The Case Against Fluoride: How Hazardous Waste Ended Up in Our Drinking Water and the Bad Science and Powerful Politics That Keep It There [Paperback]

Paul Connett (Author), James Beck (Author), H. Spedding Micklem (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 7, 2010

When the U.S. Public Health Service endorsed water fluoridation in 1950, there was little evidence of its safety. Now, six decades later and after most countries have rejected the practice, many cities and towns across the United States continue to fluoridate their water supply and the Center for Disease Control and the American Dental Association continue to endorse it, despite increasing evidence that it is not only unnecessary, but potentially hazardous to human health.

In this timely and important book, Dr. Paul Connett, Dr. James Beck, and Dr. H. Spedding Micklem take a new look at the science behind water fluoridation and argue that just because the medical establishment endorses a public health measure, that doesn't mean it's safe. In the case of water fluoridation, the chemicals used to fluoridate the water that more than 180 million people drink each day are not pharmaceutical grade, but rather hazardous waste products of the phosphate fertilizer industry; it is illegal to dump them into rivers and lakes or release them into the atmosphere. And water fluoridation is a prime example of one of the worst medical practices possible-forced medication with no control over the dose or who gets it. Perhaps most shocking of all, it is not subject to any federal regulation.

At once painstakingly-documented and also highly-readable, The Case Against Fluoride brings new research to light, including links between fluoride and harm to the brain, bones, and kidneys, and argues that while there is possible value in topical applications like brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, the evidence that swallowing fluoride reduces tooth decay is surprisingly weak. The Case Against Fluoride doesn't question the good intentions of dentists who support fluoridation, but rather explores the poor science, bizarre tactics, biased reviews, and puzzling motivations of a relatively small number of influential people who continue to push this practice on a largely ill-informed public.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* On the eve of the new millennium, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), listed water fluoridation as one of the twentieth-century’s 10 greatest public-health achievements. Yet according to the authors of this painstakingly researched exposé of fluoridation’s overall ineffectiveness and toxicity, endorsements such as these from the CDC and other health organizations are motivated more by face-saving politics than credible research. Fluoridation advocates who have previously branded detractors as conspiracy theorists and shills for “junk science” will be hard pressed to debunk the hundreds of peer-reviewed studies and sound scientific reasoning presented here. In demonstrating fluoridation’s ineffectiveness, the authors cite exhaustive evidence proving fluoride’s only benefits are topical, as in toothbrushing, as opposed to swallowing. But the case against fluoride’s alleged safety, even in small doses, is more alarming, with multiple studies showing fluoride’s probable complicity in lowered intelligence scores, thyroid dysfunction, hip fractures, and the ominously rising incidence of osteosarcoma in boys. The authors’ academic, hyperbole-free writing style serves them well in marshaling a series of facts that, all by themselves, expose fluoridation as a false panacea. It remains to be seen, however, whether the public-health community will give this landmark work due credit or continue to rubber stamp an outdated policy that, like bloodletting and trepanation, properly belongs on the scrap heap of sham medical interventions. --Carl Hays

Review

Booklist *Starred Review*-

On the eve of the new millennium, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), listed water fluoridation as one of the twentieth-century's 10 greatest public-health achievements. Yet according to the authors of this painstakingly researched exposé of fluoridations overall ineffectiveness and toxicity, endorsements such as these from the CDC and other health organizations are motivated more by face-saving politics than credible research. Fluoridation advocates who have previously branded detractors as conspiracy theorists and shills for junk science will be hard pressed to debunk the hundreds of peer-reviewed studies and sound scientific reasoning presented here. In demonstrating fluoridations ineffectiveness, the authors cite exhaustive evidence proving fluorides only benefits are topical, as in toothbrushing, as opposed to swallowing. But the case against fluorides alleged safety, even in small doses, is more alarming, with multiple studies showing fluorides probable complicity in lowered intelligence scores, thyroid dysfunction, hip fractures, and the ominously rising incidence of osteosarcoma in boys. The authors academic, hyperbole-free writing style serves them well in marshaling a series of facts that, all by themselves, expose fluoridation as a false panacea. It remains to be seen, however, whether the public-health community will give this landmark work due credit or continue to rubber stamp an outdated policy that, like bloodletting and trepanation, properly belongs on the scrap heap of sham medical interventions.

"Sweden rejected fluoridation in the 1970s and, in this excellent book, these three scientists have confirmed the wisdom of that decision. Our children have not suffered greater tooth decay, as World Health Organization figures attest, and in turn our citizens have not borne the other hazards fluoride may cause. In any case, since fluoride is readily available in toothpaste, you don't have to force it on people."--Arvid Carlsson, Nobel Laureate in Medicine or Physiology (2000) and Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology, University of Gothenburg

"Alfred North Whitehead said the scientific method means leaving 'options open for revision.' An ancient Roman adage says that 'whatever touches all must be approved by all.' These characterizations of science and democracy are the reasons for reading this book. Especially if you and your family are drinking administratively mandated fluoridated water."--Ralph Nader

"This book clearly shows that water fluoridation is poor public policy and must end. As a concerned citizen, I applaud the authors for bringing this issue to the world's attention."--Ed Asner

For anyone who has ever wondered why cities add fluoride to water-and questioned whether they should. Written with clear and easy-to-read prose, and supporting citations, The Case Against Fluoride carefully lays out the arguments against fluoridation and reasons why it should be discontinued. The authors examine the evidence on fluoridation and conclude convincingly that it should now be considered 'harmful and ineffective.'--Dr. Hardy Limeback, Professor and Head of Preventative Dentistry, University of Toronto

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 392 pages
• Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing; 1 edition (October 7, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1603582878
• ISBN-13: 978-1603582872
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,177 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You may never want to drink tap water again, October 14, 2010

By 

S.E. Cooper - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Case Against Fluoride: How Hazardous Waste Ended Up in Our Drinking Water and the Bad Science and Powerful Politics That Keep It There (Paperback)

This book will shock you!

I used to drink my tap water without concern, thinking it was safe and free of toxic chemicals. Then I read "The Case Against Fluoride" only to find out that 72% of public water supplies in the United States add an unregulated drug--fluoride--to the drinking water. Worst of all, its not the same fluoride you find in toothpaste, but instead 90% of communities use the cheapest, lowest-grade fluoride they can find, which happens to be unfiltered and unregulated toxic waste from the fertilizer industry (primarily from China and India). You can imagine my shock when I looked into whether my community fluoridated, and if so what chemicals they used (anyone can look this information up through the CDC website here:[...]). I found out that a town I lived in for nearly 7 years dumped this toxic waste into the water supply without any notification to the public or warnings regarding the huge volume of scientific and medical research pointing to serious health problems. What's worse, fluoride is also in processed food, soda, beer, and juice bottled in fluoridated communities, so we're consuming it whether we live in a fluoridated community or not.

The book was comprehensive, easy to read and understand, and supported every step of the way by the best and latest medical and scientific research. If you drink anything, you need to read this book.

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Take This Book To Your City or Town Council Meetings, October 13, 2010

By 

C. Kopf - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Case Against Fluoride: How Hazardous Waste Ended Up in Our Drinking Water and the Bad Science and Powerful Politics That Keep It There (Paperback)

Fluoridation opponents are often told that peer-reviewed published science doesn't support them. But that's a lie. This book is heavily referenced with such data. When fluoridationists with professional sounding titles testify before city councils, citizens are often intimidated and legislators confused. This book provides all the evidence required to refute any fluoridationist's false claims.

Because Dr. Connett, who is a chemist and very scientifically literate, was frustrated by fluoridationists who refused to read up-to-date fluoride science, he knew the average citizen could be equally frustrated. This book is meant for all of us who want a professional by our side when we tell elected officials, community and environmental groups that water fluoridation is ineffective at reducing tooth decay, harmful to health and a huge waste of money. Dr. Connett can't be everywhere, although he tries; but, if you buy this book, it will seem like he's by your side.

Fluoride chemicals are added to 70% of US public water supplies and, therefore, virtually 100% of the food and beverages made with that water in restaurants and supermarkets. As a result, fluoride is the most consumed drug in America. Yet, few American know fluoride's adverse effects, side effects, contraindications, proper individual dosage and where it comes from. Don't expect your dentist or physician to know. Most haven't learned this either.

I suggest you find out if your water is fluoridated, by calling your water company. If it is, take this book to your local legislative body and start reading from it, a little at every meeting until you reach the end or until they agree to stop fluoridation.

Fluoridationists often use name-calling and personal insults to denigrate people opposed to fluoridation. Don't let that stop you. Remember, Intelligent people, if they really understood science, wouldn't need to resort to such sophomoric tactics.

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Fluoridation Handbook, October 15, 2010

By 

Robert J. Fleming - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Case Against Fluoride: How Hazardous Waste Ended Up in Our Drinking Water and the Bad Science and Powerful Politics That Keep It There (Paperback)

I have had the great privilege of meeting one of the co-authors of this book, Dr. Paul Connett, on several occasions; including international conferences on water fluoridation. He has even visited Waterloo, Ontario twice this year in connection with local concerted efforts to remove fluoridation from our municipal drinking water (we have a vote on October 25, 2010). I had a chance to read pre-publication copy of this book and it is a wonderful handbook for citizens who want a readable piece which explains the intertwined science and politics on this alarming issue. Rather than going into my own review I think the one that appears in "booklist" a publication of the American Library Association parallels my own views completely:

*Starred Review* On the eve of the new millennium, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), listed water fluoridation as one of the twentieth-century's 10 greatest public-health achievements. Yet according to the authors of this painstakingly researched exposé of fluoridations overall ineffectiveness and toxicity, endorsements such as these from the CDC and other health organizations are motivated more by face-saving politics than credible research. Fluoridation advocates who have previously branded detractors as conspiracy theorists and shills for junk science will be hard pressed to debunk the hundreds of peer-reviewed studies and sound scientific reasoning presented here. In demonstrating fluoridations ineffectiveness, the authors cite exhaustive evidence proving fluorides only benefits are topical, as in tooth brushing, as opposed to swallowing. But the case against fluorides alleged safety, even in small doses, is more alarming, with multiple studies showing fluorides probable complicity in lowered intelligence scores, thyroid dysfunction, hip fractures, and the ominously rising incidence of osteosarcoma in boys. The authors' academic, hyperbole-free writing style serves them well in marshalling a series of facts that, all by themselves, expose fluoridation as a false panacea. It remains to be seen, however, whether the public-health community will give this landmark work due credit or continue to rubber stamp an outdated policy that, like bloodletting and trepanation, properly belongs on the scrap heap of sham medical interventions. (Booklist, Sept 1, 2010)

I urge anyone who lives in a fluoridated community to read this book. The unethical, unnecessary and potentially dangerous practice of fluoridation has to be stopped. This book should help to do this, not only in Canada and the U.S. but also in the handful of other countries that still continue this outdated and unsafe practice.

Robert J. Fleming (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada)