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Home My WebLink AboutSS2 - Fluoride in Drinking Waterss� - 1O)9(o� What has changed? ■ Metropolitan Water District will increase the level of fluoride in the drinking water starting November 19 - Natural level of fluoride is 0.1 - 0.4 PPM - Level will be raised to 0.7 - 0.8 PPM ■ City Water Supply Sources - Imported Water (18% of annual supply) - Ground Water (82% of annual supply) F-11 u- jorida J ,o-jn ■ Public notification requirements ■Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Presentation ■ Operational presentation on how this effects Newport Beach Public Notification ■ California Code of Regulations Title 22 Section 64433 - Metropolitan Water District outreach program - City of Newport Beach public notification Background • September 1995: AB 733 passed into law • December 2001: Six County Health Officers appealed to the Board to Fluoridate their supplies • February 2003: Board adopted policy to fluoridate its treated water supplies • October 2003: Metropolitan entered into a $5.5 million grant funding agreement • October 2003: Board authorized $1.2 million to design fluoridation facilities Metropolitan Fluoridation Facilities Construction Schedule Water Treatment Plant I 2005 1 2006 1 2007 Diemer Jensen Mills Skinner Weymouth Board Action: Award construction contract �. Contractor Construction 1 Ir Construction contract Fluoridation milestone completion ti Construction & startup activities Metropolitan Cost Estimates Capital O &M Total annual cost $ 5.03 M $ 2.15 M /yr $ 1.75 /AF Drivers for Staggered Start ■ Allows staging of start -up team ■Allows identification or correction of any problems in controlled manner • Facilitates tracer test ■Same public message can be used - Fluoride begins in November for Newport Beach - No confusing message needed to advise public - No public health concern Fluoridation Startup October 2007 sen Nov. 6 ' Nov. 12 0 f J ?ymo a L 4 B -- Oct. 29 Skinner N6o 5 Metropolitan Outreach Objectives ■Consistency of Information: - Message in Region ■Provide Support to member agencies: -Sharing information, news inquiries, public inquires ■Minimize Misinformation /Quickly Counter Critics ■Utilize Past Experience /Best Practices from others (e.g., LADWP) Member Agencies and Retail Agencies Currently Fluoridating ■City of Los Angeles • City of Long Beach • City of Beverly Hills • City of Huntington Beach (MWDOC) • City of Fountain Valley (MWDOC) • City of Escondido (SDCWA) ■ City of Port Hueneme (Calleguas MWD) Metropolitan Roles and Responsibilities ■Member agencies to conduct regional briefing with retail agencies. ■California Dental Association (CDA), local health departments take lead role with news media and public. ■ Metropolitan will provide general background information. ■CDA /County Health to provide notifications and spokespersons. Eq: How does this effect the City of Newport Beach? Current Water Supply ■ 18% of our drinking water comes from Metropolitan Water District - Levels will raise from 0.1 - 0.4 PPM to 0.7 - 0.8 PPM ■ 82% of our drinking water comes from ground water sources (wells) - Natural occurrence of fluoride which is 0.24 - 0.42 PPM ■ Percentages are annual average. - Actual percentage varies month to month based on water demand Estimated concentrations of fluoride in the distribution system ■ All of Newport Beach receives some level of fluoride ■ Fluoride levels will vary between 0.2 and 0.8 PPM ■ Water source effects fluoride level Pressure Zones Interconnects dr Pressure Regulators City of Newport Reach Utilities Dqml-hi mit Z.n. 2 20 . 2 - R"U� Z... 3 zw»e 4. R.WWW 5 J. 0 rs F& ii FA 02 16 10 15 01 m 04 OS 99 07 08 02 01 PACIFIC OCEAN 06 03 FA 02 16 10 15 01 m 04 OS 99 07 08 02 01 PACIFIC OCEAN Pressure Zones ' Interconnects & Pressure Regulators City of Newport Beach r_ii;uti� DelmtmeW tau, OM GaY. Repel � =gIGA . 2.2 -R"u 1} OYU, ^,pie le op.l emv tom 6 ® p) 9tr.mliin Reyv tau i - R6wunA rO-1 A Yi.W �� I ealv.ta. .Y MeeRVlCii' 1• Mm fOG la aplM Z.4 tau4 -Rlg1 L—J N Mn a 2au6 _:x selwle. H.vrca.mu.' I / 16TH STREET RESERVOIR \I a N I �06 _I \ 03 >' nz . RawR u s M W M :u M b y_� •R� Rv tom t z..2 ftww� zone 3 Zany R,uWW ZoM4 20 4 - R"uWW Z. 6 Pressure Zones Interconnects & Pressure. Regulators City of Newport Beach Utilities Depm-ftnent 16T. STREET RESERVOIR N I '� d I yam: a N 06 (13 CM-11 02 MWD INTERCONNECT CM-08 MWD INTERCONNECT 4 05 BIG CANYON 02 RESERVOIR 71,um_I_',Iai, V yt ■ Fluoride levels will vary between 0.2 and 0.8 PPM throughout the distribution system ■ Source water supply determines fluoride levels ■ Staff will initiate fluoride monitoring program in November 20`07 m Fluoride levels are included in the annual water quality report Contact Information • For more information on fluoride in Metropolitan's drinking water, contact the Metropolitan Water Quality Information Hotline (800) 354 -4420, or visit the Metropolitan Web site at: http: / /www mwdh2o.com /fluoridation /index.html • For additional fluoride information contact or visit the American Dental Association Web site at www.ada.org /public /topics /fluoride/ news.asp • For information on how this effects your water within the City of Newport Beach contact us at: ( 949) 644 -3011 email utilitieshelp@city.newport- beach.ca.us QUESTIONS? FLUORIDE A C T I O N NETWORK Home. ............... :- ..... ............... About FAN ...... ............................... Latest News ........ I-- ........... 7 ............. Water Fluoridation ...... ........................:...... Health EffeMS Database ...... ............................... Sources of Fluoride Exposure. ...... ...........:................... Fluoride Pollution ...... ............................... Fluorine Pesticides ...... ...........i.................. Take Acto. n! ...... ............................... Contact Us .:. ........ .. ....... - .............. .. Donate ...... ..I ............................ FA s. Go-1 #.$�_- 10 /q)0-1 Fluoride Action (network Broadening public awareness about fluoride BREAKING: Did the National_ Kidney Foundation leave millions at risk by failing to warn about fluoride? NEW from UK: Senior doctors allege lack of evidence on fluoride safety VICTORY: Alaska's Capital City Votes a "Resounding" NO to Fluoridation Background: . Pro- AUoride campaign nets $151,623 - Juneau Empire Keep Juneau's water fluoride -free - Juneau Empire another dolor against fluoride in the water - Juneau Empire What I learned on the Fluoride Study Commission - Juneau Empire NOW AVAILABLE in PAPERBACK! NEW: Order the DVDi SAVE THE DATES! 3rd Citizens' Conference on Fluoride July 26 -July 29, 2008 (Friday - Tuesday) at St. Lawrence U., Canton NY Info on the fast conference Overviews of Fluoride Concerns: -'- fr ° • Media Coverage 3x>. w _ • 10 Facts aboLA Fluoride t^ ,. -. • 50 Reasons to Oppose Pluondation • The Absurdities of t- Fluoridation • See more... Send Your Online Message to ......... Congress In support of the Communities which have Rejected Fluoridation since 1990 Professionals' Statement Calling for ...... ........................ an End to Water Fluoridation and a Naturally- ccu rring high levels new Congressional Hearing - When you sign fluoride in US drinking water this message i All automatically be sent to your US Senators and " "' " ................ " "... "' Representative. ?JEW! . FREE BUMPER STICKERSI UPDATES Over 4,700 signers to Online SMessage'as of 10 -9 -07 ............................. August 2007: More than 1,000 Professionals Call for an End to Water Fluoridation • Prof@ssionals' Statement to End Fluoridation • U.S. signers (names A -M) • U.S. signers (names N -Z) • Intembtional signers • Print Version of Professionals' Statement with odgmal 600 sign • Prew:Release NOTE: ff you:are a heahh or environmental professional and want to sign the f3ofessfonafs Statement, please click here Media Coverage: ABC News.(Washington DC) I The Politico KHOU -TV (Hcluston) I Calgary Herald I Vancouver Sun I CNS News i Organic Consumers Association NEW from EWG: Fluoride in Southern California Tap Water: Childreh are overexposed • EVVGAress Release August 13, 2007: CDC faces ethics charges for misleadingthe public on fluoride: °s risks • The Ethics Complaint • Press:Release from the Lille Center, Inc. Online Videos! �!#LYJ3 tJ;19'l sectrkeooaurtdNs �;;. Help Support FAN's Work: Give a Tax - Deductible Donation Todayl STAY INFORMEDI SIGN UP Todav for FAN's Free Email Bulletins Due to increased exposures to fluoride, millions of children in the i U.S. are developing dental IhlO /OSi5 (damage to tooth - forming cells). Click here to team more... ALERT:: Fluoride Warning Issued for Infants ! irs • VICEQ: Parents Wamed Against Fluoride in V`Jater i AK E AC TIOU Ask Wal -Mart to Stop Selling Fluoride Water to . ....... ............................... FAN in the News: See clips ........... ......... Infants Top 10 Scientific Developments of the Year VICTORIES! More Communities Throwing Out Fluoridation See also: FLUOR!DE/BONE CANCER: "Professor's Fluoride Scandal Stinks MEDIA: NRC REPORT: Safe Drinking Water Standards for Fluoride "Should be Lowered" READ IT FREE ONLINE AND /OR BUY IT FAN: Press Release I Excerpts from Report Relevance to Fluoridation MEDIA: Portland Tribune I Wall Street Journal Gheinical & Engineering News I Science I U68 To�ia Metro West Daily News I HealthDay I LA Ti, mes I NY Times I ABC News 'MEDIA: FAN Conference Featured in American Chemical Society tna QaZI n - Chemical & Engineerng News. September 4, • Backr.