A wide variety of adverse human health effects are attributed by dr connett to supplementation of drinking water with fluoride. Fluoride in drinking water 50 reasons to opppose fluoridation. Arguments against water fluoridation are just folklore the campaign against the fluoridation of water is communicating a form of modern folklore. Water fluoridation natures way to prevent tooth decay.
The centers for disease control and prevention cdc has proclaimed community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Connett,p 2004 50 reasons to oppose fluoridation updated april 12, 2004. Fluoridation is the single most important commitment a community can make to the oral health of its children and to future generations. In 1957, a new zealand commission of inquiry was able to allay ethical concerns about water fluoridation.
The one does not necessarily correspond to the other. Installing fluoridation equipment is an expensive affair and local governments, municipal authorities and private water suppliers will bear the cost and liability. The ethics of water fluoridation are scrutinized by mark diesendorf in this issue of fluoride. The water fluoridation controversy article should remain separate from the water fluoridation article, slightly mentioned by it, and in the see also. Fluoridation of the local water distribution network commenced in 1986.
The controversy over community water fluoridation 4 introduction why is water fluoridation so controversial even with the backing of the centers for disease control and prevention cdc and american dental association ada. The addition of drugs to the drinking water means exactly the opposite of an individualized therapy carlsson 1978. Water fluoridation has played a major role in lowering the rate of tooth decay in the u. Community water fluoridation is recognized by the centers for disease control and prevention as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Arguments against water fluoridation are just folklore. Kidney disease, by definition, lowers the efficiency of the kidneys, which is your main route of fluoride elimination. Fluoride in drinking water 50 reasons to opppose fluoridation why over 3500 medicaldentalscientific professionals are opposed to artificial water fluoridation and have signed a petition to stop fluoridation. These methods can become costly and time consuming, and also fail to include community members who dont have the financial resources or ability to access alternative methods of fluoridation. Installing fluoridation equipment is an expensive affair and local governments, municipal authorities and.
During the last 60 years, the legality of fluoridation in the united states has been thoroughly tested in our court systems. Under the water fluoridation act 2008 each local government in queensland is able to make the decision whether or not the town water supplies within their area are fluoridated. Single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. I am responding here to each reason given in the fluoride free new zealands ffnz document top 12 reasons why fluoridation. However, combining both salt and water fluoridation is not recommended. Top 10 reasons to support water fluoridation 1 water fluoridation saves teeth. Common questions about community water fluoridation. The benefits of cwf, however, are not without scrutiny and opposition by the uninformed. A critical appraisal of, and commentary on, 50 reasons to. Fluoridation is one story that has a very happy ending. The amount of fluoridated water cannot be controlled. Response to a list of 50 reasons to oppose fluoridation. No disease has ever been linked to a fluoride deficiency.
Fluoride action network 50 reasons to oppose fluoridation. Most developed countries, including japan and 97% of the western european population, do not consume fluoridated water. Americans probably shouldnt drink fluoridated water, because in doing so, theyll receive an excessive dose of fluoride. Water fluoridation continues to be a highly costeffective strategy, even in areas where the overall caries level has declined and the cost of implementing water fluoridation has increased. Fluoride is a natural element found in rocks and soil everywhere, in fresh water, and in ocean water. This paper explains why an ethical public health professional was compelled to do a 180 degree turn on fluoridation. Water fluoridation is the addition of the chemical fluoride to public water supplies, for the purpose of reducing cavities. Fluoridated water is not the only way people are exposed to fluoride. Humans can have perfectly good teeth without fluoride. For over 100 years, science and medicine have understood the poisonous nature of fluoride. Alcoa, were sued for millions of dollars due to toxic fluoride waste escaping from. Health canada has even declared water fluoridation a public health issue. Controversies in sciencewater fluoridation wikiversity. Side effects cannot be excluded and thus some might only have negative effect without any benefit 5.
Oct 28, 2008 during the last 60 years, the legality of fluoridation in the united states has been thoroughly tested in our court systems. Maybe thats progress they used to tout a list of 50 reasons. The story of fluoridation, national institute of dental and craniofacial research, national institutes of health. Debunking antifluoridationists remaining 12 reasons for. Dr arvid carlsson of sweden, a cowinner of the nobel prize for medicine in 2000 advises against fluoridation. Enamel can be weakened when bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars to form acids that cause tooth decay.
