Did the United States government fail to warn the black community about their disproportionate risk of suffering from the side effects of water fluoridation? Documents show evidence of such negligence, according to a press release published by the Fluoride Action Network (FAN).
Grand Rapids, Michigan, was among the first communities to add fluoride to the local water supply in an experimental effort to reduce tooth decay. The community conducted the experiment in 1945. Nearly 3 decades later, a startling discovery was made by government officials who studied the effects of the water fluoridation program.
A Startling Discovery
In 1962, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) published an internal memorandum in which F.J. Maier notes, “negroes in Grand Rapids had twice as much fluorosis than others,” (i). Fluorosis is characterized by a permanent discoloration of tooth enamel, a side effect of exposure to high levels of fluoride. Based on this alarming discovery, Maier goes on to ask, “In a community with a larger number of negroes, would this tend to change our optimum fluoride levels?”
Failure to Warn
Following the 1962 PHS memorandum, absolutely no change was made. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) never adjusted fluoride levels to minimize the risk of over-exposure in black communities. Moreover, no Americans were ever educated on the potentially harmful side effects of public water fluoridation. Instead, Americans of all ages were led to believe that water fluoridation was a safe method of strengthening teeth, reducing cavities, and promoting oral hygiene.
The Fluorosis Epidemic
The U.S. PHS set a “safe level” in the 1950s when it first endorsed fluoridation of public water systems. This safe level was said to be met when more than 10-15% of children exhibited signs of dental fluorosis (ii). In other words, health officials would agree that fluoride levels were too high— dangerously high— when more than 10-15% of American children exhibited the signs of permanently spotted and stained teeth.
Today, that level has been exceeded in at least one community in the U.S. In a recently published study, 17% of black children in Augusta, Georgia, showed signs of advanced dental fluorosis.
Black Community at Risk
Led by attorney Michael Connett, the Fluoride Action Network was recently able to uncover additional documents that further demonstrate the risk fluoride presents to black communities. Using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as a vehicle for truth, the team was able to obtain a 2005 study published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that shows black children at higher risk for dental fluorosis than white children. According to data gathered between 1999 and 2004, the CDC reports that 58% of children with dental fluorosis were black children, whereas just 36% were white (iii).
Scary Fluoride Facts
- The number of people who drink fluoridated water in the United States is greater than in any other country— combined.
- Some forms of fluoride are worse than others. One of the most dangerous forms of fluoride is found in American made wine and grape juice (from pesticides used during the cultivation of grapes).
- In countries throughout Europe, specific formulations of fluoride were once prescribed as a thyroid suppressant. Many American physicians believe that fluoridated water may adversely affect holistic health, specifically the health of the endocrine and central nervous systems.
- Black communities are harmed by fluoride disproportionately and without warning.
A Fluoride Free Florida
Assure A Smile stands with Fluoride Free Florida in promoting awareness for the dangerous side effects of water fluoridation. As a holistic dental practice, you will never find fluoride in our office. We help patients learn to create healthy teeth and gums for life, without the use of dangerous chemicals that pose a significant risk to long term health and happiness.
To learn more about holistic dentistry at Assure A Smile, call our front desk at 305-274-0047.
Sources
(i) “Govn’t Failed to Warn About Fluoride’s Disproportionate Harm to Black Community.” Fluoride Action Network. URL: http://fluoridealert.org/articles/maier_memo/
(ii) “Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Fluoridation of Water Supplies.” Division of Medical Sciences National Research Council. URL: http://books.google.com/books?id=9l4rAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=inauthor:%22National+Research+Council+%28U.S.%29.+Ad+Hoc+Committee+on+Fluoridation+of+Water+Supplies%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ZIsUVOvMKM7hsASO84K4CQ&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false
(iii) URL: http://fluoridealert.org/wp-content/uploads/2011_04_27_foia_fluorosis.pdf
