HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC - Public Commentsmary cause of poisoning due to toxic materials in water. Special
shower filters containing KDF® are an Inexpensive sway to solve the
problem. As with all toxic exposure, small children, elderly people,
and those with weakened inunune systatts are nnsl ;t risk.
Because of their expenencc in World War I with chlorine gas used
as a I henueal weap m, communities in Lunq,c use ,zone and ddtra-
violet light w disinfect wafer supplies 11011and roe, sand Iltrauan n,
deliver highly putdied water to its citizens. Cleat ly. dher methods ul
disinfection of water supplies are nvadahlC; they lust cost more than
most municipalities are willing to spend
ht spite of promises made by puhoduuls. It to likely In be decades.
if ever, before non - chlorinated water Is routinely :o.ailahle front the
tap. In fact, the current political chmate is actually working to weak-
ell existing pollution Imes. Until such tittle as the government is
forced into upgrading water delivery systems, cnuunon sen,e dic-
tates that individuals protect themselves with the purchase of bot-
tled drinking water or point -of -use filtration systems thin are
effective in the removal of chlorine and its assnctaird [)lips. ss'hlch
should be removed not only for drinking purposes, but lot bathing
purposes as well.
Chlorine, and some but not all of its DBPs like THMIs ar chlo-
ramines, can le rrnlovetl by gr:mular- activated carbon. letter yet is
KDFIl0, which can remove many tires more chlorine, as well its all
DBPs. While high quality rc•veisc- osmosis and distillation -hated sys-
tems remove chlorine and DBPs, home units are unpractical lot
treating water used for bathing. See section entitled -Understanding
Your Choices," for more information.
P 10 3al07
Brian Demerit, toxicologist at the Virginia State Department of
flealth, ill his 1981 report Flunlide in Dioiking Nfuer, discussed the
many scientific papers showing fluoride In be hoth nnnagenic and
carcinogenic. Albert liurgslahler, it Kansas biochemist and co-
author, with the late Gcotge Waldbou, M.D., of Fluoridation: The
Grout Ddnrunu, relilfnret', Ihat vies by demonstrating that patholog-
Will ch:nlgcs in the kiducy can he produced by Iluoride levels of less
than 100 ppm.
One of the largest epI&IIIIologiuti studies ever dune on nuoridat-
ed w:uer and c:u'ctuogcnicily was conducted in 1977 by Di. John
Yiantuuy iannis and Dr. Dcan Burk. Dr. Yianunlyumms 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 propensity to publish Information critical of fluoridation. Dr.
But was the retired head of cytoche iustry at the National Cancer
Institute. In their study, Drs. Burk and
As reported in Newsweek (Feb. 5,
Yiamnuyiannis monitored cancer rates over a
1990). health information critical
twenty-year period in ten fluoridated Amen- 1990).
the use of fluoride in drinking
can cities and ten non - fluoridated. What they
found was an increased morality talc from water has been intentionally
withheld from the public, including
cancer in those being in cites with Iluarid:uetl
water. New studies indicate that fluoride levels many dental professionals.
(if as little as I ppnl can cause chromosomal damage by inhibiting or
interfering with the ability of DNA to repair itself.
Does fluoride prevent tooth decay? Perhaps, but contrary to pop-
ular opinion, the jury is ;rill out. According to the World Health
Organization, the rate ,I rcductiun in tooth decay is greater in Fin-
land and Norway where water is not numidated than in ale U. S.
where water I, romind) fluoridated. A massive two -year, ntniti- Inil-
bon dollar, ratepayer- funded study1z of nearly 40,000 children in all
areas of the ultrdry was conducted during the line 1980s by the
National Inswutc of Dcnlal Research la department of the United
States Public Health Service) in order to silence critics of fluoridation
once and fur ,dl. Instead, what . this extensive, peer- reviewed study
found was that Iluoride has no effect on the incidrnce of tooth decay!
The results of this study were burted. In fact, a great deal of solid,
peer - reviewed information critical of fluoridation has been buried.
