Fluoride

Developmental Fluoride Neurotoxicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Anna L. Choi, Guifan Sun, Ying Zhang, Philippe Grandjean Abstract Background: Although fluoride may cause neurotoxicity in animal models and acute fluoride poisoning causes neurotoxicity in adults, very little is known of its effects on children’s neurodevelopment. Objective: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies to investigate the effects of increased fluoride exposure and delayed neurobehavioral development. Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Water Resources Abstracts, and TOXNET databases through 2011 for eligible studies. We also searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, as many studies on fluoride neurotoxicity have been published in Chinese journals only. In total, we identified 27 eligible epidemiological studies with high and reference exposures, endpoints of IQ scores or related cognitive function measures with means and variances for the two exposure groups. We estimated the standardized mean difference (SMD) between exposed and reference groups across all studies using random effects models. We conducted sensitivity analyses restricted to studies using the same outcome assessment and having drinking water fluoride as the only exposure. Cochran test for heterogeneity between studies, Begg’s funnel plot and Egger test to assess publication bias were performed. Meta-regressions to explore sources of variation in mean differences among the studies were conducted. Results: The standardized weighted mean difference in IQ score between exposed and reference populations was -0.45 (95% CI -0.56 to -0.35) using a random-effects model. Thus, children in high fluoride areas had significantly lower IQ scores than those who lived in low fluoride areas. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses also indicated inverse associations, although the substantial heterogeneity did not appear to decrease. Conclusions: The results support the possibility of an adverse effect of high fluoride exposure on children’s neurodevelopment. Future research should include detailed individual-level information on prenatal exposure, neurobehavioral performance, [...]

Paul Connet, of the Fluoride Action Network, writes a concise review of one important side of the case against community water fluoridation:  It doesn't prevent tooth decay! View Article: Why We Doubt the Benefits of Swallowing Fluoride

On August 20, 2007, the Water Quality and Operations Committee of the Metropolitan Water District of Los Angeles held a public commentary meeting.  They had decided back in 2003 to fluoridate the water for the 18 million people in their supply area, but had yet to implement that decision.  One of the people who commented was Kathleen A Thiessen, PhD, of the SENES Oak Ridge, Inc., Center for Risk Analysis.  In her five minute presentation, she cogently and succinctly showed how water consumption varies tremendously, making it impossible to control the delivered dose of fluoride in the population.  Fluoridation unavoidably produces overdoses of fluoride, especially among infants. View Article: Overdosing the Babies With Water Fluoridation

In IAOMT's ongoing examination of the toxicological data on fluoride, the Academy has made several preliminary determinations over the last 18 years, each concluding that fluoride added to the public water supply, or prescribed as controlled-dose supplements, delivers no discernible health benefit, and causes a higher incidence of adverse health effects. View Article: IAOMT Position on Fluoridation

FLUORIDE IN DRINKING WATER: A Scientific Review of EPA’s Standards published 2006 A 400 page report that reviews all the knowledge up to that time concerning the effects of fluoride in drinking water on organs, tissues and susceptible human populations. This report predates most of the publications that demonstrate negative effects of ingested fluoride on children's IQ.   DRINKING-WATER STANDARDS Maximum Contaminant Level Goal In light of the collective evidence on various health end points and total exposure to fluoride, the committee concludes that EPA’s MCLG of 4 mg/L should be lowered. Lowering the MCLG will prevent children from developing severe enamel fluorosis and will reduce the lifetime accumulation of fluoride into bone that the majority of the committee concludes is likely to put individuals at increased risk of bone fracture and possibly skeletal fluorosis, which are particular concerns for subpopulations that are prone to accumulating fluoride in their bones. To develop an MCLG that is protective against severe enamel fluorosis, clinical stage II skeletal fluorosis, and bone fractures, EPA should update the risk assessment of fluoride to include new data on health risks and better estimates of total exposure (relative source contribution) for individuals. EPA should use current approaches for quantifying risk, considering susceptible subpopulations, and characterizing uncertainties and variability. Read the whole report.

Swallow your veggies not fluoride By Carol Kopf New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc. (NYSCOF) Fluoride is neither a nutrient nor essential for healthy teeth (1-3). However, the evidence is solid that lack of essential nutrients makes teeth more decay susceptible. Good dental health begins in the womb (4). Specifically, calcium, protein, phosphorus, vitamins A, C and D help construct babies' primary teeth, according to the American Dental Association. Additionally, protein-calorie malnutrition, iodine deficiency and excessive fluoride increase susceptibility to dental caries, according to the U.S. Surgeon General (5). Americans are deficient in calcium (6), magnesium (7), vitamins C (8) and D (9). No evidence indicates any American is fluoride-deficient. In fact, American children are fluoride overexposed (10). In the past fluoride was credited with the substantial cavity decline. However, "No clear reasons for the caries decline have been identified," according to the 1999 Dental Textbook, Dentistry, Dental Practice and the Community, by Burt and Eklund. In the past fluoride was credited with the substantial cavity decline. However, fluoridation and the explosion of fluoridated dental products coincided with many health preserving trends.  For instance, milk was vitamin D fortified to prevent bone and teeth damaging rickets; cereals and breads were vitamin and mineral enriched; dental care and insurance was encouraged and affordable; and Americans became more nutritionally aware. No valid science proves fluoridation was the cavity-killing culprit. According to a large federal study (NHANES III) children without deciduous caries experience (tooth decay in the primary teeth) had significantly higher fruit, grain, sodium, and total Healthy Eating Index's than children with deciduous caries experience while children without permanent caries  experience (tooth decay in the secondary teeth) had significantly higher dairy, cholesterol, fruit, grain, sodium, variety, and total Healthy Eating Index's than children with permanent caries experience (11). In fact, American [...]