or severity of AMD, cataracts and glaucoma.

“It’s well known that excessive fluoride exposure is associated with dental fluorosis and musculoskeletal disorders that cause chronic pain,” said Waugh.

“However, my study’s goal was to gain insights into how fluoride may contribute to degenerative eyes, a finding also documented for decades. I show how fluoride ingestion renders eyes more susceptible to degeneration by identifying how fluoride fundamentally alters biological pathways and modifies the expression of genes, proteins and cytokines responsible for development of cataracts, glaucoma and AMD.”

“Importantly, I also identify why diabetics, schizophrenics and people with Down syndrome are more susceptible to fluoride’s toxic effects,” says Waugh.

Furthermore, “Emerging evidence also suggests that the molecular mechanisms identified in this study not only contribute to eye diseases but may also contribute to increased risk of pulmonary diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. Above all this research shows that one must look beyond teeth when examining how fluoride impacts on human health,” says Waugh

“This study adds to the growing body of evidence that adding fluoride to drinking water may have unforeseen consequences and therefore must be stopped,” says Waugh.

Contact: Attorney Paul Beeber, NYSCOF President, 516-433-8882 or Researcher Declan Waugh, declan@enviro.ie  353-23-884-1933 (Ireland)

*Original press release online at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fluoride-can-cause-degenerative-eye-diseases-study-shows-300813859.html