The 60th
anniversary of fluoridation in the United States (jointly announced
by the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association)
is certainly nothing to be excited about.
Why?
A study from the Harvard School of Dental Health found that young
boys exposed to fluoridated tap water from ages 5-10 suffered an
increased risk of osteosarcoma--bone cancer--between the ages of
10 and 19. This study is the first to link the toxic effects of
fluoride to a child's development and the beginnings of bone cancer.
(No such link, however, was found among young girls.)
Moreover, osteosarcoma, though rare, is an especially dangerous
form of childhood cancer, as:
- The mortality rate in the first five years is about 50 percent.
- Nearly all survivors have limbs, usually legs, amputated.
Dangerous Fluoride Use
About 170 million Americans live in areas with fluoridated water;
however, the United States isn't the only country dangerously exposed.
In the UK, the chemical is added to tap water on the advice of organizations
such as the British Dental Association; the Department of Health
claims fluoride is a cost-effective public health measure that helps
prevent tooth decay in children.
But as the Harvard School of Dental Health study proved, even common
fluoride exposure levels can lead to increased cancer risks. While
half of all fluoride ingested is stored in the body, more than 90
percent is taken into the bones.
Secret Evidence
The new evidence regarding bone cancer risk from fluoride exposure
has never been published and only emerged by a circuitous process.
That's because environmental organizations were repeatedly denied
access to it, and even organizations such as the U.S. National Academy
of Sciences could not get hold of a copy.
Eventually, two researchers from the Fluoride Action Network were
allowed access to the rare books and special collections room at
the Harvard medical library.
Taipei
Times June 13, 2005
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