The Case Against Fluoride

by Paul Connett

  8. Bazian Ltd. , “Critical Appraisal of ‘Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA’s standards. ’” A report for South Central Strategic Health Authority, UK, delivery date: February 11, 2009, http://fluoridealert.org/sha.basian.nrc.feb09.pdf.

  9. F. F. Lin, Aihaiti, H. X. Zhao, et al. , “The Relationship of a Low-Iodine and High-Fluoride Environment to Subclinical Cretinism in Xinjiang, ” Xinjiang Institute for Endemic Disease Control and Research; Office of Leading Group for Endemic Disease Control of Hetian Prefectural Committee of the Communist Party of China; and County Health and Epidemic Prevention Station, Yutian, Xinjiang, Iodine Deficiency Disorder Newsletter 7 (1991): 3, http://fluoridealert.org/scher/lin-1991.pdf; also see http://www.fluoridealert.org/IDD.htm.

  10. Y. Li, C. Liang, C. W. Slemenda, et al. , “Effect of Long-Term Exposure to Fluoride in Drinking Water on Risks of Bone Fractures, ” Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 16, no. 5 (2001): 932–39.

  11. M. T. Alarcón-Herrera, I. R. Martín-Domínguez, R. Trejo-Vázquez, et al. , “Well Water Fluoride, Dental Fluorosis, Bone Fractures in the Guadiana Valley of Mexico, ” Fluoride 34, no. 2 (2001): 139–49, http://www.fluoride-journal.com/01-34-2/342-139.pdf.

  12. Q. Xiang, Y. Liang, L. Chen, et al. , “Effect of Fluoride in Drinking Water on Children’s Intelligence, ” Fluoride 36, no. 2 (2003): 84–94, http://www.fluorideresearch.org/362/files/FJ2003_v36_n2_p84-94.pdf.

  13. Q. Xiang, Y. Liang, M. Zhou, and H. Zang, “Blood Lead of Children in Wamiao-Xinhuai Intelligence Study” (letter), Fluoride 36, no. 3 (2003): 198–99, http://www.fluorideresearch.org/363/files/FJ2003_v36_n3_p198-199.pdf.

  14. J. A. Varner, K. F. Jensen, W. Horvath, and R. L. Isaacson, “Chronic Administration of Aluminum-Fluoride and Sodium-Fluoride to Rats in Drinking Water: Alterations in Neuronal and Cerebrovascular Integrity, ” Brain Research 784, no. 1–2 (1998): 284–98. Extended excerpts at http://www.fluoride-journal.com/98–31–2/31291–95.htm.

  15. P. Connett and M. Connett. Invited presentation to the National Research Council of the National Academies committee reviewing the safety of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) for fluoride in drinking water, 2003. This PowerPoint presentation is at http://www.fluoridealert.org/nrc-final.ppt, and the paper supporting this presentation at http://www.fluoridealert.org/nrc-paper.pdf. See table 2, page 9.

  16. M. S. McDonagh, P. F. Whiting, P. M. Wilson, et al. , “Systematic Review of Water Fluoridation, ” British Medical Journal 321, no. 7265 (2000): 855–59, http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/321/7265/855. Note: The full report that this paper summarizes is commonly known as the York Review and is accessible at http://fluoridealert.org/re/york.review.2000.pdf.

  17. National Health and Medical Research Council, A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Fluoridation (n. 7 above).

  18. Integrated Risk Information System on Fluorine (soluble fluoride) (CASRN 7782-41-4), U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0053.htm.

  19. National Research Council, Fluoride in Drinking Water, 170–71 (n. 1 above), http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=030910128X&page=170 and http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=030910128X&page=171.

  20. Ibid. , 3, http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=030910128X&page=3.

  21. Ibid. , 2, http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11571&page=2.

  22. R. J. Carton, “Review of the 2006 National Research Council Report: Fluoride in Drinking Water, ” Fluoride 39, no. 3 (2006): 163–72, http://www.fluorideresearch.org/393/files/FJ2006_v39_n3_p163-172.pdf.

