Fluoridation and Public Water Supplies
The safety of public drinking water supplies has earned a seat in the media spotlight as of late. This is largely because of added chemicals, the most common of which is fluoride.
Municipalities throughout America readily use this substance as a measure to reduce tooth decay. While a link does exist between fluoride and tooth decay, the Journal of the American Association of Integrative Medicine (JAAIM) indicates that, according to guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the use of fluoride is a medical claim. This claim instantly validates fluoride as a “drug,” one that scientists and politicians may be using without a legitimate license.
Illegal Health Practices
Fluoride and tooth decay became irrevocably linked at the end of the 19th century. Studies at that time showed the substance keeps tooth enamel hard and resistant to decay. However, when tests revealed that tooth decay is slower in areas where drinking water naturally contains fluoride, scientists and government leaders suggested fluoride be added to all water supplies. This was an alleged effort to improve the oral health of every American. Water fluoridation began in 1945, and the movement is now spreading throughout the world.
Municipalities across America claim that fluoride prevents cavities. The implication is that fluoridated water is actually medically treated. Cities and towns, therefore, practice medicine without a valid license each time they add fluoride to the drinking water supply.
In November, 2010, a mandatory public notice was provided to residents of Midland, Texas. The notice stated that drinking water had exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for fluoride. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established the MCL for fluoride at 4 mg/L. Analysis of the Midland drinking water, however, indicated levels of 4.6 mg/L.
According to the EPA, adults who consume fluoride in excess of the MCL may develop bone disease, while children may develop mottling of the teeth. This causes brown spots and usually occurs in children less than 9 years old
Dangers of Too Much Fluoride
Many people argue that fluoride is not needed in drinking water because it is widely available in many commercial toothpaste brands. This means the health benefits of fluoride are likely already being met. Moreover, adding fluoride to drinking water can be potentially dangerous. Fluoride needs to be precisely measured to avoid potential health complications. One part of fluoride per million is necessary to reap its benefits, but just two parts per million can cause mottling of the teeth, bone disorders and possibly cancer.
In 1986, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report in which the incidence of dental problems caused by excess fluoride in public drinking water was discussed. In addition, the consequences of adding fluoride to water that may already be chemical-laden are largely unknown. Water naturally contains some minerals, while chlorine, aluminum sulphate and copper are added by many water suppliers. The inclusion of fluoride may create a dangerous interaction that culminates within the body. Another cause for concern is the growing number of people who suffer allergic reactions to chemicals found in drinking water.
Fluoride as a Drug
According to the JAAIM, medication can only be legally prescribed after a person is medically diagnosed by a licensed health professional. A prescription, therefore, is based upon need. Fluoridated water, however, is a mass medication, reaching plenty of people without prior diagnosis.
Exposure to excess fluoride is a likely event for many Americans. This can come from fluoride in toothpaste as well as the water supply. To oppose such practices, you can write a letter to your state medical board. The letter should discuss how adding drugs to the public water supply is a violation of FDA law. According to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, “The term ‘drug’ means… articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals.”
Fluoride is used to influence the structure of teeth. As such, it is a drug.
References
- ^ Fluoridation and Public Water Supplies (www.hellolife.net)
- ^ http://www.jaaim.com/site/news/35/22/Why-the-flouridation-of-public-0water-supplies-is-illegal/ (www.jaaim.com)
- ^ http://www.vernoncoleman.com/fluo123.htm (www.vernoncoleman.com)
- ^ http://www2.fluoridealert.org/Alert/United-States/Texas/Midland-Notification-sent-to-residents-of-high-levels-4.9-ppm-of-fluoride-in-drinking-water (www2.fluoridealert.org)
