In parts 1 and 2 we heard about the challenges of the by-products of chlorine and toxic metals that are present in tap water. Remember that’s not my opinion, that’s data I researched which was collected from the New York Department of Environmental Protection and the US Environmental Protection Agency(EPA). And don’t miss this link to the EPA’s statements on these chemicals; when you get there scroll down to “Disinfection Byproducts.”
I believe it safe to say that the government does NOT add toxic metals to our water supply. Toxic metals find their way into the water via the environment, industrial pollution, and through out-dated means of delivery to your tap. The next ingredient in tap water I’d like to discuss, that is deliberately added, is fluoride. Chlorine is deliberately added to water as well, but with a slightly different intention than fluoride. Chlorine will kill potentially deadly disease-causing microorganisms, so it’s obviously put there for your safety (despite the concerns mentioned in part 1). Fluoride on the other hand is added to medicate you. That’s right, the reason fluoride is added is to help you prevent tooth decay.
We know why fluoride is supposed to be beneficial, when added to our water supply. Let’s examine some information that points to why it might be harmful to us.
According to the US EPA: “Some people who drink water containing fluoride well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could get bone disease (including pain and tenderness of the bones); children may get mottled teeth.” I have a lot of questions right now. How is “well in excess” defined? How many is “many years”? Should the EPA put limits on the amount of fluoridated tap water a person should consume? Does the amount in your toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash matter? What population is most at risk?
Currently, the EPA set the MCL for fluoride at 4 parts per million (ppm). However, the National Council of Research (NRC) suggests that the EPA lower this level because of strong evidence that links fluoride to bone fracture, joint pain, and damage to teeth. Additionally, they have found research linking fluoride exposure to problems with the brain, thyroid, and pineal gland. The NRC even reported that the amounts of fluoride associated with thyroid imbalances are now being exceeded by many Americans, mainly children – even while living in areas where fluoride is measured at 1ppm. The American Dental Association says that optimal levels are 0.7-1.2ppm.
Additionally, the NRC reported on patients who live in a community where the water has fluoride at rates of 4ppm, and said that they “have all accumulated fluoride in their skeletal system and potentially have very high fluoride concentrations in their bones. The bone marrow is where immune cells develop and that could affect humoral immunity and the production of antibodies to foreign chemicals”. So here we have fluoride possibly presenting people with immune system challenges that may ultimately end up causing infections and/or cancer. The NRC also makes an excellent point stating “there is no question that fluoride can affect the cells involved in providing immune responses. The question is in what proportion” – of the population. That’s reflects my question also: “What population is most at risk?”
There are more potential health concerns with fluoride exposure such as: increased lead absorption, hyperactivity and/or lethargy, brain damage and lowered IQ, dementia, inactivates 62 enzymes, genetic damage and cell death, disrupts synthesis of collagen, muscle disorders, arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, damage to sperm, decreased fertility, kidney problems, and more. Unfortunately, I don’t have solid evidence for those problems so I won’t expand on them. Perhaps one day I’ll look into the research. One last condition of excess fluoride as a child is, ironically, dental fluorosis (I suppose that’s the mottled teeth the EPA speaks of). By the way, send me an e-mail at [email protected] if you would like the NRC’s report.
Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to prove whether or not some substance prevented a particular condition. Now that I think of it, ask yourself: “Did I ever have a cavity?” If so, did you drink fluoridated tap water all the years growing up? Now, not all municipalities add fluoride to the water. Did yours? Perhaps you would have had even more cavities if you hadn’t had those daily doses of fluoride. What about diet? What about sugar intake? What about dental hygiene? Here’s one of the best questions, what about the pH (acid/alkaline balance) of your saliva? For optimal health it should preferably be on the alkaline side.
As with all toxins and even diseases (e.g.: swine flu), those “considered” to have the weakest immune systems, the elderly, and young children are usually the ones most at risk. So most people don’t think twice about a lot of public health concerns. Here’s another question: Should we be concerned with people who have nutrient deficiencies that impair their liver and kidney’s ability to detoxify chemicals appropriately – and consume fluoridated tap water for “many years?”
As an aside and some food for thought: if “they” are so concerned with our health (i.e.: tooth decay), what about the rest of our bodies? Why don’t they add zinc to the water supply, or magnesium, or calcium? Just about everyday I find people deficient in those minerals.
Interestingly, a 13-year old patient’s mother called me last week. In the past I had helped her daughter fully overcome obsessive/compulsive behavior through diet, supplements, and chiropractic treatments. Now, she’d like to bring her in again for treatment next weekend. She explained how after a fluoride treatment at the dentist, her daughter experienced severe stomach pain, nausea, and anxiety. This is obviously a case of acute fluoride poisoning and not what I’ve discussing above. My point is that because she knows I am a holistic, wellness-oriented chiropractor, who practices applied kinesiology; I have the ability to help people overcome very challenging health concerns. Therefore, I’ll be able to help identify what organ system is the most stressed and what nutrients she needs to detoxify effectively. Additionally, I’ll employ standard chiropractic treatments in order to help her entire body. Please consider this information if you or someone you know has a health concern.
In conclusion, there are many concerns with water fluoridation regarding health effects and ethics beyond the scope of this article. I strongly encourage you to read The Fluoride Deception by Christopher Bryson if this topic interests you.
Additionally, I encourage you to find the time to watch these 2 YouTube videos on the subject of fluoride. They are around 5 and 8 minutes in length.
Professional Perspectives: Fluoride in Tap Water
The Fluoride Deception: Part 1
Keep in mind, even though I’m not a proponent of drinking tap water, that does NOT mean I am a proponent of drinking bottled water. More on that in future articles.
Dr. Robert D’Aquila – NYC Chiropractor – Applied Kinesiology