  23. American Dental Association, “Statement on Fluoride in Drinking Water” (n. 5 above).

  24. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Statement on the 2006 National Research Council Report, Fluoride in Drinking Water” (n. 6 above).

  25. National Health and Medical Research Council, A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Fluoridation” (n. 7 above).

  26. Bazian Ltd. , “Critical Appraisal of ‘Fluoride in Drinking Water’” (n. 8 above).

  27. Presentations by Barry Cockcroft, chief dental officer for England, at “Question Time on Fluoridation” held on October 20, November 18, and December 3, 2008. Organized by the South Central Strategic Health Authority Southampton, UK.

  28. Bazian Ltd. , “Critical Appraisal of ‘Fluoride in Drinking Water’” (n. 8 above).

  29. J. Newton, “Water Fluoridation—The Scientific Evidence. ” Report by Professor John Newton, Regional Director of Public Health, South Central Strategic Health Authority, UK, February 20, 2009, http://fluoridealert.org/sha.sc.evidence.feb09.pdf.

  30. Bazian Ltd. , “Critical Appraisal of ‘Fluoride in Drinking Water’” (n. 8 above).

  31. Integrated Risk Information System on Fluorine (soluble fluoride) (n. 18 above).

  32. Y. Li et al. , “Effect of Long-Term Exposure to Fluoride in Drinking Water on Risks of Bone Fractures” (n. 10 above).

  33. P. P. Bachinskii, O. A. Gutsalenko, N. D. Naryzhniuk, et al. , “Action of Fluoride on the Function of the Pituitary-thyroid System of Healthy Persons and Patients with Thyroid Disorders” (article in Russian), Problemy Endokrinologii (Mosk) 31, no. 6 (1985): 25–29. English translation at http://www.fluoridealert.org/bachinskii.1985.pdf.

  34. K. M. Thiessen, “Water Fluoridation: Suggested Issues for Consideration, ” December 13, 2006, http://www.fluoridealert.org/thiessen-statement.pdf.

  35. K. M. Thiessen, “Comments on: Prioritization of Chemicals for Carcinogen Identification Committee Review. Proposed Chemicals for Committee Consideration and Consultation. Proposition 65 Implementation, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, ” May 5, 2009, http://fluoridealert.org/ca/thiessen-2009.pdf.

  36. K. M. Thiessen, “Water Fluoridation: Suggested Issues for Consideration” (n. 34 above).

  37. K. M. Thiessen, “Comments on: Prioritization of Chemicals for Carcinogen Identification Committee Review” (n. 35 above).

  38. K. M. Thiessen, “Water Fluoridation: Suggested Issues for Consideration” (n. 34 above).

  39. E. B. Bassin, D. Wypij, R. B. Davis, and M. A. Mittleman, “Age-specific Fluoride Exposure in Drinking Water and Osteosarcoma (United States), ” Cancer Causes and Control 17, no. 4 (May 2006): 421–28.

  Chapter 15

  1. C. Bryson, The Fluoride Deception (New York: Seven Stories Press, 2004), 27.

  2. B. Spittle, “Psychopharmacology of Fluoride: A Review, ” International Clinical Psychopharmacology 9, no. 2 (1994): 79–82.

  3. C. Bryson, The Fluoride Deception, 23–24 (n. 1 above).

  4. P. J. Mullenix, P. K. Denbesten, A. Schunior, and W. J. Kernan, “Neurotoxicity of Sodium Fluoride in Rats, ” Neurotoxicology and Teratology 17, no. 2 (1995): 169–77.

  5. P. J. Mullenix, personal communication with Paul Connett, October 24, 1996.

  6. H. C. Hodge and F. A. Smith, Fluorine Chemistry, vol. 4 (New York and London: Academic Press, 1965).

  7. B. Spittle, “Psychopharmacology of Fluoride: A Review” (n. 2 above).

  8. G. L. Waldbott, A. W. Burgstahler, and H. L. McKinney, Fluoridation: The Great Dilemma (Lawrence, Kansas: Coronado Press, 1978).