�pund on 2nd Citizens' Conference on Fluonde • FAN's Inte+view with Oc Kathleen Thiessen PROTECTING OUR FOOD: The Campai jn Against Sulfuryl Fluoride MEDIA: ',Danger in Your Water - Prevention tttegazire, Social Repots, August 2006 EXCLUSIVE: Water Fluoridation "Obsolete" Accordini to Nobel Prize Scientist Did yod: know? Almost all of western Europe has rejected watei fluoridation. nFluoride Action Network 1802-338-55,77 I intii(n:fln iurlculert<n-e Fluoride's primary 'benefits' are topical, not systemic. There is no need to swallow fluoride. * Children are receiving too much fluoride today. There is a need to reduce, not increase, current exposures. * A growing body of evidence indicates that water fluoridation is ineffective and unnecessaD(. The fluoride chemical added to water is an unprocessed,_ industrial waste - product from ;the pollution scrubbers of the phosphate fertilizer industry. Just as fluoride can damage cells in developing teeth, fluoride can damage cells gtw. in other organs as well. Twd- thirds of US communities, when giveri the chance to vote, have voted against fluoridation. Over 70 US communities have rejected water -,. fluoridation since 1999. nFluoride Action Network 1802-338-55,77 I intii(n:fln iurlculert<n-e AUGUST 2007, PROFESSIONALS' STATEMENT CALLING FOR AN END TO WATER FLUORIDATION . sY^ FLUORIDE A C T 1 0 N NETWORK. Pam 3 -i7 USA ►7 -it S pvEeiEAS PROFESSIONALS' STATEMENT .10!6!07 8:16 AM s5� - lof Rjo7 GALLING FOR AN END TO WATER FLUORIDATION On August 9, 2007, the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) released this statement signed by over 600 professionals (see signatories at bottom). Concurrent with its release, FAN made available personal quotes from some signers of the Statement. • Professionals who add their name to this statement after August 9 can do so by clicking ere. Your name will be included in the list of signers below, identified with an *. httr rr�e�,.,.� ►.o�,�,o�t�t. .o c.zoo�.htM • Print version with full citations PROFESSIONALS' STATEMENT CALLING FOR AN END TO WATER FLUORIDATION AUGUST 9, 2007 We, the undersigned professionals, come from a variety of disciplines but all have an abiding interest in ensuring that government public health and environmental policies be determined honestly, with full attention paid to the latest scientific research and to ethical principles. EIGHT recent events make action to end water fluoridation urgent. 1. The publication in 2006 of a 500-paae review of fluorld@'s WAC�Ol0yy by a distinguished panel appointed by the National Research Council of the National Academies (NRC, 2006). The NRC report concluded that the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) safe drinking water standard for fluoride (i.e. maximum contaminant level goal or MCLG) of 4 parts per million (ppm) is unsafe and should be lowered. Despite over 60 years of fluoridation, the report listed many basic research questions that have not been addressed. Still, the panel reviewed a large body of literature in which fluoride has a statistically significant association with a wide range of adverse effects. These include an increased risk of bone fractures, decreased thyroid function, lowered IQ, arthritic -like conditions, dental fluorosis and, possibly, osteosarcoma. The average fluoride dally Intakes (*) associated with many of these adverse effects are reached by some people consuming water at the concentration levels now used for fluoridation — especially small children, above average water drinkers, diabetics, people with poor kidney function and other vulnerable sub- groups. For example, the average fluoride daily intake associated with impaired thyroid function in people With iodine deficiency (about 12% of the US population) is reached by small children with average consumption of fluoridated water at 1 ppm and by people of any age or weight With moderate to high fluoridated water consumption. Of special rote among the animal studies is one in which rats fed water containing t ppm fluoride had an increased uptake of aluminum into the brain, with formation of beta - amyloid plaques, which is a classic marker of Alzheimer's disease pathology in humans. AUGUST 2007. PROFESSIONALS' STATEMENT CALLING FOR AN END TO WATER FLUORIDATION . 10!6!07 8:16 AM to fluoride from many other sources, Its accumulation in the bone and other calcifying tissues and the wide range of human sensitivity to any toxic substance, fluoridation provides NO margin of safety for many adverse effects, especially lowered thyrold.function. Note: "Daily intake" takes into account the exposed individual's bodywelght and is measured in mg. of fluoride per kilogram bodyweight 2. The evidence provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2005 that 32% of American children have dental fluorosis —an abnormal discoloration and mottling of the enamel. This irreversible and sometimes disfiguring condition is caused by fluoride. Children are now being overdosed with fluoride, even in non- fluoridated areas, from water, swallowed toothpaste, foods and beverages processed with fluoridated water, and other sources. Fluoridated water is the easiest source to eliminate. 3. The American Dental Association's policy change, in November 2006, recommending that only the following types of water be used for preparing infant formula during the first 12 months of life: "purified, distilled, delonized, demineralized, or produced through reverse osmosis." This new policy, which was implemented to prevent the ingestion of too much fluoride by babies and to lower the risk of dental fluorosis, clearly excludes the use of fluoridated tap water. The burden of following this recommendation, especially for low income families, is reason alone for fluoridation to be halted immediately. Formula made with fluoridated water contains 250 times more fluoride there the average 0.004 ppm concentration found in human breast milk in non - fluoridated areas (Table 22 =6, NRC, 2006). 4. The CDC's concession, In 1999 and 2001, that the predominant benefit Of fluoride In reducing tooth decay is TOPICAL and not SYSTEMIC. To the extent fluoride works to reduce tooth decay, it works from the outside of the tooth, not from inside the body. It makes no sense to mink it and expose the rest of the body to the long term risks of fluoride ingestion when fluoridated toothpaste is readily available. Fluoride's topical mechanism probably explains the fact that, since the 1980s, there have been many research reports indicating little difference in tooth decay between fluoridated and non - fluoridated communities (Leverett, 1982; Colquhoun, 1984; 1985 and 1987; Diesendorf, 1986; Gray, 1987; Brunelle and Carlos, 1990; Spencer, 1996; deLiefde, 1998; Locker, 1999; Armfield and Spencer, 2004; and Pizzo 2007 - see citations). Poverty is the dearest factor associated with tooth decay, not lack of ingested fluoride. According to the World Health Organization, dental health in 12 -year Olds in non - fluoridated industrialized countries is as good, if not better, than those in fluoridated countries (Neurath. 2005). 5. In 2000, the publication of the UK government sponsored "York Review," the first systematic scientific review of fluoridation, found that NONE of the studies purporting to demonstrate the effectiveness of fluoridation to reduce tooth decay were of grade A status, i.e. "high quality, bias unlikely" (McCcnagh et al, 2000). 6. The publication In May 2006 of a peer - reviewed, case - controlled study from Harvard University which found a 5 -7 fold increase in osteosarcoma (a frequently fatal bone cancer) in young men associated with exposure to fluoridated water during their 61h, 7th and 6th years (Bassin at al., 2006). This study was surrounded by scandal as Elise Bassin's PhD thesis adviser, Professor Chester Douglass, was accused by the watchdog Environmental Working Group of attempting to suppress these findings for several years (see eo). While this study does not prove a relationship between fluoridation and Osteosarcoma beyond any doubt, the weight of evidence and the importance of the risk call for serious consideration. 7. The admission by federal agencies, in response to questions from a Congressional subcommittee in 1999 -2000, that the industrial grade waste products used to fluoridate over 90% of America's drinking water supplies (fluorosilicate compounds) have never been subjected to toxicological AUGUST 20D7. PROFESSIONALS' STATEMENT CALLING FOR AN END TO WATER FLUORIDATION . 2000; Plaisier, 2000; Thumau, 2000). 10/6/07 8:16 AM 8. The publication in 2004 of "The Fluoride Deception" by Christopher Bryson. This meticulously researched book showed that industrial interests, concerned about liabilities from fluoride pollution and health effects on workers, played a significant role in the early promotion of fluoridation. Bryson also details the harassment of scientists who expressed concerns about the safety and/or efficacy of fluoridation (see Bryson interview). We call upon Members of Congress (and legislators In other fluoridating countries) to sponsor a new Congressional (or Parliamentary) Hearing on Fluoridation so that those in government agencies who continue to support the procedure, particularly the Oral Health Division of the CDC, be compelled to provide the scientific basis for their ongoing promotion of fluoridation. They must be cross- examined under oath if the public is ever to fully learn the truth about this outdated and harmful practice. We call upon all medical and dental professionals, members of water departments, local officials, public health organizations, environmental groups and the media to examine for themselves the new documentation that fluoridated water is ineffective and poses serious health risks. It is no longer acceptable to simply rely on endorsements from agencies that continue to ignore the large body of scientific evidence on this matter — especially the extensive citations in the NRC (2006) report discussed above. The untold millions of dollars that are now spent on equipment, chemicals, monitoring, and promotion of fluoridation could