To the editor:
Fluoride is the reduced form of the fluorine ion, and is scientifically documented as causing serious damage to the health of those who are improperly exposed to it.
The National Academy of Sciences is a U.S. non-profit corporation established by Act of Incorporation by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, as the preeminent body responsible for scientific research and reporting to the US Federal government. In 2006, the National Research Council of the NAS published a report titled, Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA’s Standards, under contract number 68-C-03-013 with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The NRC published the following key findings. (1) Specific subpopulations drink more water than the 2 liter per day limit that the EPA uses to establish fluoride drinking water standards, thus placing them at higher risk of dangerous exposure to fluoride. Among these subpopulations are children, who are known to drink three to four times more water by body weight than adults, and also subpopulations who suffer from renal disease. (2) Fluoride is incorporated into bone structure, and will accumulate over time. (3) Stage II skeletal fluorosis is characterized by joint pain and inflammation, and it is “unclear’ if a limitation of 4mg/L (milligrams per liter) protects individuals from such damage. (Subpopulations drinking more water than the EPA’s limit may fall into this dangerous exposure level) (4) Fluoride exposure can weaken bone, and increase fractures under certain conditions. (5) The chief endocrine effect of fluoride exposure is decreased thyroid function, and is primarily associated with children and other individuals with high levels of water intake. (6) Bone is the most plausible site for cancer associated with fluoride exposure. In a 1990 cancer bioassay, the incidence of osteosarcoma in male rats exposed to fluoride in drinking water showed a positive dose-response trend. (7) Animal and human studies of fluoride have been published reporting adverse cognitive and behavioral effects, and lowered IQ. The NRC recommends further study.
In direct contradiction to the opinion of local dentists who have supported fluoride exposure as being “safe,” the American Dental Association issued a warning in 2006, stating that infants under six months of age should not be exposed to water that is fluoridated at levels of 0.7 mg/L so as to prevent dental fluorosis of the non-emergent teeth. The GPIWA fluoridation level of 0.7 mg/L will require all parents of infants under six months of age to purchase non-fluoridated water. Some children will certainly not receive such care.
Citizens for Safe Water Inc. has repeatedly requested of the GPIWA Board of Directors that a public meeting of the full GPIWA be convened to discuss these issues, and have been denied. We therefore intend to notify the directors of the findings and warnings cited above by certified mail, and by public notice.
Please be advised that Florida law does not provide immunity from civil action to corporate officers who are deemed to cause injury to others by acts of willful negligence. It is our recommendation to the members of the GPIWA who are counted among the affected subpopulations cited above, that they begin to collect records of their present health conditions, and continue to collect them during the period of their consumption of fluoridated water.
The NRC report, and the ADA warning can be found on our web site, citizensforsafewater.org. Please register with us to receive our newsletter, and please support our efforts to keep our drinking water safe for everyone in the Pine Island and Matlacha communities.
Ronald Parker
President,
Citizens for Safe Water Inc.
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