As reported in Nei"week (Feb. 5, 1990), health information criti-
cal of [lie use of fluoride to drinking water has been intentionally
withheld ham the public, including many denial professionals. Only
99 liow1 aNINY 1111 wPIFN I thupIrr ) rIN111 N5I11NNINO "it CUNIAMI.NANIS e8
FLUORIDE New studies pointing to polrnttal dr :t%%
backs in water Iluurid:uian have rekindled it debate thin
Symbol: Ionized Fluorine, F
most scientists want t0 see ,losed Many ne,v studies (as dor-
Long term toxicity rating:
ML[1II
umented below) paint 1, the slgttlfitlllll danger of Ingesting
e, carcinogenic:!.?✓
fluoride, line study Ili's 1tr,111.11MI Idle FDA II, sl'.Irn pa rcin,
can caNsc "brittle bane`
not to let children ingest fluoride in toothpaste while bru,h-
syndrome and mottling
of teeth
Ing teeth. Another denionstrmes that people 1FhU use nllul'I-
Destroys enzyme function
dated water in aluminum cookware release up to 1,000
Sourer PUblrc water
times more aluminum into thetr lin,d.
system% toothpaste. nature
Rerl1lasi: Distillation,
1. PPOShhzll lu lIUMI(latinn has aw'Ey, been treated as an
reverse - osmosis,
anomaly. to be explained as the action). of fringe groups and
deionization, catalytic
quacks. Nevertheless, 1101 .dl clines of fluorin :Mort can be
activated carbon
described as quacks, nor have they born ellecuvely slienced.
P 10 3al07
Brian Demerit, toxicologist at the Virginia State Department of
flealth, ill his 1981 report Flunlide in Dioiking Nfuer, discussed the
many scientific papers showing fluoride In be hoth nnnagenic and
carcinogenic. Albert liurgslahler, it Kansas biochemist and co-
author, with the late Gcotge Waldbou, M.D., of Fluoridation: The
Grout Ddnrunu, relilfnret', Ihat vies by demonstrating that patholog-
Will ch:nlgcs in the kiducy can he produced by Iluoride levels of less
than 100 ppm.
One of the largest epI&IIIIologiuti studies ever dune on nuoridat-
ed w:uer and c:u'ctuogcnicily was conducted in 1977 by Di. John
Yiantuuy iannis and Dr. Dcan Burk. Dr. Yianunlyumms 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 propensity to publish Information critical of fluoridation. Dr.
But was the retired head of cytoche iustry at the National Cancer
Institute. In their study, Drs. Burk and
As reported in Newsweek (Feb. 5,
Yiamnuyiannis monitored cancer rates over a
1990). health information critical
twenty-year period in ten fluoridated Amen- 1990).
the use of fluoride in drinking
can cities and ten non - fluoridated. What they
found was an increased morality talc from water has been intentionally
withheld from the public, including
cancer in those being in cites with Iluarid:uetl
water. New studies indicate that fluoride levels many dental professionals.
(if as little as I ppnl can cause chromosomal damage by inhibiting or
interfering with the ability of DNA to repair itself.
Does fluoride prevent tooth decay? Perhaps, but contrary to pop-
ular opinion, the jury is ;rill out. According to the World Health
Organization, the rate ,I rcductiun in tooth decay is greater in Fin-
land and Norway where water is not numidated than in ale U. S.
where water I, romind) fluoridated. A massive two -year, ntniti- Inil-
bon dollar, ratepayer- funded study1z of nearly 40,000 children in all
areas of the ultrdry was conducted during the line 1980s by the
National Inswutc of Dcnlal Research la department of the United
States Public Health Service) in order to silence critics of fluoridation
once and fur ,dl. Instead, what . this extensive, peer- reviewed study
found was that Iluoride has no effect on the incidrnce of tooth decay!
The results of this study were burted. In fact, a great deal of solid,
peer - reviewed information critical of fluoridation has been buried.