be much better invested in nutrition education and targeted dental care for children from low income families. The vast majority of enlightened nations have done this (see statements). It is time for the US, and the few remaining fluoridating countries, to recognize that fluoridation is outdated, has serious risks that far outweigh any minor benefits, violates sound medical ethics and denies freedom of choice. Fluoridation must be ended now. STATEMENT SIGNED BY: (Signatories who signed after August 9th are identified with an UNITED STATES A Winfield J. Abbe, PhD (Physics), Athens, GA Alan S. Abrams, DDS, Member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxciology, Norwalk, CT Glenn T. Addison, PhD, PE, West Chester, OH Janine Agoglia, MAOM, licensed acupuncturist, Framingham, MA Miguel A. Aguilera, MD, Albuquerque, NM Raymond M. Alrola, DDS, Staten Island, NY Phillip M. Allen, MD, PhD, pathologist (retired), Wichita, KS James Allison, Office Manager & Licensed Water Operator, Carroll -Boone Water District, Eureka Springs, AR Jack Alpan, DDS, ND, author Preventing Dentistry, 1986, retired from dentistry in 1997, Los Angeles, CA Peter Alters, Water Superintendent, Town of Cortlandville, NY <!merican Academy of Environmental Medicine Mary Lou Andersen, MS (biology), LPN, CHT, Nurse, Nutritionist, Bellingham, WA Jeffry L. Anderson, MD, San Rafael, CA Richard V. Anthony, MS Public Administration, Principal, Richard Anthony Associates, Member of the Board of Directors California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA), Grass Roots Recycling Network (GRRN) and the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), San Diego, CA Carol Arana, RDH, Retired executive director, American Academy of Biological Dentistry, Carmel Valley, CA • Kimberly Aspelin, RN, Port Tobacco, MD • John E. Augspurger, DDS, Colorado Springs, CO B Stephen S. Baer, DDS, Past President, sriierra lieral _; ucterny__ii +.__didnL :Ind TuF f wiihnui , eadi ng this J, .... k The Essential Guide to Our Contaminated. Drinking Water and What You Can Do About It 155 !li "This is the most up -to -date and readable work I've seen on the subject of contamination of our drinking water and how to protect yourself from it. Study the advice given in these pages and act on itl" — Andrew Weil, MD Awl or ul )IWinemnrtrs Hmlirg and N Week, to Optimal Health Author Lono Ho "ala leaches an ancient Hawai'tan system of wisdom known as Ho ofa Huna. He was ordained by a Hawai'lan priesthood clan as Kahuna Kupua Atr (MeWvt Trw her of Light). He is an accomplished herbalist, nanuopath. mid a rerogni;ed expert on the subject of water and its impart on health. He and his wife Kaike•lani help thousands of people heal their bodics, spirits, and relationships through a variety of workshops, k, nurx,and thou wr)ai6 it wwwhunatvlsdool.i om. 11.95 Health /Environment JI i111111111 G ti P: American public water systems are in crisis. More than Drinking chlorinated ever, the availability of safe water is in question. Current water treatment technology and government agencies water increases one's cannot keep up with the growing list of organic and i risk o f developing P� 8 chemical contaminants in the water we consume daily. ; bladder cancer by as much as 80 %. (page 47) Your tap water and your health are inseparable. Conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, and ulcers may be greatly relieved or prevented by the daily ingestion of adequate amounts of pure water. The i Studies indicate that author reveals studies which link contaminants with fluoride levels as little as heart disease, cancer, and many other health problems. j one part per million can cause chromosomal As consumers, how do we decide which treatment 3 damage. (page 49) q system is best? Wr find ourselves confronted with more 1 water filtration and purification choices than ever before. How can we avoid paying too much for too little? Overall, radon parrs a Knowledge is power.'Chc author brings you information greater health risk than you need to snake intelligent decisions about the safety and any other environmental treatment of your water. Dons Drink the Water also contains pollutant. (page 53) a complete resource guide to assist you in becoming active in one of the most important issues of our time. "This is the most up -to -date and readable work I've seen on the subject of contamination of our drinking water and how to protect yourself from it. Study the advice given in these pages and act on itl" — Andrew Weil, MD Awl or ul )IWinemnrtrs Hmlirg and N Week, to Optimal Health Author Lono Ho "ala leaches an ancient Hawai'tan system of wisdom known as Ho ofa Huna. He was ordained by a Hawai'lan priesthood clan as Kahuna Kupua Atr (MeWvt Trw her of Light). He is an accomplished herbalist, nanuopath. mid a rerogni;ed expert on the subject of water and its impart on health. He and his wife Kaike•lani help thousands of people heal their bodics, spirits, and relationships through a variety of workshops, k, nurx,and thou wr)ai6 it wwwhunatvlsdool.i om. 11.95 Health /Environment JI i111111111 G ti P: man cause of poisoning due to toxic materials in water, pecan shower filters containing KDF® are an inexpensive way to solve [he. problent. As with all mark exposure, small children, elderly peopl, . and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk. Because of their experience fit World War I with chlorine gas tls t as a chemical weapon, communities in Europe use ozone and ultra- violet light to disinfect water supplies. Holland uses sand filtration [u deliver highly purified water to its citizens. Clearly, other methods ul disinfection of water supplies are available; they just cost more 'ban most municipalities are Willing 10 spend. In spite of promises made by politicians, it is likely to be decades, if ever, before non - chlorinated water is routinely available from 'he tap. In fact, the current politi:al climate is actually working to weak- en existing pollution laws. Until such time as the government is forced into upgrading water delivery systems, common sense dic- 'a'es'ha' indhidutils protect themselves with the purchase of hot - tled drinking 'water or point -of -use ftltra'ion systems :hat are effecthe in the removal of chlorine and is associated DBPs, which should be removed not only for drinking purposes, but for bathing purposes as weir. Chlorine. and some but not all Dias DBPs like THMs or chlo- rammn. can be removed oy granular- acuva[ed carbon. Better yet u KDFT' which c m remove nnanv'imes -rote chlorine, as aril as all DBPs. Uhile hi:h quaiu) averse- osmosis and distillation -bused sys- 'ems rmove C�lorine and DBPs. home units are impractical for treatiri tya[er used for bathing. See section entitled "Understanding four Cl;oi_l," for more information. .. DON DRINK 1MF WAFER F L U O R I D E New studies pointing to potential draw- backs ie water fluoridation hale rekindled a debate that most scientists warn to see closed. Many new studies ias doc- umented below) point to the significant danger of ingesting fluoride. One study has prompted the FDA to warn parents not to let children ingest fluoride in toothpaste while brush- ing teeth. Another demonstrates that people who use fluori- dated water in aluminum cookware release up to 1,000 times more alurnmum into their food. Opposition to fluoridation has always been treated as an anomaly, to be explained as the activity of fringe groups and quacks. Nevertheless, not all critics of fluoridation can be described as quacks, nor have they been effectively silenced. Brian Dementi, toxicologist at the Virginia State Department of Health, in his 1981 report fluoride in Drinking Water, discussed the many scientific papers showing fluoride to be both mutagenic and eammogeilic. Albert Burgstahler, a Kansas biochemist and co- 4 author, with the late George Naldbo[t, M.D., of Fluoridation: The Gaar Dtlei urea, reinforces that dew by demonstrating that patholog- ical changes in the kidney can be produced by fluoride levels of less than IOO;pm. One of the largest epidemiological studies ever done on fluoridate ed water and carcinogenicity was conducted in 1977 by Dr. John 4ytamouyianrus and Dr- Dean Burk. Dr. Yfamouytannis was the for - mer biochemical editor of the prestigious journal of the Chemical Abstracts service, the world's largest chemical information center, but was removed when federal funding was jeopardized because of his prope -.suy to publish information cmieal of fluoridation. Dr. Burk was :he retired head of c}tochemistry at the National Cancer Institute. In their study,, Drs. Burk and As reported in Newsweek (Feb. 5, Yiamouy. -nuns monitored cancer rates over a 1990). health 4nformatlon eNtleal [weeny -yesr period in [en fluoridated Ameri- of the use of fluoride in drinking can cities .:ad ten non- 8uoridalxd. What thry water has been intentionally hound w'::; an increased mortaii[y rate from cancer it : hose living in cities r'wilt, fluoridated withheld from the public Including marry dental professionals water. Nr <sudies indicate ilia: fluoride le•:eh of as link :s 1 ppm can cause , :-.rumcsoma. damage by inhibiting or interfericr With the ability of D \A IJ repair itself. Dues i::.oride prevent toah decay:' Perhaps, but contrary to pop- ular opir.: )n, the jury is soil cut. According to the World Health Organiza:'.oq the rate of reduction in tooth decay is greater in Fin- land and Norway where water is not fluoridated than in the U. S. where wa:zr is routinely fluoridated. A massive two -year, multimil- lion dolls:. taxpayer - funded study12 of nearly 40,000 children in all areas of t':e country was conducted during the late 1980s by the National :nsmule of Dental Research (a department of the United States Pu =tic Health Service) in order to silence critics of fluoridation