I'm willing to bet you brushed your teeth this morning. You probably use a brand of toothpaste that promises more fluoride for cavity-fighting power. That's a good thing, right? Think again. Scientists have been reconsidering the impact of fluoride for awhile now, and it seems that the government can't ignore the impact of their findings any longer.
Unfortunately, toothpaste isn't all you need to concern yourself with. You see, the government is putting it in the water. Furthermore, most affordable water purifiers don't remove it. Bottled water sometimes provides a viable alternative to drinking tap water, but it can't eliminate fluoride intake completely. The vast majority of consumables are made using fluoridated water obtained from the public supply. If our standards don't change, the problems surrounding fluoride will only become more pronounced as long-term ingestion leads to dire consequences. I've highlighted some of these below. You'll also find a break-down of some of the most popular bottled waters and their fluoride content. Information is provided on different purification methods and their efficiency at removing fluoride. I also remark on some notable victories. Finally, I provide links to sites specializing in the sale of fluoride-free toothpaste. I urge you to investigate the links toward the bottom of the page for more information, or click on the WorldCat link below to access library resources on the topic. If you do nothing else, sign the e-petition asking for the removal of fluoride from the water supply.
Here's what you need to know:
- According to a report published by Peter Mansfield in the latest e-journal of the International Society for Fluoride Research, nearly a quarter of the population of the U.K intakes too much fluoride. To arrive at this conclusion, 2000-2003 intake data from the U.K National Diet and Nutrition Survey was examined. A portion of the recent study concentrated on the amount of fluoride that is absorbed and retained. As it turns out, the absorption and retention rate is variable. Children below the age of 7 absorb and retain more fluoride, which potentially puts them at greater risk.
- Some studies suggest that fluoride impairs brain function, specifically targeting that portion of the brain that controls memory and learning. For instance, Chunxiang Wu pioneered a study in 2006 that evaluated the effects of high doses of fluoride and arsenic on lab rats. Another Chinese study found that children who routinely drank well water that contained a higher than normal concentration of fluoride performed poorly on tests. Findings in other sites have corroborated these findings.
- Fluoride is likely to have a significant impact on children whose brains are still developing. Some studies are even seeking to examine the impact of fluoride consumption on the unborn.
- Most water purifiers do not eliminate fluoride from tap water.
- Not all bottled waters are fluoride-free.
Notable Victories
- The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a ban on Sulfuryl Fluoride, which is used routinely as a pesticide. The substance leaves behind traces of fluoride on treated substances, which include coffee, nuts, and dried fruit.
- The U.S. government has decided to reduce fluoride in the public water supply. The decision comes after a report was published by the Centers for Disease Control, which stated that two out of three children have unnatural streaks or spots on their teeth from over-exposure to fluoride.
Additional Information
Take a moment to explore the links below for more information
Breaking news on water purity
Explore the free e-journal of the International Society for Fluoride Research
Sign a petition asking the government to stop putting fluoride in the water supply
Understand the differences Among Purification Methods
Drink This, Not That
Use the Right Toothpaste
Library Resources
For additional resources on the potential dangers of Fluoride, click here.
