Dangers of Fluoride
Health authorities in the U.S. refer to “fluoridation” as one of the 20th century’s top 10 public health achievements. Most other countries don’t share this view. The fact is, more people consume artificially fluoridated water in the United States than in the rest of the world.
97% of the population in western Europe have water without fluoride added to it. Proponents of fluoridation often say that’s because Europe adds fluoride to salt. Most importantly, only 5 western Europe nations fluoridate their salt.
by Greg Montoya
Fluoride Isn’t a Nutrient
There isn’t a biochemical process in the body that has been proven to benefit from fluoride. Thanks to the expanded sources of fluoride exposure, human health risks have increased.
As a result, it’s important to reduce fluoride exposure, including fluoridated water, some dental materials, and other fluoridated products.
Changing Views – too little to late
In 2012 over 67% of Americans consumed fluoridated water. Thus, approximately 11 million people consuming it above the “optimal” level, according to the CDC.
These levels date back to 1962. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proclaimed that the so called “optimal” level of fluoride was in fact set too high. Thus, resulting in 40% of U.S. teens showing symptoms of overexposure (dental fluorosis).
Can Consuming Lower Levels of Fluoride Help You Avoid Overexposure?
Americans get fluoride from a wide variety of sources. For example, some mouthwashes, toothpaste, processed foods, and beverages. The fact is, it accumulates in the body over time. Thus, odds are this lower level is still going to pose a health risk for most people.
Potential Dangers of Fluoride
The potential dangers generated from exposure to fluoride are generally overlooked. For example, gender, age, genetic factors, weight, nutritional status and other factors can influence each individual’s unique reaction to fluoride.
Dental Fluorosis
Excessive exposure to the dangers of fluoride can cause dental fluorosis. This is a condition that can irreversibly damage tooth enamel. In addition, teeth end up permanently discolored. Thus, exhibiting a brown or a white mottling pattern. Also, causes brittle teeth that stain and break easily. Dental fluorosis is the first noticeable sign of fluoride toxicity.
Also, a warning sign of other human health risks related to fluoride exposure. A 2010 report from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) found that 23% of U.S. citizens ages 6-49 and 41% of children ages 12-15 exhibited fluorosis to some extent. Further assessment demonstrates that 58% of children ages 6-19 have fluorosis.
Fluoride is an Endocrine Disrupter
Fluoride’s role as an endocrine disruptor (chemicals that can interfere with endocrine systems) have been largely overlooked. The fact is, fluoride is definitively identified as an endocrine disruptor in a report released in 2006 by the U.S. National Research Council of the National Academies.
Can Cause Lower IQs in Children
Childhood exposure to fluoride is vitally important to consider. This is an issue which was made evident in a study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal. The study linked fluoride utero exposure with lower IQs.
Most importantly, fluoride is recognized as one of 12 toxic industrial chemicals acknowledged to cause developmental neurotoxicity.
It’s Not Just in the Water
We’re all consuming fluoride to some extent. Even if we’re doing our best to avoid fluoridated water. The fact is, numerous non-organic foods are loaded with fluoride because of pesticide residues that are commonly used on them.
Grapes and iceberg lettuce are two of the highest sources of fluoride. Iceberg lettuce contains 180 ppm of fluoride. That’s a frightening 180 times higher than what is deemed a safe amount in drinking water.
Even supporters of fluoridation acknowledge that the primary benefits are only topical. When it comes to dental purposes, fluoride only works from the exterior area of teeth.
Unfortunately, not from inside of the body. So, why consume it? The fluoride added to drinking water is actually a chemical waste product. It isn’t something we should be putting into our bodies!
To stay informed and help fight back against forced medicating us with this highly toxic poison, go here and follow the Fluoride Action Network on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluorideActionNetwork/