Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
C.P. Ptition
Fluoration de
leau potable
MMOIRE
LE VICE JURIDIQUE DE LA FLUORATION DE LEAU POTABLE
ET
SES CONSQUENCES
SUR LA SANT DES POPULATIONS EXPOSES
PRSENT
PAR LE
AVRIL 2013
Prsent par
Gilles Parent, ND.A.,
porte-parole scientifique du Front commun pour une eau saine et de lAssociation des
naturopathes agrs du Qubec,
Pierre Jean Morin, Ph.D. en mdecine exprimentale,
porte-parole scientifique du Front commun pour une eau saine,
Matre John Remington Graham, B.A., LL.B. avocat,
porte-parole scientifique du Front commun pour une eau saine,
Tous trois coauteurs du livre La fluoration : autopsie dune erreur scientifique, dition Berger,
2005 et importants acteurs dans le dbat sur les effets toxiques et les aspects juridiques de la
fluoration de leau potable dans le monde.
Avec la contribution des
Dr Poonam Mahajan, DDS, Indes
Dr Richard D. Sauerheber B.A. Biology, Ph.D. Chemistry, University of California, San Diego, La
Jolla, CA
Practiced before courts of 16 jursidictions in the USA, including 3 cases in which the trial judges
found that water fluoridation causes cancer and other ailments in man
Advisor on British constitutional law and history to the Amicus Curiae for Quebec in the
Supreme Court of Canada, 1997-1998
Author of published articles on cancer epidemiology
Counsel in major fluoridation litigation in Minnesota, Washington State, Pennsylvania, Illinois
and Texas, 1974-1984
Author: La fluoration: autopsie d'une erreur scientifique 2005
Fluoridation : autopsy of a scientific error 2010
Dr Richard D. Sauerheber B.A. Biology, Ph.D. Chemistry, University of California, San Diego, La
Jolla, CA) Palomar College, 1140 W. Mission Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069
Email: richsauerheb@hotmail.com
Telephone: 760-744-1150- xt 2448
1826 Redwing St., San Marcos, CA 92078
graduate of the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology
(1971)a graduate of the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, San Diego
(1976) and hold a Doctorate in Chemistry, studying biochemistry and inorganic chemistry with
emphases at the UCSD School of Medicine in physiology, pathology, cardiovascular science,
neurochemistry, histology and pharmacology. My thesis research, under the supervision of the
honorable diabetologist Dr. Arne N. Wick (Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA) and world class insulin
researcher Dr. Otto Walaas (University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway) led to published articles on
diabetes mellitus, insulin action and the physical biochemistry of cell surface membranes and
their interactions with calcium and magnesium.
5. I completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA (1976-1980).
6. As a Federal National Institutes of Health research grant principal investigator I supervised
laboratory medical research studies at the Rees Stealy Clinical Research Foundation, San Diego,
CA for one decade (1981-1991).
7. As a California Community Colleges lifetime teaching credential holder in the Life Sciences I
have since 1991 been an educator in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics.
8. I have approximately 30 research articles published in scientific journals, including the
Journal of Biological
Chemistry, Biochemistry, Science, and Current Therapeutics.
9. I co-authored a review article on the role of divalent cations in the structure and function of
biological membranes, published by Taylor & Francis, London in the prestigious CRC Press
reference book series, The Role of Calcium in Biological Systems.
10. I received laboratory training at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD, from the
world re-known Dr. Andrew A. Benson of the Calvin-Benson cycle in plant photosynthesis. Not
as widely known for his expertise in fluorine chemistry, Benson received his Ph.D. in 1940 from
the University of California, Berkeley on the synthesis of fluoride derivatives of thyroid
hormone. I currently meet regularly with Benson who at age 94 still runs a laboratory at the
SIO.
11. Author of these textbooks entitled The Calculus, Biology Introduction, The Nature of Light,
the Truth Behind Relativity, and The Toxicity of Fluoridated Water. Each of these texts have
been accepted for copyright by the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. (www.lulu.com.)
12. I completed a chemical analysis of the Hooper Bay fluoridated water poisoning disaster, and
this article has been published at www.nofluoride.com. A more extensive version is a submitted
manuscript now under review at the Journal of Environmental Health.
RSUM
DU MMOIRE DU FRONT COMMUN POUR UNE EAU SAINE
Note :
Nous nous excusons de la longueur du rsum de ce mmoire mais tant donn la complexit
du dossier de la fluoration, de la gravit des points que nous soulevons et de lampleur de
linformation pertinente requise cette Commission parlementaire de la sant sur la fluoration
pour tre en mesure de porter un jugement sur lavenir de cette mesure dite de sant publique,
nous navons pas dautre choix.
PREMIRE PARTIE
Des pralables juridiques luds :
Les pralables juridiques et thiques fondamentaux de ce que constitue lacte de la fluoration
ont t compltement luds et escamots dans le dbat de la fluoration par les promoteurs
de cette mesure. Ils sont pourtant primordiaux pour les lgislateurs den valuer les
rpercussions lgales. Or lacte de fluorer leau potable devrait lgalement constituer un acte
thrapeutique puisquil consiste administrer une substance des populations entires dans
un but thrapeutique clairement avou de prvenir et de gurir la carie dentaire en ayant
recours leau potable comme vhicule dadministration de la dite substance thrapeutique.
La fluoration de leau est ralise par lajout leau potable de produits chimiques qui
les rendent
Les produits chimiques de fluoration sont les contaminants raffins capturs par les
processus de dpollution des chemines des usines dengrais chimiques phosphats.
Ils ne sont pas de grades pharmaceutiques ou alimentaires mais pour des usages industriels
seulement.
9
10
que ces produits ne satisfont pas aux exigences de la Loi sur les aliments et drogues du Canada
quant aux conditions sanitaires requises.
La Loi sur les aliments et drogues du Canada naccorde pas le droit dassocier une allgation
thrapeutique spcifique pour une maladie spcifique quelconque telle que prvient la carie
dentaire aux nutriments servant la fortification des aliments. Seules les allgations
gnrales telles que bon pour la sant sont permises. Le MSSS et la Direction de la sant
publique du Qubec allguent dans nombres de documents et sans doute devant cette
Commission que le fluorure des produits chimiques de fluoration (la fluoration) prvient la carie
dentaire et en rduit lincidence.
Sant Canada ne classe pas, non plus, les produits de fluoration comme additifs
alimentaires.
Puisque que Sant Canada ne rglemente daucune faon les produits de fluoration et quil est
le seul organisme autoris et comptent pour ce qui en est pour les produits ayant une
quelconque allgation thrapeutique ou nutritionnelle, les produits de fluoration ne peuvent
pas lgalement servir la prvention dune maladie, y compris la carie dentaire et sa promotion
en se sens contreviendrait la Loi sur les aliments et drogues.
Si le seul motif de leur ajout dans leau potable est dapporter une source nutritionnelle de
fluorure, les produits doivent absolument tre de qualit pharmaceutique ou alimentaire et
tre rglements par Sant Canada autrement ils nont pas leur place dans les aliments ou dans
leau potable.
Les produits chimiques de fluoration sont impropres une FONCTION NUTRITIONNELLE.
Il serait difficile de concevoir que les autorits de la sant du Qubec puissent oser
recommander ladministration des populations entires de produits visant prvenir la carie
dentaire qui sont impropres aux fonctions thrapeutiques ou nutritionnelles pour lesquelles ils
les destinent puisquils ne sont pas approuvs par les autorits lgales responsables de la Loi
sur les aliments et drogues.
faisant, Sant Canada esquivait son devoir qui lui est dvolu dassurer la protection de la sant
des Canadiens relativement aux produits auxquels un rle thrapeutique ou nutritionnel y est
dvolu. Or un produit de traitement de leau, par dfinition, ne peut servir quuniquement
rendre leau potable et scuritaire et non traiter une population contre une maladie. Cest
lvidence mme! Il ny a aucun autre exemple similaire o leau potable est utilise comme
vhicule pour administrer une substance traitant ou prvenant une maladie.
Il est juridiquement inacceptable que des produits chimiques de traitement de leau puissent
tre utiliss comme des sources dun nutriment ou comme mdicament.
la fluoration sans en avoir les preuves, relve de la spculation fantaisiste, dautant plus que la
trs grande toxicit aigu et chronique des fluorure est connue.
Lgalement, lusage de produits de fluoration dont la conformit de leur certification la
norme Standard 60 de la National Sanitation Foundation nest pas remplie devrait tre
dfendu et illgal. Une municipalit ne peut pas utiliser un produit qui nest pas conforme et
qui contrevient aux exigences de la loi. Une certification de complaisance nest pas une preuve
suffisante de la conformit. Le Ministre de la Sant et des Services sociaux qui est maintenant
responsable de leffet de la fluoration sur la sant et les lus municipaux ont le devoir lgal de
sassurer que les produits sont conformes la norme, ce qui exige les tests de toxicologie qui
nont pas t effectus.
Les produits de traitement de leau servant la fluoration ne se conforment aux exigences de
la norme Standard 60 de la NSF suivant les Rglements sur leau potable du Qubec
Des produits de fluoration dont linnocuit na pas t dmontre par une revue
des tests de toxicologie ne peuvent pas tre considrs comme scuritaires
La nature des fluorures servant la fluoration, les classant parmi les poisons extrmement
toxique tels larsenic et le plomb, labsence des tests de toxicologie pourtant exigs lgalement
pour en dmontrer linnocuit et leur spcification pour un usage industriel seulement
rendraient criminel leur ajout leau. Avant mme de se pencher sur lefficacit et sur
linnocuit de la fluoration, nous invitons le contentieux juridique du gouvernement de se
pencher trs srieusement sur les nombreux accrocs aux lois et aux chartes des droits et
liberts que reprsente la fluoration de leau.
