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.
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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
"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
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
72 of 83 people found the following review helpful
By S.E. Cooper
Format: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.
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.
46 of 53 people found the following review helpful
By C. Kopf
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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.
26 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By Jack Cook
Format:Paperback
Here it is; the book that took retired Professor Paul Connett and an army of researchers and activists fourteen years to compile and write. This is the one that rips the cover off the cover up conceived by the U. S. Public Health Service and maintained by corporate industrial giants after World War II to protect one of the most flawed public policies ever conceived in the United States. It reveals one of the saddest mass public deceptions in our history.
For more than 60 years the idea of fluoridation has been supported, promoted, advertised and force fed to an unsuspecting public until the very mention of adverse health effects seemed like an affront to the very integrity and expertise of the practice of dentistry and public health itself. Yet, during its entire run as a public policy, fluoridation has continually attracted the thoughtful challenge of intelligent and respected scientists and researchers who did not take blindly accepted dogma at face value. Rather, their sense of ethics and professional responsibility compelled them to read with deep understanding the few well-planned scientific reports that were allowed to slip through the veil of contradictory and skewed tests that were accepted without opposition by an entire medical discipline. Those who came to the conclusion that "fluoridation must stop" were ignored, threatened, and given a very cold shoulder by the very officials whose job it was, and is, to protect the public health.
Connett and his co-authors remind us that dentistry is not the enemy here. The enemy, instead, is a system that is geared to perpetuate a belief in fluoridation by using professional peer pressure, tremendous amounts of promotional money, and the subtle threat of ostracism. Maintenance of the policy of fluoridation continues by use of the tools of professional licensure and legal pressure in a long chain of workers who are compelled to continue a practice many of them know is wrong. And, some are compelled to follow state mandates that have been poorly understood, poorly written, yet strongly enforced by professionals who were responsible for twisting laws and ethics that should have signaled a poor and failing medical policy many years ago. Only the politics of face-saving seems to have formed the basis for the continuation of fluoridation, especially in the U. S.. The ignorance by officials of the basic science, law and ethics concerning this issue are unbelievably glaring.
Having been a victim of fluoride poisoning myself, the group of people who helped compose this book are the ones who helped me recover my life. I stopped using fluoridated toothpaste and now only drink distilled water. With the application of several other common sense diet changes that have reduced other toxins from my environment, my health has improved to a startling degree since I became aware of this scam back in 2007. My teeth have actually gotten stronger and whiter. I have no additional cavities. In fact, I was so impressed with the honesty and forthright integrity of this dedicated group as compared to the treatment I received from public officials when I questioned fluoride, that I became involved with the movement to end fluoridation. I was eventually asked by Paul Connett to help with many aspects of this publication. We worked exhaustively on its content. And, I know we are all proud and respectful of the final product.
To my mind, this is the most comprehensive and detailed collection of facts and figures ever placed in one printed volume for the public's analysis of fluoridation. It reveals in great detail the other side of an issue that fluoridation pundits hedge or avoid altogether. It is highly readable. Its logic and meticulously chosen studies bring the entire issue into crystal clear view for all to see. If anything, the authors could be faulted for being too wary of their evidence with the expectation that their work will be challenged severely by the behemoth of the fluoride establishment. Not only is this an eye-opener for the common public, but also for all those medical professionals who may not have had the time to carefully review the decades of information brought together in this one volume.
This book marks the beginning of the end of a long running scam whose details are now clearly revealed.
(Note: This reviewer has not yet purchased the product described from Amazon.com because he was involved in the book's production and knows its content).
For more than 60 years the idea of fluoridation has been supported, promoted, advertised and force fed to an unsuspecting public until the very mention of adverse health effects seemed like an affront to the very integrity and expertise of the practice of dentistry and public health itself. Yet, during its entire run as a public policy, fluoridation has continually attracted the thoughtful challenge of intelligent and respected scientists and researchers who did not take blindly accepted dogma at face value. Rather, their sense of ethics and professional responsibility compelled them to read with deep understanding the few well-planned scientific reports that were allowed to slip through the veil of contradictory and skewed tests that were accepted without opposition by an entire medical discipline. Those who came to the conclusion that "fluoridation must stop" were ignored, threatened, and given a very cold shoulder by the very officials whose job it was, and is, to protect the public health.