As reported in Nei"week (Feb. 5, 1990), health information criti-
cal of [lie use of fluoride to drinking water has been intentionally
withheld ham the public, including many denial professionals. Only
99 liow1 aNINY 1111 wPIFN I thupIrr ) rIN111 N5I11NNINO "it CUNIAMI.NANIS e8
r
P
it
ll
recently has the information, available since 1985, been pried loose
from the U. S. Public ficallh Service, through petitions based on lire
Sodium Fluoride is a 6y- product
Freedom of information Act. It seems that
of aluminum manufacture. The
those who arc so anxious to lint their rcpula-
transformation of sodium Fluoride tions on line line in defense of fluoridation arc
from dangerous chemical to benign not so anxious to inform tire public Of studies
cavity fighter came as a result of tonfimhing its dangers. Considering the
prl rub i,d Ir,ral I:un i l it II i,-n. it i n I r nI in II:dhY
prunhu Ilan fnnn hire Mcllun Ihhstllute,
the chief research facility of ALCOA adding %shat may prove to be a serious poison
Aluminum Company. North America's to lh< dunking water of 551, 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 hydrolluosilicic acid, is rated as more toxic than lead in chemistry
indexes, and only slightly less toxic than arsenic. Like cidounc, 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 %vould-
n'l hurl to know than sodium fluoride is a by- product of aluminum
manufacture, and that the transformation of sodium fluoride Win
dangerous chemical to benign cavity fighter came as a result of pro-
motion from the Mellon Institute, the chief research facility of ALCOA
Aluminum Company, North Americas largest fluoride pnxlucer.
Many countries in Europe have either banned fluoride or discon-
tinued its use. They see the debate over whether fluoride is toxic at I
or 2 ppm as missing the point. To dhcnh, [lie increased risks of cancer
and skeletal ffuorosis known to be caused by fluoride fat outweigh
any potential benefit to one's teeth. Their approach is to implement
sound nutritional principles, remove pollutants that com-
promise natural immunity. and fund appropriate educational
Shbols Hy5- 4 ':• programs designed to resolve not only problems with tooth
tppgtlr,.ngpg decay, but many other modern degenerative diseases.
Sy�I,a " Fluoride can he cffcchivcly rcmoccd From your water by
W-vfo .;may $ filtration with catalytic activated carhon fillers, special fh<o-
N>.Ispnow't�k` ... ride fillers, reverse - osmosis, or distillation.
gMund
KDP
HYDROGEN SULFIDE Hydrogen sulfide is a gas
sI with a rotten egg odor. In the Southwest, it often occurs it
tandem with iron and mangancec, h is very corrosive to
Pat
plumbing, kills aquarium fish, tarnishes silver. and al high
levels is dangerous to health. it can he tmmstcd at levels as low
as 0.5 ppm- and in conceinratiuns that arc dangerous, its
50 DON-1 DRINK T'If WpIFR
i
odor will he quite ohvious. When present it must be removed hcforc
the water is suitable for human use. This is usually accomplished
with reverse - osmosis, aeration, ozonization and chlorination equip-
mcm, catalytic activated carbon filtration colts- or KUI71s' systems.
The CPA maximum contaminant level for this substance is 0.05 mg/L.
LEAD Lead is one of tlhc nhost dangerous lxllulanis found
in dliml•iny, w :n.I II i..,I;Iorl I„u. w-1 nldy 11,, air....I W.