once and for all. Instead, what this extensive, peer - reviewed study found was that fluoride has no effect on the incidence of tooth decay! The resus of this study were buried. In fact, a great deal of solid, peer- revie'.ced information critical of fluoridation has been buried. As reponed in Newsweek lFeb. 5, 1990), health information criti- cal of the use of fluoride in drinking water has been intentionally withheld from the public, including many dental professionals. Only CFUpf[r > UNOf RSIPN01N0 1X1 CONrAMINA.11 i9 4 a ,ta recently has the information. available since 1985, been pried luo, from the U. S. public Health Service, through petitions based on the Sodium Freedom of Information Act. It seems that fluoride is a by-product of aluminum nranufacturc. The those who are So anxious to put their reputa- b""Itrmation of dons on the line in defense of fluoridation aver sodium fluoride from dangerous chemical to benign not So anxious to inform the public of studies cavity fighter came as a result of confirming its dangers. Considering the promotion from the Mellon Institute, potential legal ramifications of intentionally the chief research facility of ALCOA adding what may prove to be a Serious poison Aluminum Company, North America's to the drinking water of 55% of American largest fluoride producer- households, perhaps we can understand why In any event, the average consumer of fluo- ridated water would do well to become aware that sodium fluoride, or hydmfluosilicic acid, is rated as more toxic than lead in chemistry indexes, and only slightly less toxic than arsenic. Like chlorine. it is a halogen that destroys enzyme function. It is not an essential nutrient. and has never been shown as necessary for human life. It also would - nt hurt to know that sodium Iluonde is a by- product of aluminum manufacture, and that the transformation of sodium fluoride from dangerous chemical to benign cavil' fighter came as a result of pit, motion from the Mellon Institute, the chief research facility of ALCOA Aluminum Company, \brth America's largest fluoride producer. Many countries in Europe have either innned fluoride or discon- tinued its use They see the debate over whether luorde is topic at I or 2 ppm as missing the point. To them, the increased risks of cancer and skeletal fluorosis known :o be caused by fluoride far outweigh any potential benefit to ones- teeth, Their approach is to implement sound nutritional principles, remove pollutants that com- promise natural immunity, and fund appropriate educational programs designed to resolve not only problems with tooth decay, but many other modem degenerative dlaeazes. Fluoride can be effectively removed from your water by filtration with catalytic activated carbon filters, special fluo- ride filters, reverse- osmosis, or distillation. m DuX'1 D"'e lnf WAIle HYDROGEN SULFIDE Hydrogen sulfide is a gas with a rotten egg odor. In the Southwest, it often occurs in tandem with iron and manganese. It is very corrosive to plumbing, kills aquarium fish, tarnishes silver, and at high levels is dangerous to health. It can be tasted at levels u low as 0.5 ppm, and in concentrations that are dangerous, its odor will be quite obvious. When present it must be removed before the water is suitable for human use. This is usually accomplished - : with mvetse- osmosis, aeration, ozonization and chlorination equip - atent, catalytic activated carbon filtration units, or KDF® systems. , . The EPA maximum contaminant lemi for this substance is 0.05 mg/L. LEAD Lead is one of the most dangerous pollutants found in drinking .cater. It is dangerous not onlj because of its dfects, but lecause of the widespread nature of its distribu. lion. Healthcare researchers estimate that as many as 20% of ,. Americans are exposed to dangerously high levels of lead in their drinking water. Overall, the EPA has found that con- ' -" trolling leaccontaminated drinking water could reduce lead -' %- exposure fe: between 130 and 1W million Americans. Lead is responsible for kidney'orain, and central nervous system disc-ders. In adults it can: ause miscarriages. hyper- tension, in;— uple sclerosis, impotency, numerous nervous system disc,.ders and even death. These and othet health a" effects of k..d at low levels have been well- documentedt to it therefore, c.e EPA established a g; al of zero !cad in drinking Poo) Nao water becatiee "there are no clearbr discernible thresholds for `per some of the -.on- cancer health eGe'ts associated with lead.` .tor catW Young r.::drn, especially ho:::: -Fed infas, and (erases bft are partite. -Iv •vulnerable. The EPA fount! :hat more than 85% of the .cad found in the b.-,.d of cottie -fed infants may be derived fret:: baby formula made }•: iih lead- contaminated'vamr. For infants, con_ -amiag even very Sm:::i amours of lead cart lead to irre- versible bra damage. fntellec¢3I, ama':or.J. and developmental problems numerous nervous System impairments, and stunted growth. Hi;h levels of lead have been found in children suffering from lethar_:: personality aberracons, and mental retardation. Lead givs a sweet taste to water, causing people to mistakenly believe tha: their water is excepuenally "good." Since lead accumu- lates in the :.uman body: particular are must be taken to ensure that lead does not enter your water supply Lead leashes into drinking water in a variety of ways. Many older communities have lead supply lines to homes. Over 90% of all U.S. homes have lead in their plumbing in some form, either as lead ser- vice pipes, iead- soldered pipe connections. or lead in the brass alloys of which faucets, well pumps and other plumbing pans arc made. Although a federal ban against the use of lead in plumbing systems KY Nf ng: Moo bras well Mrs. ated carbo ock media Cl. , 1 fIXYf P514NDIN0 1.1 C..IAMIXANIS 51 } a �., rr: goal d �y lr yl F I ti r 3. q ti+ I F Pronounced flor -een, the name is derived from the Latin ihw)e, meaning TO flow, Faause the common fluoride mineral fluorspar (calcium fluoride (aF,) melts when heated in a flame. French,Jfnor, German, Fluor, Italian, fluor,; Spanish, Im n; I'm niguese, llm. Fl., aauorin a.s e is the name of the element, which exists the molecule F;, whereas Nirde, as to sodium fluoride, is a fluorine atom that has acquired .l negative electron find is nrinen F . Fluorine is highly reactive anct Jutgcnxlr., while fluoride the form encountered in nature is stable. HUMAN ELLMENT tluanne (as Ituoride) in the human body Blood 11.5 p.P.m. Bone varies between 21100 and iz 0011 ) P.P.m. F,ssoe approx. 0.05 P.P.M. ,nnounlm lrr :ly hrlwcen) and ,•,Parr. Aslong ago as 18112, fluoride was deteeted in ivory. hl,nos :md "Th. Ry Ow mid nine- teenth cenrury it was found to be present in blood, .sea water. eggs, urine, saliva and hau. although it appeared to be present in all living things, this did not pr,)vc That fluorine ns an essential element. "that had to wait until animal tests showed that if fluoride was axcluded from [he diet of laboratory animals, [hey failed to grow property, or became anemic and infertile. Today fluoride is regarded as essential for humans, but only in nlmutc doses. Indeed, in larger amounts it is highly dangerous: a quarter of a gram will Prowke a toxic re.punse, while 5 grams would be fatal. For this reason fluoride has seen used as an effective insecticide for cockroaches and nits. ,\[;I hospital in the USA m NO. patients were served scrambled eggs To which sodium fluoride had been added mslead olsalt (aOdimn chloride): 163 were fakcn ill and 47 died.) In humans, most of the fluoride accumulates in the hones and teeth. It strengthens both of these, converting the calcium phosphate of which they are made into fluoro- spaute. a Itanler material. This, in tooth enamel, can better resist the corrosive effect .lands pniduced by oral bacteria acting on sugar. I;, this reason it is added to water supplies and toothpastes. ) �i{ r FLUORINE Fluoride has a powerful ell= on enzymes, effectively blocking their tensity, although a few are stimulated by it. (These enzyma"cactivating properties are made use of in biochemical research and, more practically, in cleaning fermentation vats in breweries and distilleries.) Fluotpe g,_ is exmernely toxic breathing it at concentrations of 0.1% for only a f,, minutes will kill. Luckily the gas is so pungent that it acts as is own early waning system, but in any rase stringent legal precautions surround its use. FOOD ELEMENT The average person takes in between 0.3 and 3 rnilligtams of fluoride a day in their diet. Fluoridated tap water may provide much of this. but most people get their fluoride ftom foods such as chicken, pork, eggs, potatoes, butter, cheese and tea (a cup of tea provides 0.4 milligrams). Cod, mackerel, sardines. salmon and sea salt ate particulath rich in fluoride because they come from an envitonment, sea water. which contains L P.p.tp„of fluoride. Mackerel has 27 p.p.m. (fresh weight). Vegetables generally have much less than this, between 3 and 20 p.p.m. (dry weight). MEDICAL ELEMENT Fluoride is prescribed in some countries as a preventative tr_eg_mtenr Cot Osorosis in the elderly. However, it is the otganofluorine drugs that have proved a more parent soutce of medicaments, like the antibiotic ofloxacin, used world -wide. There ate now about a dozen such drugs; some are so potent that a single dose will cleat up certain minor infections; for example, ofloxacin can cute gonorrhoea. Fluconazole is the drua ?fchoin for attacking fungal diseases which can & *:,eaten the life ofttansplant patient, '.those immune system is deliberately suppressed. as well as curing mote mundane infections such as vaginal thrush. Thcsc drugs ate easily absorbed and penetrate to parts ofthe bodv that con, entiernu antibioncs find difficult to teach, for example the