  9. X. S. Li, J. L. Zhi, and R. O. Gao, “Effect of Fluoride Exposure on Intelligence in Children, ” Fluoride 28, no. 4 (1995): 189–92, http://fluoridealert.org/scher/li-1995.pdf.

  10. L. B. Zhao, G. H. Liang, D. N. Zhang, and X. R. Wu, “Effect of High-Fluoride Water Supply on Children’s Intelligence, ” Fluoride 29, no. 4 (1996): 190–92, http://fluoridealert.org/scher/zhao-1996.pdf.

  11. P. J. Mullenix et al. , “Neurotoxicity of Sodium Fluoride in Rats” (n. 4 above).

  12. G. M. Whitford, “The Metabolism and Toxicity of Fluoride, ” in: Monographs in Oral Science, vol. 16, 2nd rev. ed. (New York: Karger, 1996).

  13. J. X. Zhai, Z. Y. Guo, C. L. Hu, et al. , “Studies on Fluoride Concentration and Cholinesterase Activity in Rat Hippocampus” (art
icle in Chinese), Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi 21, no. 2 (2003): 102–4.

  14. I. Inkielewicz and J. Krechniak, “Fluoride Content in Soft Tissues and Urine of Rats Exposed to Sodium Fluoride in Drinking Water, ” Fluoride 36, no. 4 (2003): 263–66, http://www.fluoride-journal.com/03-36-4/364-263.pdf.

  15. M. L. Vani and K. P. Reddy, “Effects of Fluoride Accumulation on Some Enzymes of Brain and Gastrocnemius Muscle of Mice, ” Fluoride 33, no. 1 (2000): 17–26, http://www.fluorideresarch.org/331/files/FJ2000_v33_n1_p17-26.pdf.

  16. K. Chirumari and P. K. Reddy, “Dose-Dependent Effects of Fluoride on Neurochemical Milieu in the Hippocampus and Neocortex of Rat Brain, ” Fluoride 40, no. 2 (2007): 101–10, http://www.fluorideresearch.org/402/files/FJ2007_v40_n2_p101-110.pdf.

  17. J. A. Varner, K. F. Jensen, W. Horvath, and R. L. Isaacson, “Chronic Administration of Aluminum-Fluoride or Sodium-Fluoride to Rats in Drinking Water: Alterations in Neuronal and Cerebrovascular Integrity, ” Brain Research 784, no. 1–2 (1998): 284–98. Excerpts at http://www.fluoride-journal.com/98-31-2/31291-95.htm.

  18. A. Lubkowska, D. Chlubek, A. Machoy-Mokrzyska, et al. , “Concentrations of Fluorine, Aluminum and Magnesium in some Structures of the Central Nervous System of Rats Exposed to Aluminum and Fluorine in Drinking Water” (article in Polish), Annales Academiae Medicae Stetinensis 50, suppl. 1 (2004): 73–76.

  19. Y. M. Shivarajashankara, A. R. Shivashankara, and P. G. Bhat, et al. , “Histological Changes in the Brain of Young Fluoride-Intoxicated Rats, ” Fluoride 35, no. 1 (2002): 12–21, http://www.fluorideresearch.org/351/files/FJ2002_v35_n1_p12-21.pdf.

  20. Letter from Gary M. Whitford, PhD, DMD, Medical College of Georgia, to David M. Apanian, PE, Centers for Disease Control, Division of Oral Health, Chamblee, GA, March 28, 1997. Letter begins, “As requested, I have reviewed the paper by Mullenix et al. (Neurotoxicology and Teratology 17: 169–177) and offer the following critique. . . ”

  21. P. J. Mullenix, “Central Nervous System Damage from Fluorides, ” September 14, 1998, http://www.fluoridation.com/brain2.htm.

