The controversy occurs mainly in English-speaking countries, as Continental Europe does not practice water fluoridation. Instead, fluoride is added to most table salt in Europe.
Those opposed argue that water fluoridation imposes ethical issues, may cause serious health problems, is not effective enough to justify the costs, and has a dosage that cannot be precisely controlled.
Fluoride is the simplest anion of fluorine. Its salts and minerals are important chemical reagents and industrial chemicals, mainly used in the production of hydrogen fluoride for fluorocarbons.
In terms of charge and size, the fluoride ion resembles the hydroxide ion.
Fluoride ions occur on earth in several minerals, particularly fluorite, but are only present in trace quantities in water.
Fluoride contributes a distinctive bitter taste. It contributes no colour to fluoride salts.
Source: Wikipedia
Here are a few excerpts from an article by Dr. Edward Group:
Fluoride is one of the most toxic substances known to man, yet based on its inclusion in virtually every brand of toothpaste, the American Dental Association believes it’s okay to use fluoride for preventative dental care. Other products, such as bottled water, infant formulas, and even vitamin supplements, now contain fluoride!
In 2002, nearly 90% of the U.S. population was supplied water via public water systems, and around 67% of that number received fluoridated water. This occurred in spite of the fact, “No statistically significant differences were found in the decay rates of permanent teeth or the percentages of decay-free children in the fluoridated, non-fluoridated, and partially fluoridated areas.”
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) typically label sodium fluoride as “…toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin contact” and that PPE (personal protection equipment) for handling should include safety glasses and gloves. Fluorides are more toxic than lead and only slightly less poisonous than arsenic… and these toxins can enter your body from brushing your teeth or rinsing with many popular dental care products!
Every year Poison Control centers receive thousands of calls from people reporting excessive consumption of fluoride-containing products, such as vitamins, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. Fluoride poisoning severely damages the body and can be fatal. This lethal chemical creates a toxic state that can cause a variety of harmful effects.
Potential Results of Consuming Fluorides
- Acute Poisoning
- Birth Defects
- Osteoarthritis [1]
- Bone & Uterine Cancer
- Perinatal Death [2]
- Immune System Suppression
- Gastrointestinal Disorders [3]
- Essential enzyme inhibition [4]
- Lowered IQ (especially in young children) [5]
- Skeletal Fluorosis (leading to brittle teeth and bones)
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