News from Fluoride Action Network:

1.  PENNSYLVANIA. Mandatory fluoridation in PA fails again (see Bulletin #1032. Jan 3, 2009)

2.  ALBERTA, CANADA. Drayton Valley stopped fluoridation on December 31, 2008 .

3.  GEORGIA. Big Canoe Utilities drops water fluoridation (Big Canoe is a mountain home resort development).

4.  VERMONT.  In what could become the biggest victory of them all, the Burlington Board of Health has voted 3 to 2 to halt fluoridation immediately because of the new evidence of harm. The issue now goes to the City Council which will doubtless have to face an avalanche of dentists claiming (based on no study of the primary literature) that the health threats are all nonsense. The dental lobby will probably again recruit members of the dental and medical faculties of the University of Vermont to support their cause. Last time these "distinguished academics" mustered all of four words, "Got Teeth, Keep Fluoride" in support of their case. Not much of a recommendation for that University!  Hopefully this time round some of them will actually read something - especially the National Research Council report, Fluoride in Drinking Water (2006) and perhaps at least one of the 23 studies which indicate an association between high fluoride exposure and the lowering of IQ in children - before they repeat their embarrassing statement. A lot will hinge on the local newspaper - the Burlington Free Press.  Perhaps they can write an editorial based upon scientific facts and not the self-serving fiction handed to them by the dental lobby. Last time around their editorial on this issue was shockingly unprofessional: both insulting and inaccurate. Meanwhile, please check out the web site of Safe Water Advocates of Burlington and the statement of spokesperson Kevin Hurley (see below) which gives the details of the Board of Health's decision.  Kevin has a pdf of the media advisory with the Board of Health Resolution that would have to be sent as an attachment.  His email is kevin@polarismediaworks.com  

5.  OREGON. State legislators informed a public meeting in Medford that 'fluoridation has fallen from favor and (any new mandatory fluoridation bill, PC) won't pass" -see article

6.  VIRGINIA. Citizens in Timberville were hoping to get the chance to vote fluoride out of their water, however their effort has met a glitch. Apparently state law does not allow citizens a say in this. The decision can only be made by local councils. This situation has triggered an attempt to get state lawmakers to change this law so citizens can vote on this. If you live in Virginia please write to your state legislator asking him or her to support a change in the state law so that citizens can vote on whether they are going to be medicated via the water supply - or not - see article.

7.  NEW YORK. Schenectady is considering halting fluoridation, but the editor of the paper in an editorial is trying to avert this. Not only will this measure save them money but it will also prevent some serious health risks. See editorial;  Reduce, don't eliminate, fluoride in Sch'dy water.

UPDATE on FAN's 2009 fighting fund
Donations still continue to come in for our 2009 fluoridation fighting fund.  The total now stands at $39,592 from 340 donors.

Paul Connett

Burlington Board of Health says Water Fluoridation should end
By Kevin Hurley
January 5th, 2008

BURLINGTON, VT- Last night the Burlington Board of Health voted 3-2 to approve a resolution recommending that the city of Burlington "immediately" discontinue fluoridating the drinking water. This action officially advises the city council to re-consider the safety and legality of the practice through the lens of new science.

The resolution reads: "In light of recent scientific developments indicating the potential for harm to certain subsets of the population, the Burlington Board of Health recommends immediately taking a precautionary stance by discontinuing the practice of water fluoridation. It is our opinion that drinking water should be pure and safe for all."

Board members discussed the new science published in 2006 by the National Research Council's subcommittee on fluoride. The NRC report entitled: "Fluoride in Drinking Water"  (http://www.swabvt.org/nrc) identifies "vulnerable subsets of the population" including infants, kidney patients, diabetics, and thyroid patients. They concluded that these people in our community are at an increased risk of experiencing the various toxic effects of fluoride in drinking water.

Members of the board heard comments from the public beginning with a representative from the State Department of Health who re-asserted the state's position in favor of fluoridation. Others including several members of SwabVT, a chemist specializing in water safety, and a resident from the dental profession all made statements in opposition to water fluoridation. Geoff Golder of SwabVT said "...we are not immune to making mistakes...Lead had a huge media campaign touting its safety, as did DDT. It is never the wrong time to correct a mistake, even if it was made years ago."

About forty minutes were spent discussing the meaning and impact of the new science on water fluoridation. The board considered the legalities of continuing to add fluoride to the water now that we know certain members of our community will be at increased risk from the toxic effects of the chemical. Members also considered the very nature of distributing a medicine via the public drinking water. Some board members felt that other chemicals, such as chlorine, were also toxic additions to the water and thus the argument of toxicity was invalid. Most, however, felt that the chemicals used to kill bacteria (chlorine) were not comparable to chemicals used as medication. It was noted that we do not use the drinking water as a means for distributing medicines for other ailments.

Following a spirited discussion, a motion was made by Mr. James Vos to adopt a resolution advising the city to take a precautionary stance and discontinue fluoridation all together. The motion was seconded by Fern Crete allowing for further deliberation amongst board members and a vote. Mr. Vos' justification for the resolution was grounded in the new science. Mr. Vos noted, in 2006, the American Dental Association warned that infants six months and younger should not receive fluoridated tap water at all. He also pointed out that the National Kidney Foundation, in 2008, discontinued their support of community water fluoridation and now say that kidney patients should be notified of the potential risks from fluoride exposure. Still more justification looked at the source of the fluoride chemical. "The chemical being added to Burlington's water supply is Hydrofluorosilisic Acid.", he said, "It is a highly toxic industrial by-product of phosphate fertilizer manufacturing. There are virtually no human health effects studies on these fluorosilicate compounds."

After further discussion and questioning a vote was called. The resolution passed 3-2 and officially advised the city council to discontinue the practice of fluoridation "immediately".