Fluoride

What is fluoride?

Fluoride (F-) is the anion, the reduced form of fluorine, one of the halogens (as chlorine) on the periodic table. Inorganic compounds, such as sodium fluoride (NaF) containing fluorine are referred to as fluorides.

Where is fluoride found?

Fluoride is a natural mineral occurring in most water sources and is also one of the most commonly used industrial chemicals. This chemical is used in the manufacturing of high octane petrol, fridges, air conditioners, plastics, semiconductors, fluorescent light bulbs, and herbicides. Although some countries add fluoride to their public drinking water, there is an ongoing debate over this matter.

What are the health risks of fluoride?

In 1992 nearly 60% of Americans drank from fluoridated systems. Over thirty countries fluoridated their drinking water including Switzerland, Columbia, Mexico, Spain and Germany. The most common harmful effect of fluoride is dental fluorosis, and occurs during the early development of teeth. The result is discolouring and mottling of teeth. Severe critics of fluoridation labelled this process: A 50 year old blunder and cover-up.

James Donahue writes (www.viewzone.com/fluoride.html): In short, fluoride is a poison. This is not news to the medical world. The journal of the American Medical Association and the New England Journal of Medicine have both reported greater incidence of hip fractures in fluoridated areas. The National Institute of Health Services has linked fluoridation with cancer.

New studies on fluoride’s impact on childhood IQ was done in Brazil, China, India, Italy, Mexico and the United States in 2007. These studies showed that, not only teeth, but also the brain may be impacted by too much fluoride during infancy and childhood.

Which countries are resisting fluoridation?

In 1970 through to 1990 some European countries reversed their stance. Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Finland stopped fluoridation. Countries like France, Luxembourg, Denmark, Austria and Belgium have never fluoridated their public drinking water.

What about South Africa?

In September 2000 the Department of Health legislated in respect of fluoridation of potable water in South Africa. Some citizens considered this as unconstitutional as the use of fluoridated water is forced on consumers who have no choice in the matter. Rand Water and other water boards made several submissions to the relevant ministries. Rand Water sought indemnity from the Department of Health against any health claims that could arise or from fluoridation. This could also have a serious impact on the environment.

The above information was compiled by Eugene Bezuidenhout and extracted from the website – Absolutely Water. Follow the link to read the full article

Fluoride Controversy Worldwide

Fluoridation of U.S. drinking water began on January 25, 1945 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The intended benefit was to reduce tooth decay on a mass scale through a cost effective medium. Since 1945, an increasing amount of fluoride is finding its way into the American lifestyle. The information provided is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation for any procedure, product, or philosophy.

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