14
DEUXIME PARTIE
La deuxime partie de ce mmoire traitera de linefficacit de la fluoration de leau et de ses
effets dltres sur la sant humaine.
15
TROISIME PARTIE
Le Dr Pierre Jean Morin, Ph.D. et Matre Remington se penche sur la jurisprudence relative la
fluoration.
QUATRIME PARTIE
Le Dr Poonam Mahajan, DDS, experte en sant publique et auteure dun article paratre rvise
les effets toxiques de la fluoration.
Elle est suivie par lanalyse rigoureuse effectu par M. Declan Waugh des statistiques officielles
de lincidence des maladies chroniques en Irlande qui tablit que la fluoration contribue dune
faon importante leur accroissement, en se fondant sur les observations rapportes dans le
rapport du Conseil National de la recherche des tats-Unis. Cest la premire tude
pidmiologique denvergure effectue dans un pays o la fluoration est obligatoire depuis
suffisamment de temps pour faire la dmonstration des effets dltres de la fluoration
compares aux donnes dun pays voisin extrmement comparable servant de groupe tmoin.
CINQUIME PARTIE
Article paratre du Dr Richard D. Sauerheber B.A. Biology, Ph.D. Chemistry, University of
California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA) Palomar College, 1140 W. Mission Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069
16
MMOIRE
LE VICE JURIDIQUE DE LA FLUORATION DE LEAU POTABLE
ET
SES CONSQUENCES
SUR LA SANT DES POPULATIONS EXPOSES
PRSENT
PAR LE
AVRIL 2013
17
PREMIRE PARTIE
INTRODUCTION
Les organismes nationaux tels le Front commun pour une eau saine et la Coalition Eau Secours
et les groupes de citoyens des municipalits ayant recours la fluoration se sont concerts sous
le parasol du Rseau sans fluor pour demander lAssemble nationale du Qubec dorganiser
une commission parlementaire sur le dossier de la fluoration de leau potable afin de faire la
lumire sur tous les aspects scientifiques, thiques, lgaux, sanitaires, conomiques, et
environnementaux de la fluoration et de statuer sur la ncessit dabolir le programme de
fluoration de leau potable.
Nous nous attendons donc que les commissaires cherchent par tous les moyens possibles de
jeter de la lumire sur tous les aspects souvent trs obscures de la fluoration de leau, tant sur
les plans scientifiques, thiques, lgaux, sanitaires, conomiques, et environnementaux. Ce ne
sera pas une maigre tche.
Prsentement, moins de 31 pays travers le monde ont recours la fluoration de leau potable,
la plupart desservent quune partie modeste de sa population. Trois pays seulement avaient
impos la fluoration leurs municipalits dune faon coercitive : lIrlande, la Malaisie et Isral.
Or si le dbat fait rage prsentement en Irlande, le ministre de la sant isralien, M. Yael
German, vient de dcrter (le 12 avril, 2013) que la fluoration obligatoire en Isral se terminera
en 2014.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-to-stop-mandatory-fluoridation-of-waterwithin-one-year.premium-1.515035
Des mdecins, des dentistes, des chercheurs, des biochimistes, des avocats, des journalistes,
des organismes environnementaux et de simples citoyens tentent pas tous les moyens, y
compris lgaux, de percer la carapace qui entoure le dossier de la fluoration. Il est tonnant
comment hermtique est linformation qui entoure la fluoration et jusqu quel point elle est
cache, dissimule, escamots, tordue, falsifie. Dans lair de la Commission Charbonneau, les
citoyens aspirent beaucoup plus de transparence de la part de ses lus et, encore plus, des
autorits de la sant. Cet effort collectif et concert de la part de tous ces gens ne se joue pas
seulement au Qubec, mais tout autant au Canada, aux tats-Unis comme dans la plupart des
pays qui ont recours la fluoration. Que lon nous dise ce qui se cache derrire la fluoration
pour nous expliquer pourquoi les autorits de la sant gardent si jalousement tant de faits
dissimuls sur la fluoration? Grce la Loi sur laccs linformation, grce au processus de
ptitions auprs du Commissaire lenvironnement du Canada du Bureau du Vrificateur
gnral du Canada, grce de pnibles dmarches judiciaires, effectus auprs des ministres,
18
des organismes gouvernementaux, auprs des municipalits ici au Qubec, au Canada, aux
tats-Unis et dans le monde, morceau par morceau, preuve sur preuve, des lments luds se
rvlent souvent dans toute leur horreur. Il sera impossible dans le cadre de ce mmoire de
tout illustrer mais il vous sera possible den avoir un portrait fort inquitant. Pourquoi en est-il
ainsi?
Or si une et une seule de ces conditions se rvle factuelle, cette condition devient ipso facto
une condition sine qua non pour mettre fin sur le champ la fluoration de leau potable. Nous
avons toutes les preuves, et cest ce que nous allons dmontrer, que toutes ces conditions sont
factuelles. La fluoration :
La situation de la fluoration
Avant lavnement du Parti Qubcois au pouvoir lintention du ministre de la Sant et des
Services sociaux tait de rejoindre 50% de la population du Qubec par la fluoration dici 2014.
Le Ministre jonglait mme modifier le Rglement sur la qualit de leau potable du ministre
du Dveloppement durable, de lEnvironnement et des Parcs (MDDEP) pour y inclure une
norme minimale obligatoire de fluorure 0,7 mg/l pour toutes les municipalits qubcoises de
5 000 habitants ou plus. Le Comit dthique de sant publique (CESP) a mme t mandat
pour valuer lthique dun projet de rendre la fluoration obligatoire au Qubec.
Le prsent avis du Comit dthique de sant publique (CESP) porte sur un projet soumis par le
directeur national de sant publique visant modifier le Rglement sur la qualit de leau
potable du ministre du Dveloppement durable, de lEnvironnement et des Parcs (MDDEP) pour
y inclure une norme minimale obligatoire de fluorure 0,7 mg/l pour toutes les municipalits
qubcoises de 5 000 habitants ou plus. Il sagit de la dose recommande dans lavis scientifique
de lInstitut national de sant publique du Qubec (INSPQ) (Levy, 2007). Le projet soumis au
CESP sinscrit dans une stratgie nationale de promotion de la fluoration de leau potable qui
vise trouver des appuis, mobiliser les partenaires et informer la population afin de favoriser
ladoption de la mesure rglementaire propose.
Avis sur un projet de fluoration de leau potable, du Comit dthique de sant publique
(CESP) page i.
Nombreux sont les citoyens inquiets de cette ventualit comme en fait foi le nombre des
signataires des ptitions locales qui sopposent la fluoration.
Le dbat sur la fluoration ressurgit priodiquement tant sur les aspects scientifiques
quthiques mais il y a belles lurette que les aspects juridiques nont pas t le sujet dune
analyse srieuse la lumire de la charte des droits et liberts, la lgalit de cette mesure de
sant publique de la fluoration relatifs un ensemble de faits inquitants sur la nature et la
20
classification lgale des produits servant la fluoration, faits qui malheureusement nont jamais
t amens lattention des juristes ni par le tenants et ni par les opposants cette mesure.
Nous souhaitons fortement que cette Commission sur la sant et les services sociaux soumette
un contentieux davocats pour quils se penchent srieusement sur les aspects lgaux
extrmement litigieux et inquitants la lumire des renseignements que nous rvlons cette
commission.
21
La question de la fluoration ne peut mme pas tre discute sans se pencher sur la nature et la
classification lgale des produits chimiques qui sont ajouts leau potable. Cette question a
t pratiquement compltement escamote dans ce dbat. En ralit, par toutes sortes de
dtours et daffirmations et de rponses fallacieuses, on a tent et on tente encore de tromper
la fois les lgislateurs et les citoyens sur la nature et la classification lgale des produits
chimiques de fluoration.
La nature exacte des produits chimiques de fluoration
Les produits chimiques de fluoration sont les produits de rcupration des processus de
dpollution des chemines des usines dengrais chimiques phosphats en encore des usines de
lenrichissement de luranium.
Les produits sont lacide hexafluosilicique et ses deux drivs, le fluosilicate de sodium et le
fluorure de sodium. Ce sont des produits chimiques anthropiques qui nexistent pas
naturellement et ils sont produits dans des conditions industrielles et sont dvolus uniquement
un usage industriel. Ils ne sont ni de qualit pharmaceutique et ni de qualit alimentaire.
Des humains ne peuvent pas tre traits et ni tre nourris avec des produits qui ne sont pas
de qualit pharmaceutique ou alimentaire. Le faire revtirait un caractre dune offense
criminelle de toute vidence.
4.2. LES PRODUITS CHIMIQUES UTILISS POUR LA FLUORATION DE LEAU
4.2.1. Classification des produits chimiques utiliss au Qubec
Il y a trois types de produits utiliss pour la fluoration de l'eau. Le choix se fait en
fonction de plusieurs facteurs, dont le dbit de l'usine de traitement d'eau, la formation
des techniciens, les cots, les prfrences individuelles, le pH de l'eau, etc. Ces produits
sont le fluorure de sodium, le fluorosilicate de sodium et l'acide fluorosilicique (ou
hexafluorosilicique). Ils ne sont pas drivs de l'industrie de l'aluminium, mais plutt de
l'industrie des phosphates. 1
(Fluoration de leau : analyse des bnfices et des risques pour la sant, 2007.)
