February 28, 2015
A New Day, Another Study
“State prevalence of artificial water fluoridation in 1992 significantly positively predicted state prevalence of ADHD in 2003, 2007 and 2011, even after controlling for socioeconomic status.
A multivariate regression analysis showed that after socioeconomic status was controlled each 1% increase in artificial fluoridation prevalence in 1992 was associated with approximately 67,000 to 131,000 additional ADHD diagnoses from 2003 to 2011. Overall state water fluoridation prevalence (not distinguishing between fluoridation types) was also significantly positively correlated with state prevalence of ADHD for all but one year examined.
Conclusions: Parents reported higher rates of medically-diagnosed ADHD in their children in states in which a greater proportion of people receive fluoridated water from public water supplies."
More Great Media Coverage of Thyroid Study
The media continues to widely cover the new study published earlier this week in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health linking fluoridation to an increase in hypothyroidism in the U.K. Since the publication of FAN’s bulletin on the study entitled “Are fluoride levels in drinking water associated with hypothyroidism prevalence in England? A large observational study of GP practice data and fluoride levels in drinking water,” the story has been covered by more mainstream media outlets then we can list. Some include:
"This dramatic increase in thyroid dysfunction associated with fluoridation of the water supply adds to previous studies indicating that fluoride has an inhibitory effect on the thyroid gland," said Dr. Terry Davies, a professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City.
The study "supports the argument that our water supply should be pure water and nothing else," said Davies, who is also an endocrinologist at The Mount Sinai Hospital.
A Steady Stream of Victories
February has been a very good month for the fluoride-free movement, not only due to the publication of two great studies, but also due to a steady stream of communities ending the practice, with even more on the verge: South Dublin, Ireland—South Dublin County Council become the 5th major council calling for an end to fluoridation in 2015 and the 10th in the past year, collectively representing more than 2 million Irish residents. This comes less than a month after councilors in Cavan County and the community of Galway both passed motions calling for members to register their opposition to fluoridation.
Yoshikawa, Japan—Officials in this Japanese city with 70,000 residents decided against fluoridating the drinking water after considering a fluoridation proposal for 17 years. The proposal was defeated by a strong fluoride-free grassroots movement in combination with the election of a new Mayor who opposed the practice.
New Brunswick, New Jersey—Councilors voted to stop using fluoride in the water supply for their 50,000 residents as part of their plans to improve the town’s infrastructure. They felt that fluoride was readily available in other forms and that people were choosing to drink bottle water instead of tap water, making the practice a waste of money. Also in NJ, Egg Harbor will hold a meeting on March 5 to consider ending the practice after the Water and Sewer Department Superintendent urged councilors to oppose the practice.
Boynton Beach, Florida—Town officials will no longer fluoridate the drinking water for their 70,000 residents due to the cost of updating the broken fluoride injection equipment and the limited availability of the additive.
Montello, Wisconsin—Councilors approved a motion ending fluoridation on February 12th after contacting area dentists and learning that “a person would get more fluoride from brushing their teeth daily than by drinking a gallon of city water daily.” The decision will save nearly $40,000 this year, and $7,000 each year. Rice Lake, Wisconsin is also considering removing fluoride.
Brackenridge, Pennsylvania—Councilors are discontinuing their fluoridation program because of the availability of fluoride in other forms, and because, as one councilor stated, “…it’s dangerous to work with.” Brackenridge follows Ford, PA, which voted to end fluoridation in December.
Arkansas Legislature—The full Arkansas House passed legislation (HB1355) that will give municipalities the ability to opt-out of the statewide fluoridation mandate, effectively reversing the policy by allowing local control on the issue. The bill won by a vote of 60-34 despite efforts by the Arkansas Dental Association to oppose it. The bill will now go to the Senate, where it will have a public hearing in the Health committee before being heard on the Senate floor.
February’s Teleconference Audio
If you missed this month’s International Fluoride Free Teleconference you can now download the audio. February’s call was dedicated to campaigners from around the world coming together to offer each other support in the effort to end fluoridation.News You May Have Missed
-New York’s Fluoridation Fuss, 50 Years Later (New York)-NYS Governor is Misled About Fluoride Safety (New York)
-In Oneida, Opposing Views Expressed on Fluoridation (New York)
-Bennington: Citizens Against Fluoridated Water Speak Out (Vermont)
-Fluoride Toxicity in Plants Irrigated With City Water (Michigan)
-Sonoma: Council Delays Stand on Fluoridation (California)
-Farmington’s Efforts to Remove Fluoridation Ordinance (Missouri)
-Rice Lake Considers Removing Fluoride (Wisconsin)
-Fluoride Committee Appointed by Topsfield Town Moderator (Massachusetts)
-Lewiston-Auburn Water Agencies to Repair Fluoride System (Maine)
-Campaign to Stop Adding Fluoride to Hull Water Supply (U.K.)
-New Push to Block Ballina Fluoridation Plan (Australia)
-Acclaimed Fluoridation Experts Touring New Zealand in February (New Zealand)
Stuart Cooper
Campaign Manager
