New fluoridation research released from the UK.
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. 2015
Abstract
Background While previous research has suggested that there is an association between fluoride ingestion and the incidence of hypothyroidism, few population level studies have been undertaken. In England, approximately 10% of the population live in areas with community fluoridation schemes and hypothyroidism prevalence can be assessed from general practice data. This observational study examines the association between levels of fluoride in water supplies with practice level hypothyroidism prevalence.
Methods We used a cross-sectional study design using secondary data to develop binary logistic regression models of predictive factors for hypothyroidism prevalence at practice level using 2012 data on fluoride levels in drinking water, 2012/2013 Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) diagnosed hypothyroidism prevalence data, 2013 General Practitioner registered patient numbers and 2012 practice level Index of Multiple Deprivation scores.
Findings We found that higher levels of fluoride in drinking water provide a useful contribution for predicting prevalence of hypothyroidism. We found that practices located in the West Midlands (a wholly fluoridated area) are nearly twice as likely to report high hypothyroidism prevalence in comparison to Greater Manchester (non-fluoridated area).
Interpretation In many areas of the world, hypothyroidism is a major health concern and in addition to other factors—such as iodine deficiency—fluoride exposure should be considered as a contributing factor. The findings of the study raise particular concerns about the validity of community fluoridation as a safe public health measure.
Background on thyroid issues
Read the Fluoride Action Network’s summary on thyroid issues.
Lowered Thyroid Function (Hypothyroidism) in the media
New Zealand Media
Radio New Zealand. The Panel with Finlay MacDonald and Chris Gallavin. (27 February 2015)
Radio New Zealand. Dentists dismiss fluoride fears. (25 February 2015)
International Media
Newsweek. Water Fluoridation linked to higher ADHD Rates. (10 March 2015)
Channel 7 News Item. Love lost for fluoride? (27 February 2015)
MintPressNews. New Study Confirms Negative Impact of Fluoride On Thyroid Gland. (27 February 2015)
Chicago Tribune. British study links fluoride, underactive thyroid. (26 February 2015)
MD Think. Water Fluoridation linked to Hypothyroidism. (26 February 2015)
Oregon Live. Fluoride in water: New study suggests link to underactive thyroid (26 February 2015)
MSN. Fluoride in Drinking Water Tied to Higher Rates of Underactive Thyroid. (25 February 2015)
Health Daily. Fluoride in Drinking Water Tied to Higher Rates of Underactive Thyroid (25 February)
Doctors Lounge. Water Fluoridation Linked to Hypothyroidism in Britain (25 February 2015)
Bristol Post. Is fluoride in drinking water making people fat and depressed? (25 February 2015)
The New American. New Research Underscores the Dangers of Fluoride. (24 February 2015)
Newsweek: Water Fluoridation May Increase Risk of Underactive Thyroid Disorder. (24 Feb 2015)
Kent News. Stop water fluoridation, says public health expert (24 February 2015)
Yorkshire Post. Fluoride in water increases risk of thyroid illness ‘by 30 per cent’ (24 Feb 2015)
Irish Mirror. Adding fluoride to water may cause underactive thyroid. (23 February 2015)
Daily Mail Heading. Is the fluoride in your tap water poisoning you? (25 February)