23
Si une classification lgale des produits chimiques de fluoration tait faire, elle serait
dpendante de leur nature, de lobjectif et de la fonction de leur usage. Les produits chimiques
servant la fluoration pourraient tre dfinis lgalement comme :
sources dun nutriment pour la fortification des aliments sils sont utiliss dans un
but nutritionnel sans le droit lgal de faire une allgation thrapeutique prcise comme
prvenir la carie dentaire,
produits de sant naturels parce quils ne sont homologus pour une fonction
thrapeutique,
sources dun nutriment pour la fortification des aliments parce quils ne satisfont
pas les rgles requises par la Loi sur les aliments et drogues, ntant pas de qualit
pharmaceutique,
additifs alimentaires parce quils ne remplissent pas la fonction dadditifs
produits chimiques de traitement de leau parce que cette catgorie est de
juridiction provinciale,
produits dangereux, matires dangereuses, contaminants et matriaux
recyclables dangereux, de poisons parce que ces catgories sont de la juridiction
dautres ministres ou de juridiction provinciale,
Le ministre de la Sant et des Services sociaux fait la promotion et est responsable des effets
sur la sant des produits de fluoration comme sils taient classs en tant que mdicaments
ou en tant que produits de sant naturels Il leur attribue les fonctions thrapeutiques
dvolues ces classifications et en laissant croire fallacieusement quils sont des sources dun
nutriment pour la fortification des aliments mais il les relgue la classification de produits
chimiques de traitement de leau lorsquil se voie forcer den fournir les preuves. Or la
catgorie de produits de traitement de leau ne peut remplir lgalement la fonction qui leur
est ddie de prvenir la carie dentaire. Des humains ne peuvent pas tre traits et ni tre
nourris avec produits de traitement de leau, ces produits ntant pas de qualit
pharmaceutique ou alimentaire.
Le ministre du dveloppement durable, de lenvironnement, des Parcs et de la Faune a la
responsabilit de la qualit de leau potable et de la surveillance des produits chimiques de
traitement de leau mais na pas de juridiction, semble-t-il, sur les produits de fluoration parce
que ces derniers sont sous la juridiction de la Loi sur la sant publique du ministre de la Sant
et des Services sociaux, malgr leur classification de produits chimiques de traitement de
leau. Pour se disculper de sa responsabilit lgale, le Ministre a laiss entendre que ces
produits chimiques de traitement de leau taient utiliss une fin autre que le traitement
de leau.
Cest justement dans cette occultation de la vritable classification lgale des produits chimique
de fluoration par des interprtations tendancieuses des lois que rside le grave problme
juridique qui se doit dtre clairci.
La priorit de cette commission : lucider le grave problme juridique de la fluoration.
La Commission parlementaire sur la fluoration doit lucider la classification lgale des produits
chimiques de fluoration suivant les dfinitions inscrites dans la Loi sur les aliments et drogues
du Canada et les autres lois pertinentes, suivant les prcdents administratifs de Sant Canada,
suivant les fonctions attribues ces produits et, trs important, suivant la nature et la qualit
intrinsque mmes de ces produits. Une classification lgale des produits de fluoration autres
que celles requises pour satisfaire lobjectif de prvenir la carie dentaire rendrait cette mesure
25
Si les produits chimiques sont utiliss dans un but thrapeutique bien spcifique de
prvenir et de rduire la carie dentaire, avec une allgation thrapeutique prcise que la
fluoration de leau vise prvenir et rduire la carie dentaire chez des humains ou
chez le animaux et si ces produits modifient la composition ou la structure de la
composition de la dent, alors ces produits chimiques de fluoration doivent tre
absolument classs comme des mdicaments ou soit comme produits de sant
naturels. Ce sont les deux seules classifications qui permettent une fonction
thrapeutique et des allgations thrapeutiques. Les produits doivent lgalement tre
approuvs comme mdicaments par Sant Canada. Comme Sant Canada na pas
homologu daucune faon les produits chimiques de fluoration soit comme des
mdicaments ou soit comme produits de sant naturels, ils ne le sont pas.
Consquemment les produits chimiques ne fluoration ne peuvent pas tre ajouts
leau potable dans le but spcifique de prvenir et de rduire la carie dentaire. Utiliser
un produit dans ce but et allguer une telle action thrapeutique contreviendraient la
Loi sur les aliments et drogues. Il nest pas de la juridiction du ministre de la Sant et
des Services sociaux de rglementer ou daccorder un rle thrapeutique de prvention
ou de rduction de la carie dentaire chez les humains une quelconque substance.
Cette prrogative outrepasse sa juridiction.
26
En poussant les municipalits ajouter des produits chimiques de fluoration leur eau potable,
le gouvernement les place dans une situation lgale dont elles nont pas mesur les
consquences lgales. Les municipalits sont en droit de savoir ce qui en est de la nature des
produits chimiques de fluoration.
Nous sommes conscients que la problmatique de la lgalit de la fluoration de leau est
complexe. Elle exige de prciser la nature lgale exacte des produits chimiques utiliss pour la
fluoration de leau. Elle demande une analyse trs rigoureuse des dfinitions lgales de ce qui
caractrise un mdicament, un produit de sant naturel, un nutriment pour la
fortification des aliments, un aliment, un lment nutritif essentiel, un produit de
traitement de leau, un produits dangereux, une matire dangereuse, du matriel
recyclable dangereux, un contaminant et un poison. Suivant ltablissement de la
classification lgale des agents de fluoration, il serait important dvaluer la conformit aux lois
et rglements fdraux et provinciaux et aux droits fondamentaux des citoyens de lajout de
lagent de fluoration leau potable. Or les autorits gouvernementales de la sant tant au
fdral quau provincial ont laiss un flou juridique quant la nature lgale des produits
chimiques servant la fluoration. Ce flou juridique de la dfinition des produits chimiques de
fluoration a permis de contourner les lois et, selon nous, porter atteinte aux droits
fondamentaux des citoyens.
Permettez-nous de jeter un peu plus de lumire sur les problmes juridiques de la fluoration de
leau en se penchant sur une analyse plus labore. Commenons par la dfinition raliste de
la fluoration de leau potable.
27
Annexe 1
SUBSTANCES VISES PAR LA DFINITION DE PRODUIT DE SANT NATUREL
Article Substance
1.
Plante ou matire vgtale, algue, bactrie, champignon ou matire animale
autre qu'une matire provenant de l'humain
2.
Extrait ou isolat d'une substance mentionne l'article 1, dont la structure
molculaire premire est identique celle existant avant l'extraction ou
l'isolation
3.
Les vitamines suivantes :
acide pantothnique
biotine
folate
niacine
riboflavine
thiamine
vitamine A
vitamine B6
vitamine B12
vitamine C
vitamine D
vitamine E
4.
Acide amin
5.
Acide gras essentiel
6.
Duplicat synthtique d'une substance mentionne l'un des articles 2 5
7.
Minral
8.
Probiotique
Voir : http://gazette.gc.ca/archives/p2/2003/2003-06-18/html/sor-dors196-fra.html
Si on se fie aux dfinitions dans la Loi sur les aliments et drogues de Sant Canada, le fluorure et
ses composs sont des mdicaments et plus prcisment des produits de sant naturels
puisque le fluorure est un minral, puisquil prvient ou traite la carie dentaire et quil modifie
la composition biochimique et la structure de lmail de la dent.
Voici un produit rglement comme mdicament par Sant Canada
29
Si votre enfant avale une dose plus grande que la grosseur dun poids, consultez un centre
antipoison immdiatement, tant les fluorures sont des substances toxiques. Il est trs
important de ne pas avaler le dentifrice cause des risques dintoxication.
La dose dun poids est la quantit qui se retrouve dans un verre deau de 12 onces
30
articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease
in man or other animals; and articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any
function of the body of man or other animals. 21 USC 321 (g)(1)(B).[69]
Notez les termes intented for use de la loi souligne le fait que si un article est utilis dans le
but de cela en fait un mdicament.
la lecture de ces dfinitions, une Cour aurait bien de la difficult dexclure les produits de
fluoration de la classification de mdicaments parce que leur but thrapeutique et les
allgations visent rduire la carie dentaire, une maladie.
Selon la dfinition de lInstitut de la sant publique, le fluorure est un nutriment avec un rle
thrapeutique :
Selon un rapport rcent (2005) de lOMS, le fluorure est un des 14 minraux essentiel
la sant (19). Par ailleurs, lInstitut de recherche sur les micronutriments Linus Pauling
affirme que lion fluorure devrait tre considr comme un lment essentiel la sant
et insiste sur le fait quil contribue la prvention des maladies chroniques, dont fait
partie la carie dentaire (20, 21). De son cot, lInstitute of Medicine de lAcadmie des
sciences a statu en 1998 que le fluorure tait un nutriment important compte tenu de
ses effets bnfiques sur la sant (22). 2
Toutefois, la position de Sant Canada sur le rle essentiel du fluorure dans la sant est claire :
le fluorure na pas un caractre essentiel. Le fluorure nest pas un lment nutritif essentiel. Il
nest mme pas essentiel la bonne sant des dents. Or, si le fluorure na aucune fonction
physiologique dmontre et que son seul attribut se base sur un effet bnfique sur la carie
dentaire, cet effet ne pourrait tre que mdicamenteux. Pour pallier cette incohrence entre
le fait que le fluorure n,est pas un nutriment essentiel et son effet bnfique sur la carie
dentaire Sant Canada a cr une nouvelle classe de nutriments : le minral bnfique.