bladder. They work by intetfering with microbial enzymes, such as that responsible ft.: coiling bacterial DNA, which then Prevents the disease pathogens from multiplying. The isotope fluorine -18 is used in medical diagnosis through the technique known as positron emission tomography (PET). A sample of this short-lived isotope - its half -life is only 110 minutes - is introduced into the body and the X -cat' -like radiation, which it Crain as it decays, can be scanned m reveal a picture of the body's vital organs. (See carbon, p. 94, for further details.) ELEMENT OF HISTORY Geohgius Agricola described the use of fluorspar (Calcium fluoride. CsF y as a flux for molten metals in 1529, pointing out that this mineral would melt and flow when heated in a fire, and that it was added to furnaces for smelting metals because the melt became mote fluid and essiet to work with. A second benefit was discoveted by Heirrick Schwanland, who found, in 1670, that if fluospat was dissolved in acid the solution 146 FLUORINE could he used to etch glees. The fast glass to be so affected was reputed to be that of his spectacles, but this story may be more apocryphal than gospel. The early chemists were aware that fluorides contained an unknown element' fluorine, and that its compounds greatly resembled those of chlorine, but they could not isolate it. The French scientist, Andre Ampime, wined the name fluorine in 1812 but later changed his mind in favour of phthorine, derived from the Greek'phrhoma, meaning destructive. By then, however, the great Humphrey Davy was using the name fluorine and his choice prevailed. He, litre many of his contemporaries, was unable to isolate the element, and, litre several of them, he became ill by trying to isolate it from in arid, hydrofluaric add. Some chemists, such as the French chemist Jerome Nickles of Is Nancy, died from hydrglen fluoride 031F) poisoning. George Gore, in 1869, passed m electric currant through water -free hydrofluoric acid and found that the gas that was liberated at the anode reacted viWendv with his apparams. He thought it might be fluorine but it was probably not. It was not until 1886 that Henri Monstan (1852 - 1907). in Paris, obtained it by the elecvo -lysis of a mixture of potassium bifluor de (KHF,,' dissolved in anhvdrous hydrofluoric acid. He was awarded the 1906 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for this work (and for the develop. ment of the electric furnace). ECONOMIC ELEMENT Annual world production of the mineral ruorite (fluorspar) is around 4 million ronm.s, and there ate around 120 million tonnes of mineral reserves. When these are depleted there ate vast deposits of this element such as fluorapatite. The main mining areas for fluorite ae China, Mexico and Wes rem Europe. Most is used in the smelting and tef.n ing of metals, bur a lot goes into the to an Jaerute of hydtofluoric acid ( 100 000 in ie, pet veal , which in mm is used to make . uorine gas (15 000 tonnes per tear,,. It is a,ed for ctching)ass, treating . metals and making fluorocarbons. Fluorine gas is still produced by the menod devised bv. %Ioissan; he wnrkcd his npp2- rates at -33`C ro reduce the gas's reactit :t , but modem electrolytic cells svotk at &,' C and ate made ef,lfonel metal (nickel alley) which resists fluorine attack. The gas is generally made where it is needed. Its main uses ate in making uranium hexafluoride (LFs) for the nuclear indusay, sulfur hexafluotide (SFr,) for the electric- ity supply industry, and chlorine mflueride (CIF,) for the chemical industt. UF„ is needed to separatethe nucleat fuel, utanium -235, from its mote common isotope, ura- nium -238. Chlorine uifluoride is used it. make UFs. Sulfur hexafluoride is the inert insulating gas which surrounds high-post et electricity transformers. Fluorine gas can now be handled in bulk and even transported safely as a liquid in containers that are protected by liquid air. It has even been tried as a possible rocket propellant. Diluted with niuogem fluorine is much safer to handle; it is used m treat polyethene containers to give them a coating of organofluoto polymer, so making them bnpermesble to solvents. Vehicle fuel tanks made of such treated plastic are less likely to rupture m a crash and so less likely to cause a fire. 147 FLUORINE Fluorocarbons These can be liquids, based on short chains of carbon atoms, or polymers, with long chains of carbon atoms. Both have lots of uses. Fully fluorinated short -chain carbons make excellent solvents, with boiling points ranging from 25 to 250oC, depending on the length of the chain. They are inert, heat- stable, non- fismrnable, non -toxic and of low vismsitY They are used as refrigerants, lubricants and cleaning fluids for electric circuit boards, Rod even ea blood substitutes because the dissolve oxygen easily. The fully-fluorinatedpolymer, popularly known as efl no correcdv known as poly(tetrafluoroethene) or PIPE for short - is used for cable insulation, as linings for vessels holding corrosive liquids, for hoses and robing, for fabric mofmg, and for plumbds tape for sealing joints in water pipes. Its use in kitchenware is described in `Element of surprise' see below). It is a]so the basis of oremx a weatherproof fabric first made in 1969 by,'.BobGomJ who found away of expanding PTFE by hearing and stretching the polymer to form a membrane ,`nigh had insisible pores that were small enough to keep water droplets out, but big enough to allow the water molecules of swear to escape. Goremx is also used for arrifl :.31 veins and arteries in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.Scraplfrom the PT FE indusm' is re -used . be grinding. it [o a m;: ofinc powder and adding it to printer's il:? :o make it flow more smoorhk. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENT EPrth'a l.1 11. P -0.m. Fluorine is the 13th most abundam = rmo.w Snlls - Parox. 33o P m. with a usual nI, -- 3( 15o de p.P.m,.111,Wgh same soil: an have as much as loco P p.m. and heavily contaminated sells have been ban- .vith 35aa Pp-re. Sea Ier 2.3 P.P.M. Atmosphere 0.6p.p.b.; it is present as sal[ spray a-d nnUmochlorine compounds. Upto =: p.p.b. has been recorded in city environme -s. It was known for centariea that calve which grand where volcanic dust had serded would become ill and Ism(; the reason was their high fluoride intake. Research in Ice- land in 1970 showed that grass affected in this way could have as much as 4300 p.P.m. fluoride (dryweight), although this fall to 30 p.p,m. within 40 days. Other actinides can contaminate soil with fluoride, such as close proximity to an aluminium smelter, a coal - fired power plant, brick works or a fertilizer factory - all indusuies that emit fluoride. Grass grown on such land can have as much as 5400 p.p.m. (dry weigh[). Humans can also be affected by too much fluoride and stiffer from. uomsie the firs[ signs fwhich are mottled teeth. later there may be a hardeningofthe bones, which can lead to a deformed skeleton. in certain Parts of India, such as the Punjab, the condition - - -.. FLUORINE is endemic, ear,mialty where villagers drink water from wells with high levels of fluoride, up to 15 p.p.m. About 25 Million Indians suffer a mild form of fluomsis and mane thousands show skeletal deformities. Too much fluoride whether taken in from the soil by MOM, or absorbed from the atmosphere by the leaves, retards the growth of plants and reduces crop yields. Those most Whetted are cam and apricots. Some crops, such as asparagus, beans, cabbage and carrots, are resistant to fluoride - volatile.ch10— Isuorocarbons CF s sr which were once used in aerosols and refrigerators, am environmentally damaging to the ozone layer which protects the Earth from harsh ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, and so they are being phased out of use. o Even thew replacemet, therhdmfluorca which do not have this effect, are frowned upon beesuse they are potent greenhouse gases, although the% are much less persistent in the atmosphere than the long -lived CFCs. CHEMICAL ELEMENT Data file Chemical symhpl F Awrnk n..be, 9 Alu,ic weigt 18.99C�gz Melting ppi't -220°C 90fling point -'Wc Density efgns 1.7gra -s Per :,e OsideS OF, and O,F, Fluorine is a Pale yellow gas (F:) and she firs[ member ofgroup 17. also known as the halogen group, of the periodic [able of _ie elements. It is the most reactive ofap the ck- men¢. Only the ho61e gases helium, r.enn and argon are unaffected Fy Fluorine in darure has ordv one iso[epe, fluorined 9, which is not radioactive. ELEMENT OF SURPRISE Contrary to popular belief, it was not space exploration that led to the development of the nonstick frying peer but the other way, round. The nonstick frying pan relies on Teflon, the poly mcr poly(mtmfluoroeehene), which was discovered by Roy Plunkett at the DuPont research laboratories at Deepwarer, New Jersey, on 6 April 1938. That marring he opened a cylinder of revafluoroe[hene which was supposed to hold exacdv 1000 grams of the gas hot only 990 grants came out. The missing 10 crams had turned into a curious ,hire powder which was a plastic with some remarkable properties. It would not dissoks: in anything, was rte[ affected by heat, would not bum and was not t The momemnmon ones xem CFC- IItcheoicalFam,ula CCI,F), I[FC- I 1 WCI.F,, and CFC. 113 (CCI,FCCIFI). 