Dear Mayor and Councillors,
Last week, two studies were published in peer-reviewed mainstream medical journals, which showed a strong link between fluoridation and serious adverse health effects to thyroid and brain function. These two studies looked at fluoridation at the levels that we have in New Zealand.
Evidence that fluoridation causes harm is now undeniably serious, and Council needs to take urgent action to call a moratorium until safety can be guaranteed.
Almost every New Zealander knows someone with thyroid problems or a child with ADHD. It is within your power, and it is your responsibility, to protect your community and suspend this out-dated practice.
The first study published last week showed thyroid disease patient numbers from 99% of GP practices in the UK. This was published in Epidemiology and Community Health, which is one of the main British medicals journals. More than one hundred news outlets in the UK, large and small have reported this, as well as in the US by Newsweek, NBC, The Chicago Tribune, among others – as well as Australian TV news. See Abstract and links to media coverage
In New Zealand, only the Jim Mora show on Radio NZ has covered the story. The NZ Dental Association spokesperson, Dr Beaglehole, was the only person interviewed. Of course it is his job to promote and defend fluoridation, so it is not surprising that as a dentist, he was defensive, evasive and unable to answer questions about thyroid and brain function. Please see transcript of this interview for Fluoride Free NZ’s rebuttal of Dr Beaglehole’s inadequate and misleading answers. Also see our press release on this last week.
The second study last week was published in Environmental Health and shows that there was a strong correlation between an increase in ADHD in children and increased prevalence of fluoridation. Interestingly, the authors say “…exposure to fluoridated water may contribute to ADHD via suppression of the thyroid gland…” See Fluoridation linked to ADHD for more details
We understand that correlation is not necessarily causation. However, unless promoters can prove otherwise, it has to be recognised that fluoridation could be causing an increase in ADHD and the appropriate action taken. This study confirms the growing body of evidence that fluoride causes damage to the brain (see Fluoride Brain studies for more info).
Lowering people’s thyroid function and causing an increase in ADHD rates is an extremely serious matter. It cannot be weighed against any unproven reduction in dental decay. Nor can it be weighed against political careers or maintaining a unified front. There are children being born today who are at risk of having their brain development affected. People only have one chance for brain development. If this goes wrong, there is no going back to correct it.
Fluoridation is reckless and irresponsible. Councilors should not knowingly allow this damaging practice to continue. Contrary to the claims made by fluoridation promoters, no safety studies have ever been conducted in the world. It’s time to put your community first, and call an immediate suspension of fluoridation in your community.
Regards
Mary Byrne
On behalf of Fluoride Free New Zealand
www.fluoridefree.org.nz
027 3615951