May 11, 2008 americans probably shouldnt drink fluoridated water, because in doing so, theyll receive an excessive dose of fluoride. Questions and answers this more detailed technical resource has been prepared by nsw health to assist communities and professionals understand the process of fluoridation, the evidence supporting the benefits of fluoridationand the evidence cited to support claims made about harms associated with fluoridation. Paul connett now professor emeritus of chemistry st. Without fluoridation of a community water source, fluoride drops, tablets or rinses are requires as fluoridation alternatives. How to stop toxic water fluoridation in your community. Top 10 reasons to oppose water fluoridation oral answers. Top 10 reasons to support water fluoridation oral answers.
Read frequently asked questions developed to help local governments pdf 84 kb make decisions about how fluoridation is implemented in their local government area. Learn why fluoridation is a bad medical practice that is unnecessary and ineffective. Response to a list of 50 reasons to oppose fluoridation, compiled by dr connett responses by tw cutress section 1. Although dental public health officials in countries promoting water fluoridation adamantly deny the existence of illness caused by fluoride in drinking water, undeniable medical ill effects from fluoride added to drinking water have been known and reported since the start of water fluoridation over 50 years ago. Lawrence university in canton, ny offers 50 reasons to oppose fluoridation as listed below and the statements are slightly edited.
There is little debate among scientists over the effectiveness and safety of fluoridation to fight cavities, but a small but vocal contrarian community has effectively blocked several cities from fluoridating by creating fear that the practice is. New zealand antifluoride campaigners have whittled their list of objections to community water fluoridation cwf down to 12 reasons. Facts about fluoride and water fluoridation live science. Wolverhampton around 236,000 people in wolverhampton the whole of the citys population are supplied with artificially fluoridated water. Request pdf fifty reasons to oppose fluoridation 1 fluoride is not an essential nutrient. The fluoridation of water supplies to municipalities in the u. Water fluoridation in canada safe drinking water foundation. Subscribe to fluoride action networks fan free enewsletter and help support fans work by giving a donation today via our secure online payment system. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. In it colquhoun provides details on how data were manipulated to support fluoridation in english speaking countries, especially the u.
Some of the reasons to oppose water fluoridation include concerns about its lack of safety and its impact on human health and the environment. He says, fluoridation of water supplies would also treat people who may not benefit from the treatment. Most western european countries are not fluoridated and have. Yet, the epa, fda, and cdc all officially continue to stand behind fluoridation, which currently affects the tap water supplied to over 200 million americans roughly twothirds of the population, as if the addition of this toxic chemical were essential to our health. Common questions about community water fluoridation campaign for dental health. Fluoridation schemes were introduced between 1985 and 1987.
The paper is titled, why i changed my mind about water fluoridation. Fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health over a lifetime, for both children and adults. The water fluoridation controversy arises from political, moral, ethical, economic, and health considerations regarding the fluoridation of public water supplies for deprived groups in both maturing and matured countries, international and national agencies and dental associations across the world support the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation. Fluoride works to control early dental caries in several ways. Jan 30, 2017 new zealand antifluoride campaigners have whittled their list of objections to community water fluoridation cwf down to 12 reasons. Controversies in sciencewater fluoridationa critique of 50. Since water fluoridation is a form of medication, it will be impossible to control the amount of water consumed by each individual because different people consume different amounts of water daily.
Until the amended operation permit is issued and its conditions satisfied, the supplier must continue fluoridation in accordance with their present permit. Although dental public health officials in countries promoting water fluoridation adamantly deny the existence of illness caused by fluoride in drinking water, undeniable medical ill effects from fluoride added to drinking water have been known and reported since the. Jun 16, 20 fluoride action network 50 reasons to oppose fluoridation. This report provides further reassurance that water fluoridation is a safe and effective public health measure. In fact, waters in and around the united states have natural luoride levels that range from 0. Nov 29, 2016 fluoridation of water is supported by many national and international organizations. Adding fluoride to water helps government and individual spending in the long run by reducing the amount of money spent in dental bills and dental care as well as maintaining healthy teeth.
Why do some people oppose adding fluoride to water when it is known to benefit oral health. Books on fluoridation national pure water association. The process has caused controversy for more than 60 years. The world health organizations, centers for disease control and prevention, health canada, and multiple dental associations, including the american, canadian and provincial associations believe water fluoridation he. Pdf fluoride is one of the most abundant elements found in nature. A community water system that proposes to discontinue fluoridation must first obtain an amended water supply permit from dep as per 109. Response to a list of american fluoridation society. Fluoride is already present in all water sources, even the oceans. Lets go through that list one by one and see if any stand up. Fans database sets forth the scientific basis for concerns regarding the safety and effectiveness of ingesting fluorides. Water fluoridation prevents cavities obviously, this is the main reason why fluoride is added to public water supplies. Pew childrens dental campaign fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral.
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