148 149 FLUORINE snacked by hot corrosive acids. More unusual was its ability to remain flexible down to ndnus 240'C, something that no other plastic was capable of doing. It was this pmpem. which made it so important for use in space and on the Moon where such temperatures Prevail. In addition, it had a slippery feel, because nothing would stick to it. This was to be the secret of its commercial success as a coating for non -stick kitchen utensils. How dons non -stick Teflon stick to an aluminium frying pan? The problem was solved in the 1950s by Luis Hartmann, who treated the metal surface with acid w form microscopic holes, then applied the polymer as an emulsion and baked it at 40WC for a few minutes. The polymer melts, forms a film over the surface and runs into the tiny etched pits, filling them and therebe becoming wedged fast and so gripping the rest of the Teflon film tightly to the surface. The French company, Tefal, marketed the first non -stick fningpams 10 years before man set foot on the Moon. 150 Pronounced fimn-see -Ntm, the element is named after France.1H French, (armor, German, Francium; Italian, franca; Spanish, Jrarrciq Portuguese, fr6ncid. HUMAN ELEMENT Francium ache human body __— None Francium has no role to play in living things and is never encountered ow axb mudc* r facilities or research laboratories. It is potenrially dangerous because o; ;a intcn:e radioacti,im When francium is injected into ran it c, �. :enrmtes in the bladder. em. ki.lneg•. _ali%o and In er. in chase rats with cancer it else: rncennates in the wme'u: this r. :;d : ^x rri :;,; hopes that francium might have med :.al . : :¢ =',n treating this below, chi• etas a forlorn hope. ELEMENT OF HISTORY Early in the twentieth concur' it %vas clear 4om the improved forms of the p_riodi< tad•!. that there must be an element below caesium in group I, but all wF: o sr•:hed liar were to be disappointed. Yet several chem:ta reported fording it and gave it ro::ics such as nessium. alcalinium, virginium and mcidavium. Their claims were all proved m he false. The missing element was finally discovered in 1939 by Marguerite Perot' at the Curic Institute in Pads, She had purified a sump., ofocrinium free of all its radima, ive decac products and ver she observed that the P -rac emission which it teas gi6ng out was more intense than it should have been. She knew that this meant there must he another ele- ment present, one that had previously escaped discovery, acid which she deduced must be the missing element 87. It rtes. 'a France has the dbtircdon nfhavMa tan ekmenn named ohm it. The name efpaium n Jcdved fn,m the Latin Gdfiu. the Roman name for that reve rn. 151 l: a f..., t-- 4'> -1 What is wrong with this picture? A comparison between the toxicity and maximum contaminant levels of lead, fluoride and arsenic Relative Toxicity 6 S 4 3 2 1 0 5 Extremely toxic 4 Very toxic 3 Moderately toxic 2 Slightly toxic 1 practically . nontoxic Based on ID50 data from Robert E. Gosselin et al, Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products 5th ed,1984 4000 ppb 3500 ppb 3000 ppb 2500 ppb 2000 ppb 1500 ppb 1000 ppb 500 ppb 0 ppb Maximum Contaminant Levels ppb = parts per billion Standards established by the US Environmental Protection Agency Two- thirds of kids in fluoridated communities display fluoride toxicity. "According to a study by the National Institute of Dental Research, 66 percent of America's children in fluoridated communities show the visible sign of over- exposure and fluoride toxicity, dental tluorosis... That effect occurs when children ingest more fluoride than their bodies can handle with the metabolic processes we were born with, and their teeth are damaged as a result. And not only their teeth. Children's bones and other tissues, as well as their developing teeth are accumulating too much fluoride." Congressional Testimony by J William Hin)y MD., Senior Chemist and RfskAssessmentAnalyst, representing the union ofa11 pmfessionah at US EPA Headquarters, June 29, 2000 For more information, visit www.keepersof- the•well.arg www.ddzena.arg www. Fluuridealert.org www.fluoddation.cu n www.carthisland.org/eilournaL41 uoride/FluoddeJndea.html To help keep our water pure, contact Citizens for Safe Drinking Water greenjeff @cox.net National contact: 1- 800 - 728 -3833 "Our lines begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Martin Luther Kingjr. Dr. J. William Hirzy, Senior Vice President of the union that consists of and represents all of the scientists and other professionals at EPA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Wildlife, Fisheries and Drinking Water on June 29, 2000. This testimony brought the following points to light: 1. The results of the 1990 National Toxicology Program Cancer Study (mandated by Congress) were altered to protect water fluoridation programs. Z. "Since 1994 there have been six publications that link fluoride exposure to direct adverse effects on the brain." J. The 50 year study of two New York cities now shows no health benefits to water fluoridation. 4. Three landmark lawsuits since 1978 show "findings of fact" that link fluoride to severe adverse health effects. 5. No studies on safety or effectiveness have been performed on the two waste products of the fertilizer industry that are now used in 90% of fluoridation programs. 6. Fluoride exposure in the US is excessive and uncontrolled. "Ybese chemicals come directly from the Pollution scrubbers of the phosphate fertilizer manufacturing plants." What do you really know about fluoridation? The chemicals used for fluoridation are not manu- factured in a laboratory under strict conditions as most people, including doctors and dentists, believe. These chemicals come directly from die pollution scrubbers of die phosphate fertilizer manufacturing plants. "...waste products of the fertilizer industry are now used in 90% of fluoridation programs." Congressional testimony byJ William Hirst; Pb.Dq June 29, 2000 Dr. William Marcus, Senior Science Advisor and toxicologist in the Office of Drinking Water, was fired by EPA for demanding an independent analysis of Congress ordered toxicological data that was reclassified by EPA when fluoride was definitively linked to cancer. Dr. Marcus was reinstated after a court found that the EPA destroyed documents and lied about evidence in the case. The Fredrick Post, Fredrick, Maryland, February 14, 1994 Read Dr. Hirzy's testimony before the US Senate Subcommittee at. www.keepers- of -tbe- well. org /bearings- investigations.binel Existing data indicate that subsets of the population may be unusually susceptible to the toxic effects of fluorides. These populations include die elderly, diabetics, people with deficiencies of calcium, magnesium, and/or vitamin C, mid people with cardiovascular and kidney problems. A Toxicological Profile by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Apr711993 Judge John P. Flaherty, now the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, in his review of a case never overturned on the merits, came to this conclusion about fluoridation: "In my view, the evidence is quite convincing drat die addition of sodium fluoride to the public water supply at one part per million is extremely deleterious to the human body, and, a review of the evidence will disclose that there was no convincing evidence to the contrary..." Judge Anthony Farris in Texas found: "[Tlrat] die artificial fluoridation of public water supplies, such as contemplated by (Houston) City ordinance No. 80 -2530 may cause or contribute to the cause of cancer, genetic damage, intolerant reactions, and chronic toxicity, including dental mottling, in man; that the said artificial fluoridation may aggravate malnutrition and existing illness in man..... Congressional tesifnzony byJ William Hirt; Ph-D. June 29, 2000 Union of EPA Professionals Opposes Fluoridation.(Environmental Protection Agency) From: Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients I Date: 5/1/2001 1 Author: Klotter, Jule R:. w�.ifx'x.mcarc On June 29, 2000, Dr. J. William Hirzy, Vice - President of the National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 280, testified before the US Senate Subcommittee on Wildlife, Fisheries and Drinking Water. The union represents the professional employees, including scientists, engineers, and lawyers, of the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. The union voted to oppose water fluoridation in 1997. In his statement before the Subcommittee, Dr. Hirzy, who is a toxicologist, explained why the union opposes fluoridation and asked for a national review of current fluoridation policy by a Joint Select Committee of Congress. He noted the lack of research on the long-term effects of fluoride exposure and pointed out research that links fluoride toxicity to bone pathology, Including cancer, and to diverse brain and neurological problems. Dental fluorosis, the only officially - recognized negative consequence of over - exposure to fluoride, is a mottling of teeth that the Centers for Disease Control, the EPA, and the American Dental Association consider simply 'cosmetic.' Dr. Hirzy explained to the Subcommittee that fluorosis is a sign that the body is accumulating more fluoride in its tissue than metabolic processes can handle: "We can see the effect on teeth. Few researchers, if any, are looking for the effects of excessive fluoride exposure on bone and other tissues in American children." A two -year study conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), using rats and mice, linked sodium fluoride in drinking water to osteosarcoma (bone cancer). "The positive result of that study (in which malignancies in tissues other than bone were also observed), particularly in male rats, is convergent with a host of data from tests showing fluoride's ability to cause mutations (a principal trigger' mechanism for inducing a cell to become cancerous)... and data showing increases in osteosarcomas in young men in New Jersey, Washington and Iowa based on their drinking fluoridated water." Dr. Hirzy told the Subcommittee that the initial results of the National Toxicology Program study, published in 1990, "would have ended fluoridation." Instead, a special commission reviewed the initial report and changed the NTP's findings