USA - LETTER: Fluoride pollutes our water

“As a summary of our research, we are now convinced that fluoridation of the water supplies causes a low grade intoxication of the whole population, with only the approximately 5 percent most sensitive persons showing acute symptoms. The whole population being subjected to low grade poisoning means that their immune systems are constantly overtaxed ... this can hasten health calamities.” - Dr. Hans Moolenburgh M.D., Netherlands

Studies show that adverse health effects due to fluoride poisoning begin to trend up in communities with about .3 ppm fluoride in the water. That trend steepens at .7 ppm, with a 2015 English report revealing a doubling of low thyroid rate in communities with .7 ppm as compared to communities at .3 ppm. The Gloucester Times has reported that Cape Ann has a natural fluoride level in our waters of .3 ppm.

The recent lowering of the U.S. fluoridation level to .7 ppm is a political move, neither based on science nor protective of health. It appears to be a concession or a compromise, but is neither.

The reduction is a strategic move to attempt to place the opposition in check. By increasing the numbers of US communities that fluoridate from 75 percent to close to 100 percent (the CDC/ADA/Pew goal), businesses dependent on fluoridation more than make up any financial dip due to the reduction, while continuing to maintain a callous disregard for the human misery and environmental damage caused by this practice.

Neighbors, I urge you to consider these facts. A little over 15 percent of the population has multiple chemical sensitivities and shouldn't have any fluoride. Approximately another 15 percent has chronic kidney disease and shouldn't have fluoride. Almost 10 percent has a thyroid disorder and shouldn't have fluoride ... that's 40 percent of the population without even counting the very young, elderly, or diabetics who are also at risk. In Gloucester, that's 12,000 residents. In Rockport, that's 2,800 residents who should not have fluoridated water.

This is like the second-hand smoke argument. Water is a shared resource. It is not fair to pollute municipal water with something that sickens some folks, especially when anyone who wants to drink fluoride can simply add it to their own drinking water if they feel brushing with it is not enough.

More power to you if fluoride doesn't bother you ... but that does not include the power to poison me or my family! — Karen Favazza Spencer, Langsford Street, Gloucester