FAN Bulletin 843

July 21, 2007

Dear All,

As of 5 pm today, 376 people had signed the Professionals’ statement calling for an end to fluoridation.

Meanwhile, as we wait to use this statement as powerful ammunition to end fluoridation worldwide, another domino in this preposterous practice fell today. This time in Brevard, North Carolina. See report below.

With the help of the internet (particularly our science based/news packed web site: http://www.FluorideAction.net ), and word of mouth, more and more citizens and officials are finding out what a dangerous sham this is. The attempts by the dental establishment, aided and abetted by their friends in the US Public Health Service, have hidden the truth for far too long from the American people. In this, they have also been greatly helped by the lack luster state of investigative journalism in this country. Fortunately, there are a growing number of doctors, dentists, local officials, water department personnel and some journalists who are not so easily hoodwinked. This has yet to have a major impact in state capitals or in DC, but little by little the dominos are beginning to fall at the local level.

Needless to say, the promoters will send their legions of dentists and state health officials down to Brevard to try to reverse this, but what they won’t bring with them are any solid answers to the health issues raised by the NRC (2006) nor any answers to common sense questions like, “If the major promoter of fluoridation (CDC, 1999, 2001) concedes that fluoride works topically, and not systemically, why swallow the stuff, and why put it in the drinking water which makes swallowing it unavoidable?”

Paul Connett

NEWS/Brevard votes to remove additive

Published Saturday, July 21, 2007

Brevard votes to remove additive

By Jonathan Rich

Times-News Staff Writer

BREVARD — The water in the city will be different in September as the City Council has decided to remove fluoride additives from the public water supply.

Water fluoridation has been common in municipalities across the country for decades as an inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay, but the process is not without its critics.

In May, Edward Daigle told members of the City Council he had read studies that suggested fluoride might create health problems such as bone decay, memory loss and thyroid problems and that information had recently led him to quit drinking from the public water supply.

Acting on Daigle’s concerns, City Manager Joe Albright looked into the issue and brought information back to the council at their meeting Monday.

“I researched this and found there was a plethora of information and studies about the pros and cons of water fluoridation,” Albright said. “After reviewing the data, I think council felt there was enough uncertainty as it relates to the possible detrimental effects and that’s why they unanimously made the decision to remove fluoride from the city’s water.”

Brevard has been using water fluoridation since 1980 and Hendersonville adopted the practice in 1997.

No longer putting fluoride compounds into the Brevard water supply will result in a $5,000 annual savings, but Councilman Mack McKellar said he is convinced this was the right thing to do.

“It’s a medicine and unless there is a 100 percent conclusive directive from a government agency to put it in the water, I think everybody needs to have a choice if they want to consume it,” McKellar said. “Otherwise, we’re paying money to administer medicine to people without their permission and I’m very uncomfortable in that role. The science we were presented on the issue cut both ways and if it’s a jump ball I say ‘Don’t do it’ because we already have what I consider some of the cleanest drinking water in America.”

Transylvania County Health Department Director Steve Smith said from a public health standpoint, he supported water fluoridation because it helped reduce tooth decay.

“I’ve researched it with the North Carolina Division of Public Health and they as well as I advocate for its use,” Smith said. “I think there is compelling evidence that the benefits far outweigh the risks and I just don’t believe it is a health issue for the vast majority of folks.”

Albright said the city had between a 35-to-40 day fluoride treated water supply left in its reserves and will notify the public via their August water bills of the change, which should go into practice starting September 1, 2007.

Daigle, who has lived in Brevard for a decade, said he was pleased with the council’s response to his concerns.

“I would rather the change be immediate, but I understand they have to use up the water supply they have already treated,” Daigle said Friday. “Until then I will continue to buy my drinking water, but I think they made the right decision.”