of 'clear evidence of carcinogenicity in male rats'to'equivocal evidence of carcinogenicity in male rats.' Senior Science Adviser and Toxicologist in the EPA's Office of Drinking Wat er, Dr. William Marcus, publicly objected to the change and was then fired. A judge later ordered that he be reinstated with back pay and damages. . In addition to asking for an independent review of the tumor slides from the NTP bioassay, the union asked the Subcommittee to "order an epidemiology study comparing children with dental fluorosis to those not displaying overdose during growth and development years, for behavioral and other disorders." Since 1994, animal studies have shown that a prenatal exposure to fluoride can result in hyperactive behavior. Fluoride also has adverse effects on the pineal gland, the brain, and kidneys — even at the'optimal' dosage of one part per million. Fluoride has also been linked to lower IQ scores in children. The union's third recommendation to the Subcommittee was that it order future toxicity studies to use the actual chemicals — hydrofluosilicic acid and its sodium sett — now used in 90% of fluoridation programs instead of a substitute chemical. Hydrofluosilicic acid is a toxic waste product of the phosphate fertilizer industry. The EPA states that it cannot identify any chronic studies using these chemicals. Recent studies have linked these chemicals to elevated lead levels in children's blood and to anti - social behavior. Dr. Hirzy told the Subcommittee that "...since federal agencies are actively advocating that each man woman and child drink, eat and bathe in these chemicals, silicofluorides should be placed at the head of the list for establishing a MCL [Maximum Contaminant Level] that complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act. This means that the MCL be protective of the most sensitive of our population, including infants, with an appropriate margin of safety for ingestion over an entire lifetime." Meanwhile, the rationale for adding fluoride to the water supply, i.e. prevention of tooth decay, is not being supported by recent scientific studies. A study involving 39,000 school children (ages 5-17) found "no significant differences (in terms of decayed, missing and filled teeth) among caries incidences in fluoridated, non - fluoridated and partially fluoridated communities." Likewise, a comparison between Newburg, New York which has fluoridated its water for 50 years, and Kingston, New York, which does not add fluoride to its water, found no appreciable difference in dental decay. Children in Newburg, however, did show much higher rates of fluorosis. Furthermore, Dr. Hirzy noted that Europe and the US have about the same rates of tooth decay even though most European countries do not fluoridate their drinking water. "Why EPA's Headquarter, Union of Scientist Opposes Fluoridation" by J. William Hirzy, PhD, May 1, 1999. wwwpenweb. orgfissu esAl uo d d e/e pau ni on. html "Statement of Dr. J. William Hirzy Before the Senate Subcommittee" www .nofluodde.com/hirzy_senate /htm COPYRIGHT 2001 The Townsend Letter Group wasn't: elected to sit idly bar, or. to provide political cover, for state . legislators. that rubber = ` "I�Ving ui 017, .z w. agS Wig t .N k� ti 9 ¢, � A Fft pride Poisoning awry Americans believe that the fluoride in their drinking water prevents cavities, helps faster strong bones, and has other beneficial effects.But adding fluoride to the, water as a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay is in ' fact a fallacy that has led to the detriment of thousands of Americans and a debilitated immune system in millions mote. In the Iffit'severatyears,msearch has shown that fluoridation is neither necessary to health nor to protection of teeth. Fluoride is actually a chemical twdn. Fluoride belongs to a group of chemi- cals called halides found on the periodic table with other halides such as chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine Fluorine is the most reactive of all the halides.°We would not purposely add arsenic to the water supply And we would not purposely add lead. But we do add flueride.7be fact is that fluoride is more toxic than lead and just siiody less toxic than arsenic; said the late Dr: JohnI famouyiannis. The fluoride that is added to our watersupply is a crude Indus- Dial waste product of the aluminum and fertilizes industry%ste fluoride is toxic enough to be used as rat poison and in fact, 50 years ago it was used as cot poison. ' But appraadmately 162 million Americans were receiving fluo- ridated water at the end of 2000:7hat represents about 58% of the 1IS populaton.So how did flounride find its way into our drinking water? In the 1860s, at the start of the Industrial revolution, Iron and copper factories discharged flood& Into the air and poisoned plants, animals and people With rapid Industrial growth, fluoride was owe of the biggest pollution problems: Medical writer Joel Griffiths says, it was abundantly clear to both Industry and gov- ernment that spectacular 1IS Industrial expansion — and eco- nomic and military power and vast profits it promised = would necessitate releasing millions of tons of waste fluoride into the environment" lit 1930;Alcoa, who snakes aluminum and whose major waste product was fluoride.wanted to know how much fluoride the pop- ulation could handle without getting mottled, discolored teetb.A dentist by the name of DxH:7lendley Dean conductedresearch in Texas and claimed that fluoride levels of up to one part perm Ukm in drinking water did not cause molted enamel but if it esceeded that level, fluomsiswould occur: He proposed that fluondafing the water at the threshold of 1, part per million would prevent tooth decay while avoiding damage to bones and teeth. 7hls decision was highly supported by the goverhmrem and 988 COAa AW2W4 industry and a clinical trial of fluoridation in Grand Rapids took place. A 15;year study was supposed to be underway in Grand Rapids, the first city to floundate their wafer athpply, and the bene- fits and hazards would be evaluated,but within a yeacsix more US cities adopted the process and in another yea; 87 more commu- nities were treated with fluoride. It was hoped that fluoride would protect children's developing teeth against caAea7berateofcav- thes was apposed to decrease in areas where water was heated. But over the fear 30 yeats,this hope has proved false.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 22% of all American children now have dental fluorosa, the discoloration and pftfiq of teeth in advanced cases, as a result of ingesting too much fluoride.7bis rate may be 70% in children from high socioe- conomic-status families and those who live in fluoridated cont- munities, according to a 1998 report from the American Academy of Fediatric Dentistry fluorosis can not be corrected with bleach- ing. Fluoride has also been linked in government and scientific reports to a wide range of harmful health effects, including bone and. tooth decay, bone pathology, arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, memory loss, and other neurological impairments, kidney damage, cane; genetic damage, and gastrointestinal problearmIn edition fluoride has been found to leachlead from old weathered pipes andsoidering material,which has resulted in increased lead levels in people. Despite the overwhelming evidence, federal and state public Itealtli agenciesand large denim and medical organbatbnssuch as theAmencan Denial Association continue to promote fluoride use. Fluoride is not an essential natrienr. it has never received FDA approval It is Fisted as an"unfmptoved new dmg'byhhe FDA and as a•contammanf by the EPA.Ahhough calcium fluoride can occur nehnallythe type of fluoride (sodium) added to municipal water is a hazardous waste product of the almnmum industrytphosphate ter- tiliaer mdtstrzand other Industries. Fluoride exposuue disrupts the synthesis of collagen and leads to the breakdown of collagen in bones,tendos,muscimskin,car- Wage, tuwW kidney, and trachea Fluoride stimulates grannie for- mation in oxygen consumption of white blood celK but inhibits these processes when the white blood cell is challenged by a for- eign agent In the blood. it confuses the immune system and caus- es it to attadc:the body': own trues, and increases the tumor growth in caner prone individuals. Fluoride promotes develop- ment of bone cancer It has been revealed in multiple researches that fluoridated areas have a higher cancer rate tract those in not-fluoridated areas.Approximately 61,000 cancer defiftin the US result from fluoridation each yeas . Fluoride inhibits the antibody forma- tion in the blood and depresses the thr raid activ4 Fluoride causes premature aging of the human body ingested from mouth rinses in children, it is extremely hazardous to biological development, life span and fan-d"zed tube off fluoridated tooth. Paste is enough to kill a 251wund child. Fluorides have been used to modify behavior and mood of human beings. Fluoride compounds were added to drinking water of prisoners to keep them docile and inhibit questioning of author- IN Fluorides are medically categorized es Polsons.whfch is why they are used to kill rodents. Fluorides have little or no effect on decay Prevention in humans. In New Zealand, Dr. Colquhoun conducted a study on 60,000 school children and found no difference in tooth decay between fluoridated and unfluoddated areas, but many of the fluoridated chil- drea suffered bum den�m�uuorom there is no scientific-Bata that shows fluoride mouth rinses and mouth medf clues ate safe for human use.The fad that fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses are Packaged in aluminum accelItUates the Pffeet of the body because fluoride is able xmrbine with aluminum and increase we risk of Alzbeimee& The bottom line is that unlike chlorine, fluoride iscofodess,odo iess andtasteless so YOU hM almost no way of knowing ff It is Present in your drinking water. Even balhi or showering In fluoridated water can result In unhealthy amounts absorbed through the skin.lhere is no margin of safety for fluoride exposure. What can you do to minimize your fam. Vs exposure? Cheek the analysis of your local water water bottled supplier; check the analysis of the you drink, use a reverse osmosis water filter (regular water, Mien; do not remove fluoride),use a water cool- er dispenser with spring water, use uMuo- ridated toothpeate, buy freer fruits and vegetables, do not make baby formula with fluoridated waWdo notddnksodas, do not drink fruit juice made from con- cmdmtA drink only organic varieges of wine and bee; reduce of. processed Yuur Cori id using chidcsn; and avid using On-coated cookware, Its a commiF ment, but Isn't your heaffir and Of your loved ones worth i Ore been r— Don't Let Them Poison - Our Children FACT #1 Fluoridation is cancer - causing, cancer - promoting, and is linked to- increased cancer rates in humans. 