http://100777.com/node/210European Countries Banning the Use of Fluoride
May 28, 2003 - 18:46
Filed under: Fluoride
Because of health concerns, Belgium banned the sale of fluoride supplements
to prevent tooth decay, France removed sodium fluoride from the market for
the treatment of osteoporosis and Ireland plans to lower water fluoride
levels. And, because poor quality research has been carried out on fluoride
and health, British scientists called for more research into the health
effects of adding fluoride to drinking water in a report
http://www.mrc.ac.uk/index/public_interest/public-news/public-fluoridation_report.htm published by the Medical Research Council.
Belgium
Belgium banned fluoride supplements because excessive use of fluoride
increases the risk of osteoporosis, could damage the nervous system and,
even Belgian dentists agree, is ineffective when ingested.
"Belgian health minister at the time Magda Aelvoet said she was now pressing
for a Europe-wide ban, hinting that the removal of supplements was just the
first step towards removing the chemical from the food chain," according to
the article. Belgium's ban is a result of a report by the health ministry's
advisory body. The health ministry plans to present the review to the
European Commission this month in a bid to make Europe follow its lead, the
article says.
According to Nutraingredients.com: "'We think we have very strong arguments
for the ban,' responded the ministry spokesman. 'And it is rather uncertain
when the list of supplements (the Directive) will come in. We have asked the
council of health to prepare a review of the existing scientific evidence to
be presented to the European Commission so we are presenting them with a
solid scientific basis for the ban to be brought into Europe...,' said
Belgium's spokesman."
According to Nutraingredients.com: "'We base our opposition to fluoride on
the fact that there is no positive impact from the supplements - brushing
teeth with fluoride toothpaste is sufficient and there is no reason to do
anything else. Fluoride should be applied topically to prevent caries, but
should not be swallowed, especially by children who are more vulnerable to
it. Although there is natural fluoride in tea and water, for example, we
think that there are significant differences between the natural chemical
and the synthetic fluoride used in dental products. And we have looked at a
general review of the total literature, rather than a single study - we all
know studies can sometimes be biased,' responded the health ministry
spokesman,"
http://i.am/jah/heal.htm"He explained: '.... The position is very clear now, and it is supported by
the dentists in Belgium. People should not consume fluoride but instead use
it directly on teeth, such as when brushing with fluoride toothpaste. There
may be an issue for children under the age of six, who sometimes swallow
toothpaste, but we recommend that doses should be as low as possible,'
according to the Nutraingredients.com article."
France
France's health products' regulating agency suspended the sale of products
containing fluoride salts for the treatment of osteoporosis and was reported
in January 2002. The efficacy of fluoride to treat osteoporosis appeared
unfavorable compared to alternative treatments and it poses a risk of
fluorosis in the long run.
Ireland
An Ireland Government-commissioned report advises that fluoride levels added
to water supplies be reduced and proposes further research into
fluoridation, according to Irishhealth.com. The long-awaited report of the
Forum on Fluoridation is to be published on September 10 in Dublin.
The dose reduction is proposed because of the wider ingestion of fluoride
today from other sources - mainly by children and adults through regular use
of toothpaste, according to Irishhealth.com. "A major High Court action is
being taken by medical campaigner, Dr. Andrew Rynne against the State on the
issue of fluoridation claiming that it is against the interests of public
health due to toxicity. Around three quarters of the population receive
fluoridated water, although some county councils have petitioned the
government to be allowed not to add fluoride to the water in their areas,"
reports Irishhealth.com.
United Kingdom
Because poor quality research has been carried out on fluoride and health,
British scientists called for more research into the health effects of
adding fluoride to drinking water.
About five million people in Britain receive water with the fluoride content
artificially increased.. Another 1.5 million drink naturally fluoridated
water. It's unknown whether naturally and artificial fluoride react the same
or differently in the human body.
The Department of Health said it would study the absorption of fluoride, as
the council recommended.
Much of the current evidence on the benefits of fluoride comes from research
conducted several decades ago. A review
<http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/fluorid.htm%20> conducted by York
University, published in September 2000, concluded that little high quality
research had been carried out on the broader question of fluoride and
health. The British Government commissioned the Medical Research Council to
consider what further research in this area might be required and what
priorities should apply to inform public health policy in this area in 2000.
The group concluded that if new studies show that the uptake of fluoride
from artificially fluoridated water is substantially higher than from
naturally fluoridated water, then it will be necessary to further
investigate the long term effects of fluoridation on hip fractures.
The group recommended an updated analysis of the data on fluoridation and
cancer rates and suggested that any new studies on the causes of bone cancer
could easily include an assessment of exposure to fluoride
http://i.am/jah/why.htmRichard M. Ask
Certified Herb Specialist
The Natural Apothecary
http://www.thenaturalapothecary.comrma@charter.net