  22. R. M. M. Sawan, G. A. S. Leite, M. C. P. Saraiva, et al. , “Fluoride Increases Lead Concentrations in Whole Blood and in Calcified Tissues from Lead-Exposed Rats, ” Toxicology 271, no. 1–2 (2010): 21–26.

  23. Z. Z. Guan, Y. N. Wang, K. Q. Xiao, et al. , “Influence of Chronic Fluorosis on Membrane Lipids in Rat Brain, ” Neurotoxicology and Teratology 20, no. 5 (1998): 537–42.

  24. Q. Gao, Y. J. Liu, and Z. Z. Guan, “Decreased Learning and Memory Ability in Rats with Fluorosis: Increased Oxidative Stress and Reduced Cholinesterase Activity, ” Fluoride 42, no. 4 (2009): 277–85, http://www.fluorideresearch.org/424/files/FJ2009_v42_n4_p277-285.pdf.

  25. Y. J. Liu, Q. Gao, C. X. Wu, and Z. Z. Guan, “Alterations of nAChRs and ERK1/2 in the Brains of Rats with Chronic Fluorosis and Their Connections with the Decreased Capacity of Learning and Memory, ” Toxicology Letters 192, no. 3 (2010): 324–29.

  26. J. X. Zhai et al. , “Studies on Fluoride Concentration and Cholinesterase Activity in Rat Hippocampus” (n. 13 above).

  27. I. Inkielewicz and J. Krechniak, “Fluoride Content in Soft Tissues and Urine of Rats Exposed to Sodium Fluoride in Drinking Water” (n. 14 above).

  28. J. A. Varner et al. , “Chronic Administration of Aluminum-Fluoride or Sodium-Fluoride to Rats in Drinking Water” (n. 17 above).

  29. M. Bhatnagar, P. Rao, J. Sushma, and R. Bhatnagar, “Neurotoxicity of Fluoride: Neurodegeneration in Hippocampus of Female Mice, ” Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 40, no. 5 (2002): 546–54.

  30. Z. Zhang, X. Shen, and X. Xu, “Effects of Selenium on the Damage of Learning-Memory Ability of Mice Induced by Fluoride” (article in Chinese), Wei Sheng Yan Jiu 30, no. 3 (2001): 144. 46.

  31. G. B. van der Voet, O. Schijns, and F. A. de Wolff, “Fluoride Enhances the Effect of Aluminium Chloride on Interconnections Between Aggregates of Hippocampal Neurons, ” Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry 107, no. 1 (1999): 15–21.

  32. A. R. Kay, R. Miles, and R. K. Wong, “Intracellular Fluoride Alters the Kinetic Properties of Calcium Currents Facilitating the Investigation of Synaptic Events in Hippocampal Neurons, ” The Journal of Neuroscience 6, no. 10 (1986): 2915–20, http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/reprint/6/10/2915.

  33. Z. Zhang, X. Xu, X. Shen, and X. Xu, “Effect of Fluoride Exposure on Synaptic Structure of Brain Areas Related to Learning-memory in Mice, ” Fluoride 41, no. 2 (2008): 139–43 (originally published in 1999 in Journal of Hygiene Research [China]), http://www.fluorideresearch.org/412/files/FJ2008_v41_n2_p139-143.pdf.

  34. W. Zhu, J. Zhang, and Z. Zhang, “Effects of Fluoride on Synaptic Membrane Fluidity and PSD-95 Expression Level in Rat Hippocampus, ” Biological Trace Element Research, March 2010 (in press).

  35. M. Pereira, P. A. Dombrowski, E. M. Losso, et al. , “Memory Impairment Induced by Sodium Fluoride Is Associated with Changes in Brain Monoamine Levels, ” Neurotoxicity Research, December 2009 (in press).

  36. M. Zhang, A. Wang, T. Xia, and P. He, “Effects of Fluoride on DNA Damage, S-phase Cell-cycle Arrest and the Expression of NF-KappaB in Primary Cultured Rat Hippocampal Neurons, ” Toxicology Letters 179, no. 1 (2008): 1–5.

