Minutes of the meeting of the Auckland DHB and Waitemata DHB

Taken from page 3 of the minutes of the meeting of the Auckland DHB and Waitemata DHB Community and Public Health Advisory Committees.

Fluoridation

Allison Roe raised the question of follow up on the issue of fluoridation (Page 5 of the minutes). She also raised concerns that she had about the validity of a particular study in the Napier area relating to fluoridation, after listening to Dr Paul Connett, international spokesperson for the (anti‐fluoridation) Fluoride Action Network.

Discussion on this included:

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service’s position on this issue is clear from its website and the press release they had issued relating to Dr Connett’s visit to Auckland. Information on ARPHS’s briefing on fluoridation of the new Auckland Council and local board members had also been sent to CPHAC members in December.

The importance of carefully evaluating research papers and not relying on individual opinion of their validity.

Dr Julia Peters (Clinical Director ARPHS) (present for the following agenda item) advised that:

They had received feedback that information on their website concerning fluoridation is too technical and not sufficiently user friendly. They are looking at that.
Based on over 60 years of research, the evidence overwhelmingly is that fluoridation does more good than harm. The only proven adverse effect is mild discolouration of teeth and this is barely seen in New Zealand because of the level of fluoridation here. Four major international studies in the last year supported the overall positive effect of fluoridation. In New Zealand, Professor Gluckman had stated that the science on this issue is settled.
She believed that the issue is not about science, but about community values and the need to be thinking about the health of the whole population. Fluoridation has the greatest benefit for those who live in more deprived areas.
ARPHS is willing to attend CPHAC to provide further updates relating to fluoridation when requested.

After doing a lot of research due to feeling ill and wanting to live a cleaner lifestyle. I was disgusted to learn fluoride which has been promoted for heathly teeth is a well known toxin. And this toxin is been put in our water.

It doesn’t matter if the dose in our water is low. It is a poison!
No level of poison is safe. So while I can buy a distiller to help minimize the effects of fluoride i’m drinking ( and yes i feel better, since doing this)

We are not just putting this poison in our mouths, and in our childrens mouths. We are drinking it, we are bathing in it, we wash our food in it and we don’t have a choice, this is appauling.

It’s known to damage the thyroid. It’s known to damage bones.
Its known to cause stomach problems. It’s known to increase the risk of cancer.
Floride is a key componant in rat poison and some insecticides.

This needs to stop. If individuals want flouride for their teeth, it can be their choice. But don’t poison the rest of NZ with this toxic chemical.

If trends are anything to go by, you will notice an influx in kiwis looking for more natural products including a fluoride free toothpaste. So why would we want this in our water which we use for so much. Please stop poisoning us.

Claire Newell, Auckland