1) Carcinogenesis, volume 9, pages 2279 -2284 (1988) 2) Sodium Fluoride: individual animal tumor pathology table [rats], Battelle Memorial" Institute, February 23, 1989 3) Sodium Fluoride: individual animal tumor pathology table [mice], Battelle Memorial Institute, Aprill 11, 1989 4) Lancet 36, page 737 (1990) 5) Review of Fluoride: Benefits and Risks, U. S. Public Health Service, pages FI -F7 (1991) 6) Fluoride volume 26, pages 83-96 (1992) 7) A Brief Report on the Association of Drinking Water Fluoridation and the Incidence of Osteosarcoma among Young Males, New Jersey Department of Health, November 1992 8) Fluoride, the Aging Factor, Health Action Press, pages 72 -90 (1993) FACT #2 Hip fractures rates are substantially higher in people residing.%In fluoridated communities. 1) Journal of the American Medical Association volume 264, pages 500 -502 (1990) 2) Journal of the American Medical Association volume 266, pages 513 -514 (199 1) . 3) Journal of the American Medical Association volume 268, pages 746 -748 (1992) 4) Journal of the American Medical Association volume 273, pages 775 -776 (1995) FACT #3 Dental fluorosis, the first visible sign of fluoride poisoning, affects from 8% to 51% of the children. drinking fluoridated water. 1) Science volume 217, pages 26-30 (1982), 2) Journal of the American Dental Association volume 108, pages 56-59 (1984) 3) Journal of tPublic Health Dentistry volume 46, pages 184 -187 (1986) 4) Health Effects of Ingested Fluoride, National Research Council, page 37 (1993) FACT #4 All of the recent large -scale studies on fluoridation and tooth decay show that fluoridation does not reduce tooth decay. 1) Community Health Studies volume 11, pages 85 -90 (1987) 2) Journal of the Canadian Dental Association volume 53, pages 763 -765 (1987) 3) Fluoride volume. 23, pages 55-67 (1990) FACT #5 Fluoride drops and tablets (which were designed to deliver the amount of fluoride consumed by drinking fluoridated water) are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as safe or effective. As a matter of fact, fluoride. tablets and drops have been shown to be ineffective in reducing .tooth decay and to cause skin eruptions, gastric distress, headache, and weakness, which disappear when fluoride use is discontinued — as well as dental fluorosis, a permanent disfigurement. 1) Letter from Frank R. Fazzari, Chief, Prescription Drug Compliance, Food and Drug Administration to New Jersey Assemblyman John Kelly (June.8, 1993) 2) Preventing Tooth Decay: Results from a Four -Year National Study, Robert Wood - Johnson Foundation,'Special Report number 211983, 18 pages 3) Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, volume 19, pages 88 -92 (199 1) 4) 1992 Physicians' Desk Reference, page 2273. These references (with the exception of the extensive tables from the Battelle Study) can be obtained by sending can t. cAr. wafx Fmindatiun. 6439 Tat¢art Rd. Delaware. Ohio 43015. - > sPregrrent vroman�aiid(pa earlier than women. Men usually" develop coronary artery disease 10 to 15 years earlier than women do, and they're more likely to die from it before age 65. Main reasons... ■ Abdominal obesity. Women tend to accumulate excess weight in the buttocks and hips ... men tend to get a "beer gut." Abdomi- nal obesity indicates high levels of visceral fat, which is stored around the abdominal organs, and is one of the main risk factors for cardio- What to do: Men should mea st,m their waist - to-hip ratio (waist cir- cumference divided by trip durum- Terence) at least once a year. A ratio higher than 0.9 for men is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. ■ Low HDL eholesterot. Inade- quate, IDL "good" cholesterolmay predict heart disease or a#teart at- tack better than elevated levels of total or LDL "bad" cholesterol. What to dw In addition to track- ing blood pressure (anything above 120/80 mmHg requires medical attention), men should be aware of their cholesterol read- ings, keeping HDL levels high and LDL levels low. If a man's HDL is below 35 mg/dL (40 mg/dL and above is desirable), he should ask his doctor about taking niacin to elevate HDL levels. In"rtmrt Men with erectile dys- function (ED) should be screened for cardiovascular disease. New research indicates that men with ED are nearly 50% more Iikely to suffer from diabetes or meta- bolic syndrome (a constellation of symptoms including high blood pressure and obesity)— conditions that greatly increase risk for car - diovascular disease. OSTEOPOROSIS Men account for 20% of osteo- porosis cases diagnosed in the US. Because osteoporosis is often considered a "women's disease," many men who are at increased risk —due to smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive intake of alco- hol and/or prolonged use of steroid 8 0 BOTTOM LINE health AUGUST 2007 REASONS FOR OPPOSING THE FLUORIDATION OF WATER First, as a matter of principle I strongly object to being medicated against my will and without good reason. Furthermore, the Is little reason to trust the FDA and other "authorities" assurances that fluoridation is safe when vie find they must repeatedly recall or modify warnings regarding drugs and pesticides they previously assured us were safe or safe if used as directed. However, for those who choose to place their faith In the authorities, let them put drops or tablets of fluoride in a glass of regular water instead of making me buy a water filter and pay more taxes fora municipal fluoridated water supply. Fluoridation is particularly hazardous to young children. You can't control how much water they will drink as it's governed by thirst; likewise how much fluoride they'll ingest from.using fluoridated toothpaste. And what if Mom prepares a soup using fluoridated tap water? As the water boils off the concentration of fluoride in the soup Increases. In short, there is no practical means of controlling the actual fluoride intake of our populati on. Comments.and facts re the safetv.of fluorides. °Fluoride is a corrosive poison that will produce serious effects on a long range basis." Dr. Charles Gordon Heyd, Past President of the AMA. "Fluorides ... have never been subjected to the full risk/benefit analysis which Is required to bring other drugs to the market" Dr. Robert Verkerk. 8102: Belgium prohibits fluoride supplements; i.e., fluoride tablets drops and chewing gum because they pose a great risk to physical and psychological health. Federal Minister of Public Health. "Fluoridation ... is the greatest fraud that has ever been perpetrated.' Prof. Albert Schatz, Ph.D. Discoverer of Strptomycin and Nobel Prize winner. 11114105: Most of Western Europe (98%) has abandoned fluoridation due to a lack of evidence of. its effectiveness and concern about major side - effects. 2005: US Dept. of Agriculture recognizes new findings that cumulative fluoride intake might lead to painful skeletal fluorosis. Other studies show that long term fluoridation causes more hip fractures 2006: American Dental Association warns mother's about mixing powdered baby formula with fluoridated water. Some Health Problems Caused by Fluorides. Fluoride exposure during pregnancy linked to learning disabilities, attention deficit and other behavior disorders. Alzhelmees disease has been linked to the bloavallability of Aluminum which finds it's way into the brain, it turns out that fluoride can double the amount of aluminum deposited In the brain. Osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis linked to brittle bones and more porous tooth enamel. 5 epidemiological studies in 3 different countries show as much as an 87% higher risk of hip fractures in the elderly - even where the fluoridation was below 1.5 parts per million (ppm). In 1981, Dean Burk, Chief Chemist at the National Cancer Institute, testifled at congressional hearings that 40,000 cancer deaths in 1981 were attributable to fluoride. That's 40,000 deaths that could have been prevented by NOT fluoridating the public water supply. in 1990 a 10 year study completed by the Federal Dept. of Health and Human Services fourpd that fluoride was carcinogenic. FDA scientists reported Infertility in women Increases with fluoridation. Symptoms of the thyroid disorder, hypothyroidism, which include depression, fatigue, weight gain, muscle and joint pain, increased cholesterol levels, and heart disease correlate closely with symptoms of fluoride poisoning. This may be due to the chemically related fluorides interfering with the uptake and utilization of iodine needed by the thyroid. In view of our current epidemics of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease it seems irrational to compound our healthcare problems with fluoridation.