Is fluoride a developmental neurotoxin for children?

The debate over the dangers of fluoride has been ongoing for more than six decades.  Despite the fact that study after study has confirmed that fluoride is a dangerous, toxic poison that bio accumulates in your body while being ineffective at preventing dental decay, children are exposed to this toxin with every sip of water on a daily basis.  Approximately 100 animal studies have also linked fluoride to brain damage. This includes such effects as (1):

• Reduction in nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
• Damage to the hippocampus
• Formation of beta-amyloid plaques (the classic brain abnormality in Alzheimer's disease)
• Reduction in lipid content
• Damage to the Purkinje cells
• Exacerbation of lesions induced by iodine deficiency
• Impaired antioxidant defense systems
• Increased uptake of aluminum 
• Accumulation of fluoride in the pineal gland

Even scientists from the EPA's National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory have classified fluoride as a "chemical having substantial evidence of developmental neurotoxicity.”  A study, published in Lancet Neurology  (2) notes that industrial chemicals are "among the known causes" for neurodevelopmental disabilities such as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and other cognitive impairments (3).  There's no doubt about it: fluoride should not be ingested.

Unfortunately, we are stuck with whatever your community puts in the water and filtering it out is very difficult once it has been added.  This may only be done by reverse osmosis filtration or distillation.  Brita, Pur and most other filters or boiling or freezing water does not remove fluoride from drinking water.  The only real solution is to stop the archaic practice of water fluoridation in the first place as clean pure water is a prerequisite to optimal health.

Karolyn Boyd

Nutritionist

Ottawa Holistic Wellness Centre

References:

Foridealert.org,  Brain Effects.

Grandjean, P and Landrigan, P.  Neurobehavioral effects of developmental toxins.  The Lancet Neurology.  March 2014:  3(3):  330 – 338.

Harvard Gazette, February 14^th, 2014 by Karen Feldscher.