Pourtant la Loi et les rglements ne prvoient aucune classification sous minral bnfique.
Le fluorure fait figure dexception.
9.0 Effets sur la sant
9.1 Effets chez les tres humains
9.1.1 Caractre essentiel
Bien que Sant Canada ait par le pass class le fluorure comme lment essentiel
(ministre de la Sant nationale et du Bien-tre social, 1983), le Ministre recommande
maintenant que les besoins en fluorure soient uniquement bass sur leffet bnfique
sur la carie dentaire et constate que les tentatives pour dmontrer son caractre
2
Lvy, M., Corbeil, F., Fortin, C., Lamarre, J-R., Lavallire, A., et al. (2007). Fluoration de leau : analyse
des bnfices et des risques pour la sant. Institut national de sant publique du Qubec, Qubec. page
4.
31
essentiel pour la croissance et la reproduction chez les animaux dexprience nont pas
t couronnes de succs (ministre de la Sant nationale et du Bien-tre social, 1990).
Recommandations pour la qualit de l'eau potable au Canada : document technique Fluorure
prpar par le Comit fdral-provincial-territorial sur l'eau potable du Comit fdralprovincial-territorial sur la sant et l'environnement, dcembre 2010, p.27
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/alt_formats/hecs-sesc/pdf/pubs/water-eau/2011-fluoridefluorure/2011-fluoride-fluorure-fra.pdf
32
Sur le site du ministre de la Sant et des Services sociaux relativement aux ententes entre le
MSSS et les municipalits, le rle thrapeutique de la fluoration est encore soulign.
Fluoration de l'eau potable
Accueil > Sujets > Sant publique > Fluoration
La fluoration consiste augmenter volontairement la concentration de fluorures dans
l'eau de consommation. Elle a pour effet de prvenir la carie et amliore la sant des
dents et de la bouche ainsi que l'tat de sant gnrale de la population.
Il ny a pas de doute que lessence mme du but de la fluoration est de prvenir la carie
dentaire, une maladie, et damliorer la sant des dents comme nous lavons pu prendre note
dans les documents affichs sur le site du Ministre de la sant ainsi que tous les documents de
promotion de la fluoration que le ministre distribue la population vise ou dans les publicits
quil fait dans les mdias.
Les autorits de la sant, le MSSS et les Agences de la sant publique ne semblent pas conscient
de limplication du but, de lobjet, de la fonction de lajout de ces produits chimique de
traitement de leau leau potable. En essence, les produits chimiques de fluoration sont
uniquement ajouts leau dans le but thrapeutique de contrer la carie dentaire qui est une
maladie, c'est--dire que ces produits chimique servent uniquement prvenir et gurir la
carie dentaire. Ils ne visent pas le traitement de leau mais le traitement des populations qui
vont boire cette eau contenant la dite substance thrapeutique. Le rle thrapeutique des
produits chimiques de fluoration dans la prvention et le traitement efficace de la carie, quils
considrent particulirement bnfique pour les populations dfavorises, constitue la pierre
angulaire du programme de fluoration. Les allgations spcifiquement thrapeutiques des
agents de fluoration sont prcises et claires et ne pourraient soulever aucun doute dans lesprit
de quiconque sur le motif de lajout de ces substances leau potable. Ce rle et cette objectif
thrapeutiques de la fluoration trs bien cern par le Comit dthique de sant publique de
lInstitut national de la sant publique du Qubec dans le document lAvis sur un projet de
fluoration de leau potable 3de votre Comit dthique de sant publique de lInstitut national
de la sant publique du Qubec qui a t dpos le 12 septembre, 2011,comme en fait foi les
extraits suivant
La fluoration de leau potable est prsente dans la littrature comme lun des moyens
les plus scuritaires, efficaces, conomiques et justes de rduire la carie dentaire.
(Soulignement de nous)
3
Avis sur un projet de fluoration de leau potable, Comit dthique de sant publique de lInstitut
national de la sant publique du Qubec, 12 septembre, 2011
34
OBJECTIFS DU PROJET
La finalit sanitaire du projet est lamlioration de la sant buccodentaire travers
laccs de la population de leau potable fluore une norme minimale de 0,7 mg/l.
(Soulignement de nous)
les mesures prvoient que le ministre peut, par rglement, fixer des normes sur la
faon de surveiller la qualit de la fluoration de leau potable, cest--dire celles
concernant la concentration optimale en fluorure de manire prvenir la carie
dentaire. (Soulignement de nous)
cet effet, le Rglement fixant la concentration optimale en fluor pour prvenir la carie
dentaire, ajout la Loi en 2004, fixe 0,7 mg/l la concentration de fluorure dans leau
potable. (Soulignement de nous)
36
10. que lattribution dun rle thrapeutique, dun but thrapeutique, dune dose
thrapeutique et encore plus particulirement dune allgation thrapeutique une
substance, caractrise et dfinit lgalement cette substance de mdicament ou, de
sa subdivision, de produit de sant naturel,
11. que les autorits de la sant tant au fdral quau provincial, les Agences de la sant
publiques et les ordres professionnels de la sant font la promotion de lajout de ces
substances comme agents thrapeutiques, c'est--dire comme ayant des proprits
mdicamenteuses.
Consquemment, les produits chimiques de fluoration remplissent toutes les conditions
ncessaires pour quune Cour reconnaisse le caractre de mdicaments des produits de
fluoration.
Pourquoi les fluorures ajouts leau potable ne seraient pas des mdicaments si les
supplments et les produits dhygine au fluorure le sont. A cet effet, Sant Canada classent les
supplments de fluorure et les produits dhygine contenant des fluorures visant la prvention
ou la rduction de la carie dentaire soit comme mdicaments, requrant un numro
didentification de drogue (DIN) ou soit comme produits de sant naturels requrant un
numro de produit naturel (NPN). Toutefois les produits chimiques de fluorure servant la
fluoration ne sont pas rglements par Sant Canada mme si leur rle thrapeutique est
vident. La raison est simple, les produits ne sont pas de qualit pharmaceutique.
La moindre des choses que demandent les citoyens, cest dtre traits avec des produits de
fluoration de qualit pharmaceutique prpars dans des conditions sanitaires qui respectent les
bonnes pratique de fabrication inscrite dans la loi.
La fluoration constitue une mdication coercitive !
Dans le jugement de la Cour Suprme de 1957, deux juges considrent que la fluoration vise
ladministration dune mdication coercitive une population mais que le gouvernement a ce
droit dimposition pour le bien de la population. Toutefois, ce jugement tait antrieur la
promulgation de la Charte des droits et libert et la Charte des droits de la personne du
Qubec.
Dans le jugement de la Cour suprme du Canada dans la cause Metropolitan Toronto v.
Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569 (Date: 1957-06-26)
Le Juge J. Rand arrive la conclusion que le but de la fluoration nest pas de rendre leau plus
entire mais dans un objectif spcial de sant par lequel leau est utilise comme vhicule :
37
But it is not to promote the ordinary use of water as a physical requisite for the body
that fluoridation is proposed. That process has a distinct and different purpose; it is not
a means to an end of wholesome water for waters function but to an end of a special
health purpose for which a water supply is made use of as a means.
Rand J. Page 573
Quant au Juge J. Cartwright, il se dit en accord avec la conclusion du Juge Rand et que dans
lessence la fluoration vise de fournir la population une mdication prventive coercitive :
I am in general agreement with the reasons of my brother Rand and those of the
learned Chief Justice of Ontario, and will add only a few words.
The question is as to the power of the council to enact the impugned by-law, and the
answer depends upon the nature of the subject-matter to which it relates. If, on the
evidence in the record, it could properly be regarded as action by the council to provide
a supply of pure and wholesome water or to render more pure and wholesome a supply
of water already possessing those characteristics I would hold it to be valid. But, in my
opinion, it cannot be so regarded. Its purpose and effect are to cause the inhabitants
of the metropolitan area, whether or not they wish to do so, to ingest daily small
quantities of fluoride, in the expectation which appears to be supported by the
evidence that this will render great numbers of them less susceptible to tooth decay.
The water supply is made use of as a convenient means of affecting this purpose. In
pith and substance the by-law relates not to the provision of a water supply but to the
compulsory preventive medication of the inhabitants of the area. In my opinion the
words of the statutory provisions on which the appellant relies do not confer upon the
council the power to make by-laws in relation to matters of this sort.
[Page 581]
Les Agences de la sant publique, le MSSS et Sant Canada jurent tous dure comme fer que les
fluorures ajouts ne sont pas des mdicaments. Vous trouverez joint une lettre de lAgence de
la protection de lenvironnement des tats-Unis qui explique que le fluorure ajout leau
potable lest dans un rle de mdicament. LAgence de la protection de lenvironnement des
tats-Unis prtend quelle nest pas responsable pour les substances ajoutes leau
uniquement pour un motif dune mesure de sant prventive tel le fluorure. Sa seule
responsabilit est de limiter lajout dune telle substance pour protger la sant de la
population ou pour prvenir de telles substances puissent affecter lefficacit de toutes autres
techniques de traitement de leau requise. SDWA Section 1412(b) (11); voir aussi A Legislative History of
th
the Safe Drinking Water Act, Committee Print 97 Cong, 2d Session (Fvrier 1982) la page 547.
38
Le Dpartment of Health and Human Services (HHS), en agissant par la FDA, demeure
responsable pour la rglementation de laddition de mdicament leau potable pour un motif
dune mesure de sant.
Ceci rsume la lettre du US Environment Protection Agency date du 14 fvrier 2013, adresse
Monsieur Gerald Stell et signe par Steven M Neugeboren on peut lire :
Conclusion :
1. Le Ministre de la sant et des Services sociaux, les Agences de la sant publique et les
municipalits qui ont recours la fluoration attribuent aux produits chimiques de
fluoration un rle thrapeutique et ils y associent une allgation thrapeutique de
prvenir la carie dentaire confrant automatiquement ces substances un statut de
mdicaments. Une allgation thrapeutique doit sappuyer sur des tudes
scientifiques qui en font la dmonstration.
Nous avons maintenant quatre problmes lgaux rsoudre :
1. Comme ces mdicaments ne sont pas homologus par Sant Canada, leur ajout leau
potable pose un srieux problme sur le plan lgal, parce que les autorits
gouvernementales et municipales traitent des populations contre une maladie avec
des mdicaments illgaux.
39
2. Dautre part, si les produits de fluoration taient des mdicaments, alors nous aurions
le problme dune administration dun mdicament des populations entires sans
leur consentement. Nous serions devant une illgalit cela contreviendrait la Chartre
de droits de la personne et la Charte des droits et libert du Canada.
3. Si les produits de fluoration taient des mdicaments, ils ne peuvent tre administrs
par des personnes non qualifis tels les lus municipaux.
4. Si les produits de fluoration taient des mdicaments, il faudrait faire la
dmonstration que ces mdicaments sont efficaces et scuritaires par des tests de
toxicologie.
40
41
42
43
44
45
La loi sur les matires dangereuses du Qubec considre les fluorures comme matires
dangereuses
Rglement sur les matires dangereuses
Loi sur la qualit de l'environnement
(L.R.Q., c. Q-2, a. 31, 46, 70.19, 109.1 et 124.1)
http://www2.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca/dynamicSearch/telecharge.php?type=3&file=/
Q_2/Q2R32.HTM
46
IV
47
20. Nul ne doit mettre, dposer, dgager ou rejeter ni permettre l'mission, le dpt, le
dgagement ou le rejet dans l'environnement d'un contaminant au-del de la quantit ou de la
concentration prvue par rglement du gouvernement.
La mme prohibition s'applique l'mission, au dpt, au dgagement ou au rejet de tout
contaminant, dont la prsence dans l'environnement est prohibe par rglement du
gouvernement ou est susceptible de porter atteinte la vie, la sant, la scurit, au bien-tre
ou au confort de l'tre humain, de causer du dommage ou de porter autrement prjudice la
qualit du sol, la vgtation, la faune ou aux biens.
(Soulignements de nous pour identifier les points pertinents et importants)
CONCENTRATIONS MAXIMALES D'UN CONTAMINANT DANS UNE MATIRE LIQUIDE OU DANS
LE LIXIVIAT D'UNE MATIRE SOLIDE
______________________________________________________
Contaminants
Normes
(mg/L)*
_______________________________________________________
Arsenic
5,0
Baryum
100
Bore
500
Cadmium
0,5
Cyanures totaux**
20
Chrome
5,0
Fluorures totaux
150
Mercure
0,1
Nitrate + nitrites
1 000
Nitrites
100
Plomb
5,0
Slnium
1,0
Uranium
2,0
_______________________________________________________
* Les normes sont exprimes en milligrammes (mg) de contaminant par litre (L) de matire
liquide ou de lixiviat de matire solide.
Si une industrie rejette ce contaminant dans une rivire, elle se fait poursuivre et paie de
48
lourdes amandes, si une municipalit injecte ce contaminant dans leau potable qui finira en
grande partie dans la rivire, elle se voit encourage et elle se fait rembourser les cots par le
ministre de la Sant et des Services sociaux. Drle de justice ! Deux poids, deux mesures !
En fait, les produits chimiques de fluoration sont des substances anthropiques tires des usines
d'engrais phosphat, en provenance surtout de la Floride, de la Louisiane et de la Chine.
La Convention de Ble, Environnement Canada et l'EPA (l'Agence amricaine de protection de
l'environnement) sont unanimes: les produits chimiques injects dans l'eau potable sont des
matires dangereuses qu'il est interdit de DILUER et de rejeter dans l'environnement. C'est
pourtant exactement ce qui ce produit avec l'eau fluore: les fluorures sont distribus aux
municipalits pour tre DILUS dans l'eau potable et dverss plus de 99% dans
l'environnement.
Les produits chimiques de fluoration sont aussi classs comme substances toxiques par la
Premire liste de substances dintrt prioritaire (LSIP1) de 1989 et ont t cibls pour
limination de fait par la Loi canadienne sur la protection de l'environnement (LCPE 1999,
mise jour de 2006), la Stratgie binationale des toxiques et l'Accord de 1978 relatif la qualit
de l'eau dans les Grands Lacs. Ces substances hautement toxiques s'accumulent dans le corps
humains et constituent un danger chronique. En ce qui concerne les fluorures dans l'eau
potable, leur accumulation peut tre facilement vite en cessant la fluoration artificielle de
l'eau.
La Loi sur le dveloppement durable devrait sappliquer la fluoration de leau potable.
La Loi sur le dveloppement durable est claire. tant donn que les dversements de fluorures
dans les effluents des villes sont de nature porter prjudice la vgtation et la faune
aquatique par leurs concentrations plusieurs fois plus leves que la norme de 0,12
milligramme de fluorure inorganique par litre d'eau, suivant la recommandation canadienne sur
la qualit des eaux (RCQE) pour la protection de la vie en eau douce et la norme pour la
concentration en fluorure du Ministre du dveloppement durable, de lenvironnement et des
parcs du Qubec, soit 0,2 ppm, tout dversement suprieur ces concentrations devrait tre
considr comme toxique pour lenvironnement aquatique. Par consquent, tout dversement
suprieur 0,2 ppm devrait tre considr comme illgal. Les dversements des effluents des
villes fluores sont incontestablement de nature causer du dommage ou de porter prjudice
la qualit du sol, la vgtation, la faune ou aux biens parce quils sont des concentrations
toxiques pour plusieurs espces aquatiques, parce quils sont continuels et persistants lanne
longue et parce que les fluorures ne sont pas des substances biodgradables. La variation entre
49
les normes guides fdrales et provinciales demeure discutable scientifiquement car la toxicit
du fluorure est relative la duret, la temprature, au volume deau du cours deau et ainsi
qu sa concentration initiale en fluorure et la rsistance des espces. Comme il nappartient
pas la nature de sadapter aux rglements mais aux rglements dtre labors en respect
avec la biologie, il est important dtablir des normes les plus prudentes possibles et, surtout,
de voir leur application. Le principe de prcaution en matire denvironnement doit
supplanter toute mesure de sant publique qui fait courir un risque vident la nature, en
encore plus quand lefficacit et linnocuit de la mesure sont srieusement remises en
question. Il est essentiel de sassurer que les concentrations en fluorure des dversements des
effluents des villes qui ajoutent des fluorures naffectent daucune faon la faune et la flore
aquatique. Or ces municipalits nont fait aucun effort pour rduire les concentrations en
fluorure de leurs effluents.
La sauvegarde de la nature conditionne la survie de lespce humaine. La dilution de la
concentration du contaminant fluorure par le dbit du cours deau ne peut pas servir dexcuse.
Par la dilution, la quantit du dversement du contaminant peut demeurer le mme, seul le
volume en eau augmente.
Les produits chimiques de fluoration sont juridiquement des produits dangereux, des
matires dangereuses, matriaux recyclables dangereux, des contaminants et des
poisons. Ce sont des produits classs dans ces catgories qui sont ajouts dans leau
potable des citoyens. Sils taient de qualit alimentaire ou pharmaceutique, la pilule
avaler serait moins amre mais la ralit est que ce sont les mmes produits, de qualit trs
industrielle, qui sont ajouts leau potable.
moins que le Ministre de la sant et des Services sociaux puisse prouver que les produits
de fluoration sont juridiquement autres choses que des produits dangereux, des matires
dangereuses, matriaux recyclables dangereux, des contaminants et des poisons tels
que stipuls dans les lois, la fluoration de leau devra tre considre un acte illgal. Si lajout
dun poison ou dune substance toxique leau potable est juridiquement considr comme
un acte criminel, alors il faudra que ltat applique la loi, fasse due diligence et svisse en
consquence.
50
les rendent
52
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/362191042/h2sif6_40_water_treatment_grade.html
Policy en 2013, leur tude calcule quune conomie en cot pour la socit cause des effets
toxiques sur la sant de larsenic et du plomb engendrs par lemploi de fluorures industriels
plutt que de fluorure de sodium de qualit pharmaceutique se chiffrait entre 1 et 5 milliards
de dollars par anne.
La toxicit du fluorure
SOURCE: donnes sappuyant sur la dose ltale (DL50) de Robert E.Gosselin et al, 1984.
Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products 5th ed., Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore
Rsum: Water fluoridation programs in the United States and other countries which have
them use either sodium fluoride (NaF), hydrofluorosilicic acid (HFSA) or the sodium salt of that
acid (NaSF), all technical grade chemicals to adjust the fluoride level in drinking water to about
0.71 mg/L. In this paper we estimate the comparative overall cost for U.S. society between
using cheaper industrial grade HFSA as the principal fluoridating agent versus using more costly
pharmaceutical grade (U.S. Pharmacopeia USP) NaF. USP NaF is used in toothpaste. HFSA, a
liquid, contains significant amounts of arsenic (As). HFSA and NaSF have been shown to leach
55
lead (Pb) from water delivery plumbing, while NaF has been shown not to do so. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) health-based drinking water stan-dards for As and Pb
are zero. Our focus was on comparing the social costs associated with the difference in
numbers of cancer cases arising from As during use of HFSA as fluoridating agent versus
substitution of USP grade NaF. We calculated the amount of As delivered to fluoridated water
systems using each agent, and used EPA Unit Risk values for As to estimate the number of lung
and bladder cancer cases associated with each. We used cost of cancer cases published by EPA
to estimate cost of treating lung and bladder cancer cases. Com-mercial prices of HFSA and USP
NaF were used to compare costs of using each to fluoridate. We then compared the total cost
to our society for the use of HFSA versus USP NaF as fluoridating agent. The U.S. could save $1
billion to more than $5 billion/year by using USP NaF in place of HFSA while simultaneously
mitigating the pain and suffering of citizens that result from use of the technical grade
fluoridating agents. Other countries, such as Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and Australia that
use technical grade fluoridating agents may realize similar benefits by making this change.
Policy makers would have to confront the uneven distribution of costs and benefits across
societies if this change were made. 6
# 2013 Elsevier Ltd. Tout droit rserv.
La toxicit aigu des diffrents fluorures est assez bien connue. Le fluorure ingr est transform dans
l'estomac en acide fluorhydrique, qui agit la faon d'un corrosif sur le revtement pithlial de la voie
gastro-intestinale. La soif, la douleur abdominale, les vomissements et la diarrhe en constituent les
symptmes usuels. D'autres symptmes communs sont : hmorragie de la muqueuse gastrique,
ulcration, rosions et dme. 7
"Nause (90%), vomissements (80%), douleur abdominale (52%), diarrhe (23%), perte d'apptit (13%),
maux de tte (11%), faiblesse (10%), dmangeaisons (9%), engourdissement ou picotement aux
extrmits (4%), souffle court (4%), fatigue (4%)." 8
6
Environmental Protection Agency. Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings. 5th Edition.
1999.
8
Gessner, B.D., et al. Acute fluoride poisoning from a public water system. New England Journal of
Medicine 330:95-9, 1994
56
Conclusion
Sur le plan de lthique et dans une considration purement lgale, il est inconcevable que
des autorits de la sant puissent recommander lutilisation pour la consommation humaine
de tels produits impropres pour des raisons sanitaires, par leur nature toxique et par leur
contamination. Un individu qui ajouterait de larsenic leau potable se ferait accuser de
crime, un gouvernement, lui peut
57
Le Ministre de la Sant et des Services sociaux, la Direction des sant publique du Qubec,
lInstitut national de la sant publique, les ordres professionnels de la sant et mme Sant
Canada ont tous t informs et alerts depuis prs de 10 ans de labsence des tests de
toxicologie requis pour assurer la protection de la sant de la population de ces produits. Il
semble quils ont tous tout fait pour cacher et nier les faits la population et en recourant des
affirmations qui pourraient tre qualifis de fallacieuses pour tromper la population. Nous en
fournissons de nombreux exemples dans ce mmoire et cette liste nest quun trs court
aperu.
58
at 10 times the maximum use level, so that trace levels of contaminants can be detected. A
toxicology evaluation of test results is required to determine if any contaminant concentrations
have the potential to cause adverse human health effects.
NSF Fact Sheet on Fluoridation Chemicals, Fvrier 2008
Neuf provinces sur 10 au Canada, y compris le Qubec, et 43 tats aux tats-Unis exigent dans
leurs rglements sur leau potable que les produits utiliss pour le traitement de leau soient
conformes la norme de la certification Standard 60 de lANSI/NSF. Le Rglement sur leau
potable du Qubec a donc cette exigence. La conformit exige une revue des tests de
toxicologie sur une exposition chronique qui dmontre qu la concentration recommande
pour la fluoration, les produits de fluoration ne prsentent pas de danger, mme long terme,
sur la sant et sur lenvironnement.
Donc pour respecter lobjectif premier de la NSF dassurer que le produit soit scuritaire pour la
sant de la population et les exigences rglementaires de la norme, toute certification dun
produit de fluoration ne peut tre accorde sans le dpt dune revue de la littrature
scientifique sur la toxicologie du produit. La National Sanitation Foundation accorde des
centaines de certifications pour les produits chimiques servant la fluoration tant au Canada,
aux tats-Unis que dans le monde. La National Sanitation Foundation neffectue pas de tests de
toxicologie sur les produits chimiques de fluoration pas plus quelle veille ce quun organisme
quelconque le fasse. Le problme inquitant cest quelle na en sa possession aucune revue de
toxicologie et, pourtant, elle accorde la certification Standard 60 ces produits aux diffrents
fournisseurs alors que ces derniers ne remplissent pas cette exigence de la conformit la
norme quant aux tests de toxicologie requis. Contrairement ses prtentions sur son site, la
NSF nassure pas la protection de la population. De plus, relativement lemploi de la norme
Standard 60, la NSF a une clause de dcharge de toutes responsabilits quant lattribution et
la fiabilit des certifications quelle met. Ceci soulve de srieuses interrogations quant la
validit et la fiabilit de la certification.
60
Lvy, M., Corbeil, F., Fortin, C., Lamarre, J-R., Lavallire, A., et al. (2007). Fluoration de
leau : analyse des bnfices et des risques pour la sant. Institut national de sant
publique du Qubec, Qubec, p.18.
Pourtant la National Sanitation Foundation laisse entendre officiellement que sa norme
standard 60 de la NSF requiert que les produits chimiques ajouts leau potable, comme aussi
les impurets quils peuvent contenir, soit soutenue par des valuations toxicologiques. Cette
rgle de la NSF est clairement dfinit dans une lettre de Stan Hazan, le grant gnral du
Programme de la certification des additifs de leau potable de la NSF International envoye le
24 avril 2000 monsieur Juan (Pepe) Menedez, du State of Florida Department of Public Health,
Tallahassee FL. :
Copie cette lettre disponible : http://www.fluoridealert.org/NSF-Letter.pdf
On retrouve cette mme assertion dans la fiche signaltique des produits de fluoration de la
National Sanitation Foundation :
Standard 60 requires a toxicology review to determine that the product is safe at its
maximum use level and to evaluate potential contaminants in the product. A toxicology
evaluation of test results is required to determine if any contaminant concentrations
have the potential to cause adverse human health effects. . NSF also requires annual
testing and toxicological evaluation. The NSF standard requires toxicological
evaluation.
Source: NSF 2008 Fact Sheet on fluoridation products.
Information disponible :
sheet-on-fluoride-2008.pdf
http://fluoride-class-action.com/wp-content/uploads/NSF-fact-
Basically, all available data on all aspects of toxicity are required to be included in the
review eg. Acute toxicity (1-14 day exposure), subacute, subchronic, chronic,
reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, genetic
toxicity and human data.
Source: La National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia Review de 2003
Drew R, Frangor J. 2003 Overview of National and International Guidelines and
Recommendations on the Assessment and Approval of Chemicals used in the Treatment
of Drinking Water. A report prepared for the National Health and Medical Research
Council's Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals Working Part, Commonwealth of
Australia, by Toxikos Pty Ltd. Section 7.5.4 Risk Assessment, page 44.
63
Toutefois le grant gnral, du programme de la certification des additifs pour leau potable
la National Sanitation Foundation International, monsieur Stan Hazan, a avou dans une
dposition devant la Cour et sous serment en 2004 que la NSF a failli suivre ses propres
procdures de certification relativement la norme Standard 60 en ce qui a trait aux produits
chimiques de fluoration et quelle neffectue aucun test pour en dmontrer lefficacit. Voici
lextrait de la dposition de monsieur Hazan :
NSF failed to follow its own Standard 60 procedures.
I would say that the HFSA submissions have not come with the tox studies referenced.
QUESTION OF ATTORNEY: Does NSF International do any testing to establish the
efficacy of the fluoride-bearing compound for purposes of treating dental health or
dental caries?
Not that I am aware of.
Source: 2004 Dposition de Stan Hazan, General Manager, Drinking Water Additives
Certification Program, National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) en 2004 faisant partie de la
cause de MACY, COSHOW, ET AL. vs. CITY OF ESCONDIDO AND CA DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH SERVICES entendue devant la San Diego Superior Court et la Cour dappel qui
sest concentre sur les dommages dus larsenic provenant de lacide fluosilicique
utilise pour la fluoration de leau potable. FOURTH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL NO.
D045382, San Diego County Superior Court Case No. GIN015280
Copie de la dposition disponible :
http://fluoride-class-action.com/wp-content/uploads/appendix-e-stan-hazendeposition1.pdf
Dans une lettre envoye lHonorable Ken Calvert, president du Subcommittee on Energy and
the Environment, Committee on Science, U.S. de la Chambre des reprsentants et date du 7
juillet, 2000, monsieur Stan Hazan de la NSF a clairement nonc quaucune tude de
toxicologie na t soumise la NSF sur lacide fluosilicique ou le fluosilicate de sodium :
There have not been any studies on hydrofluosilicic acid or silicofluorides submitted to
NSF under claimed Confidential Business Information protection.