Connett and his co-authors remind us that dentistry is not the enemy here. The enemy, instead, is a system that is geared to perpetuate a belief in fluoridation by using professional peer pressure, tremendous amounts of promotional money, and the subtle threat of ostracism. Maintenance of the policy of fluoridation continues by use of the tools of professional licensure and legal pressure in a long chain of workers who are compelled to continue a practice many of them know is wrong. And, some are compelled to follow state mandates that have been poorly understood, poorly written, yet strongly enforced by professionals who were responsible for twisting laws and ethics that should have signaled a poor and failing medical policy many years ago. Only the politics of face-saving seems to have formed the basis for the continuation of fluoridation, especially in the U. S.. The ignorance by officials of the basic science, law and ethics concerning this issue are unbelievably glaring.
Having been a victim of fluoride poisoning myself, the group of people who helped compose this book are the ones who helped me recover my life. I stopped using fluoridated toothpaste and now only drink distilled water. With the application of several other common sense diet changes that have reduced other toxins from my environment, my health has improved to a startling degree since I became aware of this scam back in 2007. My teeth have actually gotten stronger and whiter. I have no additional cavities. In fact, I was so impressed with the honesty and forthright integrity of this dedicated group as compared to the treatment I received from public officials when I questioned fluoride, that I became involved with the movement to end fluoridation. I was eventually asked by Paul Connett to help with many aspects of this publication. We worked exhaustively on its content. And, I know we are all proud and respectful of the final product.
To my mind, this is the most comprehensive and detailed collection of facts and figures ever placed in one printed volume for the public's analysis of fluoridation. It reveals in great detail the other side of an issue that fluoridation pundits hedge or avoid altogether. It is highly readable. Its logic and meticulously chosen studies bring the entire issue into crystal clear view for all to see. If anything, the authors could be faulted for being too wary of their evidence with the expectation that their work will be challenged severely by the behemoth of the fluoride establishment. Not only is this an eye-opener for the common public, but also for all those medical professionals who may not have had the time to carefully review the decades of information brought together in this one volume.
This book marks the beginning of the end of a long running scam whose details are now clearly revealed.
(Note: This reviewer has not yet purchased the product described from Amazon.com because he was involved in the book's production and knows its content).
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
a well reasoned and researched book detailing fluoride indoctrination...
I'd heard the author interviewed on a podcast where he was very well spoken and outlined a few of the items detailed in this book. Read more
Published 8 days ago by Peeter Joot
5.0 out of 5 stars
Always Read Books You Are Told NOT to Read
Ralph Nader has come out against water fluoridation. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention admit that 41% of 12-15 year olds, and 36% of 16-19 year olds, have dental... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Andrew W. Saul
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book needed to be written
This carefully researched and well refenced book was written by senior scientists. As such, other scientists like myself, expect balance and fairness in reporting the science. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Dr. John Lusk
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read this book!
I bought a filter in order to remove fluoride from my drinking water after I read this book. Bad EPA!
Published 5 months ago by Arnold
5.0 out of 5 stars
EXCELLENT BOOK!
The Case Against Fluoride is a well-researched response to the dangerous and out-dated practice of community water fluoridation (CWF). Dr. Read more
Published 6 months ago by CBR
1.0 out of 5 stars
Junk Science. If you don't care about your children, then follow...
I'm a practicing dentist. I treat children with rampant dental decay. It's not fun. And, it shouldn't be this way in a first world country. Read more
Published 8 months ago by S Lewis
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not worth a red penny and your time
Junk science facts are gathered using research published in China & India to back the idea that fluoride is bad. Probably the most stupid book I have ever read. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Tinker Bell
1.0 out of 5 stars
Courageous
This book presents the argument that water fluoridation is the greatest threat the United States has ever faced. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Leopold Bloom
1.0 out of 5 stars
Fluoridation Facts for Truth? Follow the Credible Science!!
Is Mr. Connett really implicating the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society, and... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Ima Dentist
1.0 out of 5 stars
The Case FOR Fluoride
The claim that fluoridated water is harmful simply doesn't stand up to the evidence. Water companies use only a trace level of fluoride. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Tom
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