The Fluoride dilemma is not new, and continues to prompt calls to action from concerned bodies who challenge the Government’s pursuit of a policy which has questionable benefits and documented risks to health.
Public water fluoridation was introduced intoIrelandin July 1964, on the grounds of being a low cost public health measure, considered to be safe to human health, and of benefit to all sections of society, and not restricted by social boundaries.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that over 200 million people in 39 countries benefit from artificially fluoridated drinking water.
Dental Health surveys in Ireland, conducted by the State in 1963, 1984, 1989, and 1990 concluded that water fluoridation provided a protective benefit in children at risk of tooth decay.
The widespread availability of refined sugars and it’s negative impact on dental health, which initially prompted the introduction of fluoridation in 1964, continues to present a public health hazard for Irish children and teenagers.
At a level of 1 part per million (1.0 ppm) in drinking water, fluoride was considered to be safe and effective as a protective mechanism against acid attack and tooth decay, a conclusion supported by the WHO, and also the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
Currently, 73% of the Irish population have fluoridated water supplies, which contain levels within the range of 0.8 ppm and 1.0 ppm. The EU directive for drinking water is 1.5 ppm fluoride.
A review by the Irish Expert Body (IEB) of the EPA standards (USA) in 2008 did not evaluate the risks / benefits for levels of water fluoride concentration between 0.7 mg/l and 1.2 mg/l. Their view is that fluoridation is safe and effective, and that current policy benefits overall health.
The Irish Dentists Opposing Fluoridation (IDOF) oppose these views on several grounds, including the strong links between fluoridation and several serious health conditions.
Apart from the ethical problems (http://drnevillewilson.com/2008/07/28/the-fluoride-policy/) associated with state sanctioned mass medication, health authorities are obliged to give public assurances that hydrofluorosilicic acid in Irish drinking water is below toxic levels, and that such water has passed the requirements of the Codified Pharmaceutical Directive 2001/83/EEC.
Given that fluoride in public water is no longer sourced from the waste products of the fertiliser and aluminium industry, and is instead imported from the Netherlands, are details of it’s source a matter of public knowledge ?
The recent imposition of state control over certain foods and nutrients which forbid them to make health claims must surely also apply to a chemical added to public drinking water for “preventative” purposes and as an aid to health.
Does this, by definition, not make fluoridated water a “medical supplement” that is being illegally used and in urgent need of control ?
The recent requests by the Kerry County Council and Bandon and Kinsale Town Councils to have water fluoridation policy reviewed is timely and appropriate, given the lack of evidence for non-toxicity and the acclaimed health benefits of adding fluoride to Irish public water.
Dr. Neville Wilson,
Medical Director,
TheLeinsterClinic.
Maynooth.
Hello Dr. Neville:
By virtue of the fact that you oppose fluoridation you have my respect. I know firsthand how difficult it is to champion an unpopular viewpoint. I have done it now for a decade. Along the way I have been privileged to speak with the world’s foremost authorities and to work with the best examples of humanity.
If there is anything I can do to support your battle in Ireland, just ask. We have garnered a formidable task force in Canada and have effected a 25% reduction in the exposed fluoridated population since 2008.
Sincerely,
Peter Van Caulart, Director
Environmental Training Institute, &
Vice President, Canadians Opposed to Fluoridation
COF-COF.ca
Thanks for this well reasoned article which highlights how the tide is turning against fluoride and which points out the inconsistencies in the Irish Government’s position.
It’s is great that three more town councils Kerry, Bandon and Kinsale have called on the Government to review the mounting evidence that is now in the public domain that mass medication through public water supplies is ethically wrong – The Harvard study published in July 2012 is VIP here. Fluoride is a medical treatment for hyperthyroidism and so causes people with healthy thyroid glands to become underactive. Thyroid medication mustcost the IRISH GOVERNEMeNT QUITE A BIT, so why not at least review that cost /connection?