Dans une lettre de lAgence de protection de lenvironnement des tats-Unis (US EPA) envoye
par Robert C. Thurnau, directeur en chef, du Treatment Technology Evaluation Branch, Water
Supply and Water Resources Division, date du 16 novembre, 2000 au Dr. Roger Masters,
Research Professor of Government, au Dartmouth College, NH, on peut lire que lAgence na
64
aucune information sur des tudes sur la toxicit des fluosilicates comme agents de fluoration
de leau potable et quaucun organisme du gouvernement ne semble les avoir
To answer your first question on whether we have in our possession empirical scientific
data on the effects of fluosilicic acid or sodium silicofluoride on health and behaviour,
our answer is no.
We have contacted our colleagues at NHEERL and they report that with the exception of
some acute toxicity data, they were unable to find any information on the effects of
silicofluorides on health and behaviour.
Dans une lettre envoye lHonorable Ken Calvert qui enqutait sur la question des agents de
fluoration, lAgence de protection de lenvironnement des tats-Unis (US EPA) crivait que le
ministre ntait pas en mesure de trouver des tudes de toxicologie sur une exposition
chronique aux fluosilicates :
In collecting the data for the fact sheet, EPA was not able to identify chronic studies for
these chemicals.
devant les membres du Conseil municipal et les citoyens prsents. Il a ajout que cela serait
bien simple.
Ce citoyen a reu du Dr Fortin cette rponse par courriel le 26 septembre, 2012. En en faisant
la lecture, gardez en mmoire les lments de preuves prsents prcdemment :
Bonjour M. ,
Voici l'information que vous avez demande relativement aux analyses toxicologiques en lien
avec la fluoration de l'eau potable. J'espre que vous en prendrez connaissance attentivement et
que celle-ci saura vous convaincre relativement la scurit de la mesure et aux normes svres
encadrant la fluoration de l'eau potable par les autorits de sant publique.
Recevez mes salutations distingues,
pour la fluoration de leau potable lhydrolyse des produits utiliss est essentiellement de 100 %.
Donc pour en valuer la scurit et linnocuit, nous vous rfrons aux nombreuses tudes et
revues de littrature ci-jointes qui les ont analyses de la seule faon possible selon la Society of
toxicology, organisation professionnelle regroupant des toxicologistes de divers horizons et qui
donne son appui la fluoration de leau (3,4,6,7,8,21,34,35,36,37,38,49,55,90,95,96,97,
98,99,100).
De plus, tous les produits fluors utiliss au Qubec doivent tre tests par un laboratoire
indpendant certifi reconnu par le Conseil canadien des normes (ex: Underwriters Laboratories)
afin de rencontrer les normes de qualit de l'American Water Work Association (AWWA), de
lAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI) et du National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), trois
organismes non gouvernemental ddis la qualit de l'eau. Ce sont aussi les normes
recommandes par l'OMS et Sant Canada. Ces normes sont ANSI/AWWA B701 pour le fluorure
de sodium, ANSI/AWWA B702 pour le fluorosilicate de sodium et ANSI/AWWA B703 pour lacide
fluorosilicique. De plus, les produits utiliss doivent galement respecter la norme internationale
de qualit trs stricte ANSI/NSF Standard 60, mise au point par le National Sanitation
Foundation (NSF) conjointement avec un consortium dorganisation dont lAWWA et lANSI.
Cette norme permet dattester quun produit chimique ne contient pas de contaminants qui
pourraient se retrouver dans leau et en affecter la qualit. Le site internet de lorganisme NSF
offre une banque de donnes dans laquelle figurent des produits dtenant la certification
ANSI/NSF 60. Voici trois sites sur lesquels vous pourrez des informations additionnelles sur le
sujet :
http://www.nsf.org/business/water_distribution/pdf/ASDWA_Survey.pdf,
http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/eau/potable/reglement/guide_interpretation_RQEP.pdf,
http://www.nsf.org/certified/PwsChemicals/
Le Laboratoire de sant publique du Qubec (LSPQ) reconduit les tests pour tous les lots utiliss
au Qubec, ce qui ne semble pas le cas pour les produits naturels (PN) et des mdicaments
ayant reu l'homologation de Sant Canada (SC).
Les exigences pour les concentrations de contaminants de l'ANSI/NSF 60 sont beaucoup plus
leves que celles exiges par SC pour les PN et mdicaments.
Par exemple, l'arsenic contenu dans les mdicaments et PN est fix un maximum de 10 ug/
jour alors que la norme permise dans les additifs de fluorures est de 1 ug /L. De mme, la norme
pour le mercure est fixe 20 ug/jour pour les PN comparativement 0.2 ug/L pour les additifs
de fluorures. De faon rgulire, les concentrations d'arsenic et de mercure dtectes dans les
lots soumis au LSPQ sont beaucoup plus basses que celles autorises. Par exemple le dernier lot
d'acide fluorosilicilique reu Dorval ne contenait que 0,03 ug/L d'arsenic. Il faudrait donc 300
67
litres d'eau pour avoir une quantit quivalente ce que peut contenir une seule dose de PN la
concentration maximale permise, si la posologie est d'un comprim par jour par exemple !
En ce qui concerne le mercure, en utilisant les donnes de 400 chantillons prlevs entre 1988
et 2006 par le National Sanitary Foundation aux E.-U. (NSF), il faudrait 200 000 bouteilles de 1
litre pour avoir les mmes concentrations journalires de mercure tolres par SC pour
l'homologation d'un comprim de PN ! Le contenu de mercure d'un comprim de PN la dose
maximale tolre quivaudrait boire une bouteille d'un litre d'eau fluore par jour pendant
230 ans.
Les exigences de l'ANSI/NSF pour les additifs dans l'eau portent sur 11 minraux en plus de la
radioactivit (ce qui n'a jamais t dtecte date). SC ne demande de l'information que pour 4
minraux et sur la radioactivit seulement si elle est souponne pour l'homologation.
En conclusion, les exigences de l'ANSI/AWWA/NSF sont beaucoup plus leves pour les produits
servant la fluoration que celles exiges par SC pour l'homologation des mdicaments et PN.
Surbrillance du texte pour souligner les points litigieux.
La rponse du Dr Fortin a t reue comme une insulte lintelligence. Le participant avait
demand une revue de la littrature scientifique qui dmontre linnocuit du fluorure de
sodium utilis dans leau potable Richmond. Le Dr Fortin le rfre au document
intitul Sodium Hexafluorosilicate [CASRN 16893-85-9] And Fluorosilicic Acid [CASRN 1696183-4] Review of Toxicological Literature du National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences. Premirement ce document ne traite que de lacide fluosilicique et du fluosilicate de
sodium qui ne sont aucunement pertinents Richmond qui a recours au fluorure de sodium.
Deuximement, au comble de linsulte, ce document rvle aux pages 14 et 15 que lensemble
des tests de toxicologie requis pour dmontrer linnocuit de deux produits largement utiliss
pour la fluoration de leau ne sont pas disponibles. Le participant demandait justement ces
tudes de toxicologie pour dmontrer linnocuit de la fluoration et le document linformait de
leur inexistence. Le Dr Fortin esprait-il que son correspondant soit trop imbcile pour
sapercevoir du subterfuge? Le Dr Fortin sait trs bien que les tests de toxicologie sur ces
produits ne sont pas disponibles, le document quil fournissait en faisait foi. De plus, il tait
prsent quand le Dr Alain Poirier, MD, alors Directeur de la Sant publique du Qubec a avou
ne pas avoir les tests de toxicologie lassemble publique, en automne 2011, la Ville de
Mont-Joli. Il y a-t-il une dmonstration plus claire dun organisme aussi srieux que le National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences qui rapporte en noir et blanc quil na pas trouv de
donnes disponibles sur peu prs tous les domaines de la toxicologie sur ces substances.
Voici ce qui est rapport justement ces pages :
9.1.4 Short-term and Subchronic Exposure
68
recessive lethal mutations in Drosophila (Gocke et al., 1981; IARC, 1987). In the Bacillus subtilis
rec-assay system, sodium hexafluorosilicate (0.001-10 M; 188 g/mL-1.9 g/mL) also gave
negative results (Kada et al., 1980; Kanematsu et al., 1980). (presquaucune etude)
9.7 Cogenotoxicity
No data were available.
9.8 Antigenotoxicity
No data were available.
9.9 Other Data
Within one week after beginning work in a foam rubber plant, a 23-year-old man exhibited skin
lesions consisting of "diffuse, poorly delineated, erythematous plaques with lichenoid papules
and large pustules" on his arms, wrists, thighs, and trunk. Although scratch and patch tests with
sodium hexafluorosilicate (2% aqueous) were negative, animal testing showed the compound
to be a pustulogen. When rabbits received topical application of a 1, 5, 10, and 25% solution of
sodium hexafluorosilicate in petroleum, pustules occurred on normal skin only with the high
concentration, while all concentrations produced pustules on stabbed skin (Dooms-Goossens et
al., 1985).
Troisimement, le recours ce document est un aveu que le ministre de la Sant et des
Services sociaux du Qubec expose les populations du Qubec vivant dans les plus grandes
municipalits des substances dont linnocuit na pas t dmontre par des tests de
toxicologie. Lacide fluosilicique et les fluosilicates sont les produits de fluoration qui y sont
utiliss. Quatrimement, le Dr Fortin a tord de laisser croire que les tests de toxicologie ne sont
pas si ncessaires parce que les produits de fluoration shydrolyseraient entirement dans
leau. Ltude dUbansky 9, ci-aprs cite, met srieusement en doute lhypothse dune entire
dissociation des fluosilicates dans leau distille. De toute faon dissociation dans leau distille
ne dtermine pas le comportement des molcules des fluosilicates dans lenvironnement
physiologique du corps humain, surtout que cette dissociation est dpendante du pH et que la
grande acidit stomacale vient bousiller toute lhypothse de lentire dissociation.