CITCCIS, but because of the widespread nature of its distribu- Symbol: Pb
tion. I fcallhcarc researchers estimate that as many as 201, of Long term toxicity rating:
Americans arc exposed to dangerously high levels of Icad in at � at at
Poisonous• especially
their drinking water. Overall, the EPA has found that con- dangerous to infants and
trolling Icad - Contaminated drinking water could reduce lead the elderly
exposure for hctu cell 130 and 190 million Americans. contributes to many
serious health disorders
Lead is responsible for kidney: brain, and central nervous Accumulates in tissues
system disorders. In adults it can cause miscarriages, hyper- Imparts sweet taste to
tension. multiple sclerosis, impotency, numerous nervous water
system disorders and even death. Tlhcsc and other health source: Lead in pipes,
solder in plumbing, brass
effects of Icad at low levels have been well - documented; in faucets, fixtures• well
therefore, [lie EPA established a goal of zero Icad in drinking PUMPS
water because ••there arc no clear) • discernible thresholds for Removal: Distillation,
y reverse - osmosis, KDFv,
some of the non - cancer health effects associated with Icad" Ion - exchange resins,
catalytic activated carbon
Young children, especially botdc -Icd infants. and [Closes briquette a: block media
arc particularly vulmcrahlc. The EPA found that more than
85% of the Icad found in the blood of bottle -Icd infants may he
(Ici ocd from hill))- formula made utill Icad - contaminated water. For
infants, consuming even eery small amounts of Icad can lead to irrc-
versihlc brain damage, intellectual, emotional, and developmental
problems- numerous nervous system impairments, and shunted
growth. I ligh levels of Icad have been found in c'hildren suffering
from lethargy, personality aberrations, and mental retardation.
Lead gives a sweet taste to water, causing people to mistakenly
believe that their water Is exceptionally "good.- Since Icad acctinm-
lales in dire human body, particular care must be taken to ensmr that .
lead does not enter your water supply-.
Lead leaches into drinking water in a variety of ways. Many older
communities have Icad supply lines to homes. Over 901. of all U.S.
homes have Icad in their plunhhing in some form, either as Icad ser-
vice pipes- Icad - soldered pipe connections, or Icad in [lie brass alloys
of which faucets, well pumps and other plumbing parts arc made.
Although a federal ])air against hhc use of Icad in plumbing systems
CNnplei ) UNDt NSt/IJDINU 1NF CONIAMINTNIS 51
the MWD received a grant in 2003 for $5.5 mil from the California Dental Association Foundation and the statewide fluoridation task force
(Fluoridation 2010 Work Group) which, according to MWD is comprised of Individuals from the Dept. of Public Health, the CDAF, the
American Dental Association, and various county health and public health officials who have the responsibility of implementing the "Health
People 2010" campaign of the US Dept. of Health and Human Services which has a goal of increasing the number of people getting
fluoridated water to 75% by 2010.
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE TORRANCE WATER COMMISSION
CALL TO ORDER
The Torrance Water Commission convened in a regular session at 7:02 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2006.
2. ROLL CALL I MOTIONS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCE
Present: Commissioners Deemer, Lew, Riaardi, Wamer. White, and Chairperson Hoffman.
Absent None.
Also Present Deputy Public Works Director van der Linden,
Senior Administrative Analyst Schaich, and
Metropolitan Water District Director Wright.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Commissioner White led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
MOTION: Commissioner White moved to accept and file the report of the City Clerk on the posting of the agenda for this
meeting. Commissioner Deemer seconded the motion; a voice vote reflected unanimous approval.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MWD Director Wright noted that Page 4. Item 10, paragraph 3 of the June 15, 2006 meeting minutes should be amended as follow:
"Responding to Commissioner Deemer's inquiry, he stated that the Colorado River water shed precipitation was approximately 80% of
normal and Northern California was approximateN 140 -160% of normal,...'
Commissioner Hoffman requested that the following be added to the June 15, 2006 meeting minutes:
Page 3, paragraph 1, line 2: °...to chemically reduce hexavalent to trivalent chromium (Chromium 3), which is more stable and
does not cause any potential health risks, monitoring soil and groundwater concentrations,..."
Page 3, paragraph 3: "...the general public should be notified and educated about the remediation project. Exxon -Mobil stated
that its Position has been not to inform the general public about the Chromium 6 mitigation project at the refinery."
MOTION: Commissioner White moved for the approval of the June 15, 2006 Water Commission meeting minutes as amended.
Commissioner Deemer seconded the motion; a roll call vote reflected unanimous approval (with Commissioner Lew abstaining).