  37. T. Xia, M. Zhang, W. H. He, et al. , “Effects of Fluoride on Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules mRNA and Protein Expression Levels in Primary Rat Hippocampal Neurons” (article in Chinese), Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi 41, no. 6 (2007): 475–78.

  38. M. Zhang, A. Wang, W. He, et al. , “Effects of Fluoride on the Expression of NCAM, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis in Primary Cultured Hippocampal Neurons, ” Toxicology 236, no. 3 (2007): 208–16.

  39. R. L. Isaacson, J. A. Varner, and K. F. Jensen, “Toxin-Induced Blood Vessel Inclusions Caused by the Chronic Administration of Aluminum and Sodium Fluoride and Their Implications for Dementia, ” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 825 (1997): 152–66.

  40. J. A. Varner et al. , “Chronic Administration of Aluminum-Fluoride or Sodium-Fluoride to Rats in Drinking Water” (n. 17 above).

  41. National Research Council of the National Academies, Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA’s Standards, chapter 7 (Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2006), http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11571.

  42. Ibid. , 222, http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11571&page=222#.

  43. Ibid. , 223, http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11571&page=223.

  44. Ibid.

  45. Ibid. , 8, http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11571&page=8.

  46. Ibid.

  47. Q. Xiang, Y. Liang, L. Chen, et al. , “Effect of Fluoride in Drinking Water on Children’s Intelligence, ” Fluoride 36, no. 2 (2003): 84–94, http://www.fluorideresearch.org/362/files/FJ2003_v36_n2_p84-94.pdf.

  48. Q. Xiang, Y. Liang, M. Zhou, and H. Zang, “Blood Lead of Children in Wamiao-Xinhuai Intelligence Study” (letter), Fluoride 36, no. 3 (2003): 198–9, http://www.fluorideresearch.org/363/files/FJ2003_v36_n3_p198-199.pdf.

  49. F. F. Lin, Aihaiti, H. X. Zhao, et al. , “The Relationship of a Low-Iodine and High-Fluoride Environment to Subclinical Cretinism in Xinjiang, ” Xinjiang Institute for Endemic Disease Control and Research; Office of Leading Group for Endemic Disease Control of Hetian Prefectural Committee of the Communist Party of China; and County Health and Epidemic Prevention Station, Yutian, Xinjiang, Iodine Deficiency Disorder Newsletter 7 (1991): 3, http://fluoridealert.org/scher/lin-1991.pdf; also see http://www.fluoridealert.org/IDD.htm.

  50. Q. Xiang et al. , “Blood Lead of Children in Wamiao-Xinhuai Intelligence Study” (n. 48 above).

  51. Q. Xiang et al. , “Effect of Fluoride in Drinking Water on Children’s Intelligence” (n. 47 above).

  52. H. F. Pollick, “Water Fluoridation and the Environment: Current Perspective in the United States, ” International Journal of Occupational Environmental Health 10 (2004): 343–50.

  53. P. Connett, “Scientific Evidence Fails to S
upport Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies” (letter), International Journal of Occupational Environmental Health 11 (2005): 215–16.

  54. H. F. Pollick, “Scientific Evidence Continues to Support Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies” (letter), International Journal of Occupational Environmental Health 11 (2005): 322–26.

  55. P. Connett, “Water Fluoridation—A Public Health Hazard” (letter), International Journal of Occupational Environmental Health 12 (2006): 88–90.

  56. H. F. Pollick, “Concerns about Water Fluoridation, IQ, and Osteosarcoma Lack Credible Evidence” (letter), International Journal of Occupational Environmental Health 12 (2006): 91–94.

  57. F. T. Shannon, D. M. Fergusson, and L. J. Horwood, “Exposure to Fluoridated Water Supplies and Child Behaviour, ” New Zealand Medical Journal 99, no. 803 (1986): 416–18.