March 2006
National Research Council report highlights dangers of fluoridation
On Wednesday 22 March the US National Research Council (NRC) released its report on fluoride toxicity. Mark Atkin,
National Co-ordinator of Fluoride Action Network NZ, says "The crucial message of this report is that the highest
scientific authority in the US has determined that low levels of fluoride in drinking water may have serious adverse
health effects. This confirms what we and others have been saying for 50 years."
The NRC report:
a.. Cited a wide range of health problems, with bones and teeth being the foremost
b.. noted a growing body of scientific research linking fluoride exposure to disruption of the nervous and endocrine
systems, including the brain, thyroid and pineal gland.
c.. Noted that the doses of fluoride associated with thyroid disturbances are now exceeded by many people, particularly
children, drinking 1 ppm fluoridated water (within the "target" range in NZ)
d.. Recommended the EPA (who requested the report) lower the maximum allowed level of fluoride in water (currently
higher than allowed in NZ)
Because of concerns over fluoride's health risks, the NRC report calls on government agencies to introduce nationwide
monitoring of fluoride levels in people's urine and blood. This is already a requirement of the World Health
Organisation, before endorsing fluoridation.
"The New Zealand Ministry of Health deliberately excludes fluoride levels from all dietary studies, and conducts no
monitoring of fluoride levels in New Zealanders. This is inexcusably irresponsible of the Government, and leaves it
exposed to legal claims" says Mr Atkin, a qualified lawyer.
He cites the prestigious US law firm, Waters and Kraus, who have gained over $1 billion in lawsuits on asbestos
exposure, and is currently gearing up to sue fluoridaters over osteosarcoma, following the Bassin study released last
year and about to be published internationally. "There is nothing to prevent such a lawsuit here" says Mr Atkin.
The report also recommends research to clarify the relationship between fluoride and many chronic diseases including
cancer, arthritis, dementia, diabetes, and thyroid disease. This reinforces the same call by the York Review in 2000. Mr
Atkin observes "So much for the Ministry and DHB mantra that fluoride is 'safe and effective'."
Meanwhile the independent and highly respected Environment Working Group has determined from US Government data that
babies drinking milk formula made up with water containing more than 0.3 ppm fluoride (the highest level naturally found
in NZ water) are overexposed to fluoride.
"This confirms an Irish study released in 2004, and FAN(NZ)' own calculations posted on our web site" say Mr Atkin.
"Fluoridation is an unscientific, unethical, and ineffective practice that will soon be recognised here, as it is in
Europe, as the biggest medical fraud in history. Sadly, the Ministry of Health and DHBs will no doubt forge ahead with
even more vigour and underhanded tactics, as they have to date, trying to force their fanatical position on the public."
ENDS