U.S. regulators finally catching on (sort of) to fluoride dangers
Late to the party
Hold the phone. Stop the presses. This just in:
Current levels of fluoride in drinking water may pose a health hazard, according to a recent announcement from the Dept. of Health and Human Services.
It’s somewhat comical (and kind of sad) that the government is just now catching up to fluoride dangers that scientists have known about for YEARS.
What’s also pretty funny (and kind of annoying) is the way public officials tried to turn this announcement into an upbeat sales pitch for fluoride.
Here’s Dr. Howard Koh, assistant secretary for HHS: “One of water fluoridation’s biggest advantages is that it benefits all residents of a community — at home, work, school or play. And fluoridation’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay is not limited to children, but extends throughout life, resulting in improved oral health.”
Orrrrr…put another way…
“Excess fluoride exposure poses dangers that range from discolored teeth to potential hormone disruption and neurotoxicity.”
That quote comes from Jane Houlihan, senior vice president for research of the Environmental Working Group (EWG). And unlike Dr. Koh’s absurd childlike gloss on the topic, Houlihan bases her statement on findings from various researchers, including the National Academy of Sciences.
In other words, it’s REALITY-based.
Thinkin’ about it
At question right now is the proper amount of fluoride that should be in drinking water. My suggestion: zero. Perfect! But HHS officials have something else in mind.
The current recommendation is 0.7 to 1.2 mg per liter. The new HHS recommendation calls for a set 0.7 level.
But note that this is just a “proposal” for a “recommendation.” How timid can you get!? It’s like saying, “Sorry to bother you, but we had this IDEA that MAYBE we should SUGGEST that less of this junk should be put in the water.”
Meanwhile, the maximum amount of fluoride the EPA allows water utilities to put into tap water is more than FIVE TIMES higher than 0.7 mg per liter.
CNN reports that the EPA will determine whether the maximum should be lowered. In other words, EPA officials are very busy thinking about whether or not they should consider the pros and cons of possibly making a proposal for a potential change in recommendation for the blah, blah, BLAH!
Stop mulling already and DO SOMETHING!
It’s not like the danger of fluoride is a brand new revelation. The EWG has been pushing government agencies to address this problem for YEARS!
And so have I, for that matter.
For a decade I’ve been railing about fluoride health risks, starting with simple fluorosis–a staining of the teeth that can actually lead to pitting of tooth enamel–which is sort of the OPPOSITE of sound dental hygiene.
An EWG press release sums up several dangers I’ve been talking about since 2001: “Over-exposure to fluoride can be toxic, causing dental fluorosis (mottling and loss of tooth enamel) and skeletal fluorosis (joint pain, stiffness and bone fractures). Some studies point to a possible link between fluoride exposure and osteosarcoma (bone cancer), neurotoxicity and disruption of thyroid function.”
And here’s the kicker: In the largest study ever conducted on fluoridation and oral health, dental records for 39,000 school children across the U.S. were followed in the mid- 80’s. Results showed no statistical difference in tooth decay rates between fluoridated and non-fluoridated cities.
So, yeah! Less fluoride in our tap water is an idea whose time came LONG ago!
HHS and EPA officials, wake up, do your jobs, and INSIST that water utilities lower fluoride levels NOW!
Sources:
“Government recommends lowering fluoride levels in U.S. drinking water” Saundra Young, CNN, 1/7/11, cnn.com
“U.S. Catches Up with Science On Fluoride in Drinking Water” Environmental Working Group, 1/7/11, ewg.org