6. NEW BUSINESS
6A. PRESENTATION BY METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT REGARDING THEIR CONVERSION TO OZONE AND
FLUORIDE TREATMENT
Edgar G. Dymally, Senior Environmental Specialist, Water Quality, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), gave a
power point presentation on MWD's Fluoridation Communications Plan. He stated that MWD has undertaken an effort to retrofit its
treatment plants for several reasons that include ddnldng water fluoridation. He provided background information about the 1995
legislation that mandated drinking water fluoridation in California if funding was available, and the policy adopted by the MWD Board to
fluoridate in February 2003. He stated that MWD was given a grant from the _California Endowment for $5.5 million
for planni n desi n urchase and installation and that fluoridation facilities Vill be on -line by
July 1, 2007. He noted that all credible Federal, State, and local health officials have deemed fluordation to be safe, and that there were
benefits of topical application and Ingestion of fluoride, not only for children but adults as well.
Responding to Chairperson Hoffman's inquiry, he explained that the practice of fluoridation originally began in 1945 primarily for
dental care, and briefly described controversy surrounding the practice that began during the Cold War ere.
Commissioner Deemer pointed out that one of the controversies was that it was viewed as forced medication.
Deputy Public Works Director van der Linden stated that there was naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water, noting that 15%
of Torrance served by California Water would not be receiving fluoridated water.
Senior Environmental Specialist Dymally presented the Fluoridation Facilities Construction Schedule and discussed operational
issues highlights that include blending, monitoring, additional funding opportunities for member agencies, operating and maintenance
costs, and fluoride supplies that primarily come from Texas and Florida.
Senior Administrative Analyst Schaich stated that currently Torrance receives 80% of its drinking water from MWD, noting that
staff was actively looking at an implementation plan to increase local supplies to the optimization level of fluoridated water of .7 to 8
milligrams of fluoride per liter.
In response to Commissioner Deemer's inquiry, he explained that few states have facilities to chemically separate fluoride.
Mosaic,
CA Proposition 65:
Not listed
(Health & Safety Code
Section 25249.5
WHMIS:
Listed as Fluorosilicic Acid
CBSA:
This product does not contain any bovine, ruminant or other animal by- products
SECTION XVI
OTHER INFORMATION
Disclaimer:
tion in this document is believed to be correct as of the date issued.
R, NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR ANY
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR
IS TO BE IMPLIED REGARDING THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF
THIS INFORMATION, THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED FROM THE USE
THE PRODUCT, THE SAFETY OF THIS
OR DS RELATED TO ITS USE. This information and
product are furnished on the condition that the person receiving them shall
make their own determination as to suitability of the product for their particular
purpose and on the condition that they assume the risk of their use thereof.
The conditions the use of this product are beyond the control of Mosaic,
and Mosaic disclaims any liability for loss or damage incurred in connection with
the use or misuse of this substance.
Preparation:
The preparation of this MSDS was in accordance with ANSI Z400.1 -2004.
Note to _ (ifappli"b/e):
I Not applicable
Status: New Issue Date:: February 3, 2006
Section(s) Revised: N/A MSDS #: MOS169610406.1
NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
IN DRINKING WATER
A SCIENTIFIC REVIEW OF
EPA'$ STANDARDS
162 FLUORIDE IN DRINKING WATER �, EFFECTS ON TILE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM 263
TABLE 8 -2 Summary of Major Observed Endocrine Effects of Fluoride
in Humans, with Typical Associated Intakes and Physiological Fluoride
Concentrations
End Point
Fluoride
Intake,
mg/kg/day-
Fluoride
in Serum Fluoride
or plasma, in Urine,
mg/L mg1L
Key References
Altered thyroid
0.05 -0.1
20.25° 2.4
Bachinskii et al. 1985; Lin et
function (altered
(0.03 with
al. 1991; Yang et al. 1994;
T4 and/or T3
iodine
Michael et al. 1996; Susheela
concentrations)
deficiency)
ct al. 2005
Elevated TSH
0.05 -0.1
20.25° 22
Bachinskii et al. 1985; Lin et
concentrations
(0.03 with
al. 1991; Yang et al. 1994;
iodine
Susheela et al. 2005
deficiency)
Elevated calcitonin
0.06 -0.87
0.11 - 0.261' 2.2 -18.5
Teutia er al. 1978
concentrations
mg/day
Goiter prevalence 2
0.07 -0.13
NA` NA
Day and Powell - 1972;
20%
(20.01
,Jackson
Desai et al. 1993; Jooste et al.
