Dr. Howard, President of the International Society of Doctors for the Environment and Senior Lecturer, Developmental Toxico-Pathology, University of Liverpool, England, made presentations at three Toronto Canada meetings of the International Society of Fluoride Research, Fluoride Action Network and the Citizens for a Safe Environment.

Studies done in several countries show that children’s IQ are likely to be lower in high natural water fluoride areas, said Howard. These studies are plausible because fluoride is known to affect the thyroid hormone which affects intelligence and fluoride is also a neurotoxicant, said Howard. Such studies have not been conducted in countries that artificially fluoridate the water such as the US, UK and Canada, but should be, he said.

Howard’s assessments came before publication of “Fluoride and Children’s Intelligence: A Meta-analysis” in Biological Trace Element Research by Tang et al concluding “A qualitative review of the studies found a consistent and strong association between the exposure to fluoride and low IQ.” (e-published ahead of print 8/10/08)

“This new brain research together with the NRC’s evidence of fluoride’s thyroid and bone damage and the CDC’s recommendation against use of fluoridated water in infant formula as well as the National Kidney Foundation’s withdrawal of their fluoridation support makes a strong case for ending this 60-year-old fluoridation experiment.” says attorney Paul Beeber, President, New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc

Fluoride, added to water supplies ostensibly to prevent tooth decay, is also in virtually all US non-organic foods and beverages from pesticide residues and processing with fluoridated water.

“There have now been over 40 animal studies which show that fluoride can damage the brain, and no less than 18 studies which show that fluoride lowers IQ in children, and only 2 that don’t,” says Paul Connett, PhD, Executive Director, Fluoride Action Network (FAN).

In 2006, the U.S. National Research Council’s (NRC) expert fluoride panel reviewed recent fluoride toxicology and concluded, “It’s apparent that fluorides have the ability to interfere with the functions of the brain.”

Michael Connett, Project Director for the Fluoride Action Network co-authored a poster presentation at the International Association of Dental Research entitled, “Fluoride and its effect on human intelligence.” which identified 20 ecological studies that purport an association between high fluoride exposure and decreased human intelligence.

“The weight of evidence that’s on the table now says that, on a precautionary basis, we should stop this practice (fluoridation),” said Dr. Howard.

FAN is now working on getting an additional 7 Chinese studies published for the first time in English-language journals by the end of the year. These additional studies include two studies showing that fluoride can pass the placenta and damage the brain of the fetus, and 5 more studies finding a reduction in IQ among children exposed to excess fluoride.

“The Canadian Dental Association says there is no evidence to support the claims that fluoride in drinking water can lead to lower IQs,” reported the Lethbridge Herald

Here’s the evidence: http://www.FluorideAlert.org/brain

The President of the Ontario Dental Association further displayed ignorance of current fluoride research, apparently widespread in the dental community, when he insisted in the CTV broadcast that fluoride incorporates into children’s developing teeth to prevent decay. That theory was discarded long ago in favor of science which shows fluoride gets into tooth enamel by topical means alone.

A study by Yoder concluded, “The majority of dental professionals surveyed were unaware of the current understanding of fluoride’s predominant posteruptive mode of action.”

“No child is, or ever was, fluoride deficient. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control tells us that 1/3 of U.S school children are fluoride-overdosed causing dental fluorosis – white spotted, yellow, brown and/or pitted teeth. It’s time to stop fluoridation,” says Beeber.
After 60 years of water fluoridation, the CDC reports that 51% of 6 – 11 year-olds have cavities and 40% of 6 – 11 year-olds have fluorosis

Take action to end fluoridation here:
http://congress.fluorideaction.net

You’re right about plastic, though I read today that the US has taken the lead in recovering non-degradable products from landfill in order to recycle them which sounds like a promising move.

People constantly ask me how I can drink the city water – like I am slowly trying to kill myself or something.