with
1999
iodine
2 -8
Rig.dli ct al. 1990, 1995; .I
to erance in some
0.1 -0.31'
Trisedi et al. 1993; do la Sota 1
individuals
194-
Increased
0.15 -0.87
0.14 - 0.451' 3 -18.5
Juncos and Donadiu 1972;
parathyroid hormone
mg/day
Tenon and Tcutia 1973; Larsen !
concentrations,
et al. 1978; Teotia et al. 1978;
secondary
Duumna et al. 1987; Dandona
hyperparathymidism,
et al. 1988; Stamp er al. t988,
in some individuals
1990; Pettifor et al. 1989; !
Srivastava et al. 1989; Duce- t
Smith et al. 1996; Gupta et al.
2001
-Serum.
sPlasma.
`Not available.
1
Thyroid Function
Fluoride exposure in humans is associated with elevated TSH concentra-
tions, increased goiter prevalence, and altered T4 and T3 concentrations;
similar effects on T4 and T3 are reported in experimental animals, but TSH
has not been measured in most studies. In animals, effects on thvroid func-
tion have been reported at Fluoride doses of 3 -6 mgtkg/dey (some effects at
0.4 -0.6 mg/kg/day) when iodine intake was adequate (Table 8 -1); effects on
thyroid function were more severe or occurred at lower doses when iodine
intake was inadequate. In humans, effects un thyroid function were associ-
ated with fluoride exposures of 0.05 -0.13 mg/kg/day when iodine intake
was adequate and 0.01 -0.03 mg/kg/day when iodine intake was inadequate
(Table 8 -2).
Several sets of results are consistent with inhibition of deiodinase
activity, but other mechanisms of action are also possible, and Inure than
one might be operative in it given situation. In many cases, mean honnunc
concentrations for groups are within normal limits, but individuals may
have clinically important situations. In particular, the inverse correlation
between asymptomatic hypothyroidism in pregnant mothers and the IQ of
the offspring (Klein et al. 2001) is a cause for concern. The recent decline
in iodine intake in the United States (CDC 2002d; Larsen et al. 2002) could
contribute to increased toxicity of Fluoride for some individuals.
Thyroid Parafollicular Cell Function
Only one study has reported calcitonin concentrations in fluoride -ex-
posed individuals. This study found elevated calcitonin in all patients with
fluoride exposures above about 0.15 mg/kg/day and in one patient with a
current intake of approximately 0.06 mg/kg/day (Table 8 -2); these exposures
corresponded to plasma fluoride concentrations of 0.1 1 -0.26 mg/L. Results
attributed to altered calcitonin activity have also been found in experimental
animals at a fluoride exposure of 2 mg/kg/day (Table 8 -1). It is not clear
whether elevated calcitonin is a direct or indirect result of fluoride exposure,
nor is it clear what the clinical significance of elevated calcitonin concentra-
tions might be in individuals.
Parathyroid Function
In hunnans, depending on the calcium intake, elevated concentrations of
PTH are routincl) found at fluoride exposures of 0.4 -0.6 mg/kg/day and at
exposures as low as 0.15 nig/kg/day in sonic individuals (Table 8 -2). Similar
effects and exposures have been found in a variety of human studies; these
studies indicate that elevated PTH and secondary hyperparathyroidism oc-
cur at fluoride intakes higher than those associated with other endocrine
effects. In the single study that measured both calcitonin and PTH, all
individuals with elevated PTH also had elevated calcitonin, and several in-
dividuals had elevated calcitonin without elevated PTH (Teotia et al. 1978).
Elevated concentrations of PTH and secondary hyperparathyroidism have
also been reported at fluoride intakes of 9 -10 mg/kg/day (and as low as
0.45 -2.3 mg/kg/day in one study) in experimental animals (Table 8 -1). One
ON'T DRINK
THE
ATER
The Essential Guide to
Our Contaminated Drinking Water
and What You Can Do About It