Limportant en toxicologie nest pas seulement ce qui se passe dans lprouvette du laboratoire
mais avant tout dans la biochimie et la physiologie des organismes vivants en prsence de
plusieurs autres facteurs telle la prsence dautres minraux. Lhydrolyse ne retire en rien la
toxicit dun sel darsenic ou de fluorure. 5 grammes de fluorure de sodium compltement
hydrolyss dans un litre deau serait en mesure de tuer raide mort un adulte en quelques
9
Urbansky Eward Todd, Fate of Fluorosilicate Drinking Water Additives, Chemical Reviews, 2002, Vol. 102, No. 8
70
minutes! Cinquimement, dans une lettre dont nous avons copie et qui est jointe (Annexe B),
la Ministre de Sant Canada, Madame Leona Aglukkaq, souligne lessentialit des tests de
toxicologie pour les produits chimiques de fluoration afin dassurer la protection de la sant de
la population. Doit-on davantage se fier Sant Canada qui dit une chose ou au simple Dr
Fortin qui dit son contraire? Lvidence dicte quun ou lautre ne dit pas la vrit Sant
Canada, suivant les citations prcdentes nest pas le seul organisme prtendre que les tests
de toxicologie sont requis. Siximement, beaucoup dorganismes trs srieux ont tabli
dernirement un lien entre les composs de fluorure et des effets nuisibles 10.
Deuxime tentative de tromper
Insatisfait, le participant a rcrit au Dr Fortin pour obtenir une revue de la littrature
scientifique sur les tests de toxicologie, en soulignant que le document devait couvrir le
fluorure de sodium. Cette fois-ci le Dr Christian Fortin a fourni, ce quil prtend tre une
revue de la littrature, un document de 11 pages et de 12 rfrences, Sodium Fluoride
Toxicological Overview, (joint). Cette revue de toxicologie aurait d conclure, sans lombre
dun doute srieux que la substance ne prsente aucun risque pour la sant. Cest loin den tre
le cas. Ce que nous a fourni le Dr Fortin, nest pas une revue de toxicologie mais un simple coup
dil panoramique de quelques opinions dun seul et unique auteur lexpertise fort limite en
toxicologie. Dans plusieurs des rfrences cites comme la revue York (2000) et le rapport du
National Research Council, (2006), leurs auteurs soulvent de nombreux doutes sur linnocuit
des fluorures, soulignent le manques dtudes, et encore plus bien faites, pour tre en mesure
de tirer des conclusions valables sur les effets potentiellement toxiques du fluorure. Leurs
auteurs demandent que des tudes plus pousses soient entreprises sur le lien possible avec les
fluorures, des concentrations et des doses auxquelles la population, ou au moins, des
segments de la population peuvent tre exposes, avec des problmes tels la fluorose dentaire,
lhypothyrodie, laugmentation des risques de fractures, lostosarcome, la maladie
dAlzheimer, la rduction du quotient intellectuel. La vue densemble de Sodium Fluoride
Toxicological Overview nest quun opinion biais produit par un seul individu alors quune
vritable revue doit tre produit par une large quipe dexperts spcialiss dans des champs
dexpertises pointues. Par exemple, la mutagnicit et limmunotoxicit sont des domaines
trs diffrents demandant des connaissances fort diffrentes. Le rapport du National Research
Council qui fait 515 pages nest mme pas une revue de toxicologie et son mandat tait limit.
Pourtant il fait la dmonstration que la fluoration nest pas scuritaire pour une partie de la
population. Cette partie de la population consomme un apport excessif de fluorure provenant
uniquement de leau la concentration optimale, soulevant bien des apprhensions face au fait
10
Evidence of the carcinogenicity of Fluoride and its salts, Reproductive and Cancer Hazard Assessment Branch
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency. July 2011.
71
quun tel apport puisse engendrer la fluorose dentaire, une augmentation des fractures, une
diminution du quotient intellectuel et peut-tre certains cancers. Monsieur S. Robjohns,
lauteur du document Sodium Fluoride Toxicological Overview (2008), ne semble pas avoir
lu, de toutes vidences, les douze rfrences quil cite pour appuyer sa thse que le recours au
fluorure de sodium pour la fluoration est scuritaire. Une autre de ses rfrences relve
justement labsence de connaissances sur le fluorure de sodium dans nombres de domaines de
la toxicologie. Vrification faite, malgr le titre pompeux de lorganisme Health Protection
Agency qui a produit ce document, cet organisme nest pas un organisme gouvernemental ou
un organisme indpendant crdible mais une simple agence de consultation en sant
industrielle.
Ce document ne fournit aucune donne sur la cytotoxicit, peu dlments dont plusieurs sont
contestables sur les effets sur la reproduction, aucune sur les effets tratognes, trs peu, et
surtout des opinions sur les effets carcinognes ou carcinognes, aucune sur les effets
oxydatifs, presquaucune sur la gntotoxicit. Elle souligne toutefois que la fluoration peut
causer la fluorose dentaire. Une revue de toxicologie sur un produit de traitement de leau doit
dmontrer dune faon convaincante quil ny a pas de danger. Cette vue rapide nest pas
srieuse, non seulement elle ne rapporte presque rien, mais tend minimiser les dangers
lorsque rapports.
Quant aux effets environnementaux, les donnes sont inexistantes. Voici les donnes traduites
sur les fiches signaltiques :
INFORMATION COLOGIQUE:
MOBILIT:
ECOTOXICIT:
BIOACCUMULATION:
PERSISTENCE ET DGRADABILIT:
INFORMATION ADDITIONNELLE:
Le document Sodium Fluoride a Toxicological Overview que le Dr Fortin a fourni nest pas
une revue de toxicologie mais une vue densemble, un survol de quelques aspects de la
toxicologie. Encore ici, le Dr Fortin a tent de berner ce citoyen et le conseil municipal. Le
citoyen, lui ntait pas de la dernire pluie et il semble avoir une ide plus prcise dune revue
72
de la littrature sur les tests de toxicologie. Il sait lire et comprendre que lorsquil est rapport
que les donnes ne sont pas disponibles dans un champ de la toxicologie, cest quil ny a pas
dtudes qui ont t effectues dans ce champ de toxicologie et que par consquence on
ignore si le fluorure est scuritaire pour cette fonction de lorganisme. Labsence dtude nest
pas une preuve dinnocuit, labsence dtude est une preuve dignorance sur un domaine,
dans ce cas, de la toxicologie et linnocuit des produits chimiques de fluoration. Dans
lignorance, on ne peut pas prtendre au savoir!
Un simple citoyen inquiet pose la question la plus simple et la plus lgitime lExpert (avec un
grand E) du Programme de la fluoration du ministre de la Sant et des Services sociaux (MSSS),
le Dr Fortin, et le dit expert nest pas foutu de lui fournir un seul document valable qui fait la
dmonstration que leau fluore que lon lui fait boire de force est scuritaire. Avant mme de
se troubler de lefficacit de la fluoration rduire la carie dentaire chez les enfants pauvres, il
est fondamental de savoir si ce produit qui est ajout leau nengendra pas des malformations
congnitales, des cancers des os, des troubles neurologiques, du diabte et on ne sait quoi. Et
bien, si lExpert du MSSS nest pas en mesure de rpondre honntement la prmisse la plus
fondamentale de cette mesure de sant publique alors sur quel fondement scientifique repose
la fluoration de leau potable ? Vous ne viendrez pas dire quen prs de 70 ans
dexprimentation sur cobayes humains, personne en responsabilit na exig davoir la
dmonstration que la fluoration tait scuritaire pour la sant de la population!
Quand le citoyen de Richmond a demand au Dr Fortin cette revue des tests de toxicologie, on
peut supposer, sans trop se tromper, que les conseillers tous prsents ont cru que lexpert du
MSSS assumerait sa promesse sans lombre dun doute et que le MSSS avait en main ces tests
de toxicologie rclams. Nous serions en droit de sattendre que les experts de la sant
publique remplissent avec comptence, honntet et diligence leur devoir dassurer la
protection de la sant de la population. Cest leur rle de bien assumer leur tche, incluant la
vrification la plus lmentaire. Il serait difficile den demander autant pour les membres lus
dun conseil municipal. On ne leur demande pas dtre des experts dans le domaine de la
sant. la rponse fournie par le Dr Fortin, ces derniers auraient-ils t en mesure den
valuer la validit? Auraient-ils t facilement berns?
Le point important de la premire rponse du Dr Fortin en recourant au document Sodium
Hexafluorosilicate [CASRN 16893-85-9] And Fluorosilicic Acid [CASRN 16961-83-4] Review of
Toxicological Literature du National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences est quil nous
prouve que lAgence de la sant du Qubec expose la population des substances dont
linnocuit na pas t prouve par des tests de toxicologie. Consquemment lAgence ne
remplit son rle dassurer la protection de la sant de la population en permettant lemploi des
fluosilicates dans les grandes villes du Qubec qui ont recours ces produits de fluoration.
73
74
Dans la mme ptition, quand lauteur a demand les tudes de toxicologie qui dmontrent
linnocuit des produits de fluosilicates utiliss pour fluorer leau potable, Sant Canada a
rpondu qu :
une recension des publications sur lhexafluosilicate de sodium et sur lacide
fluosilicique a t men par la National Institute of Environment Health Sciences
La formulation de la rponse de Sant Canada amnerait nimporte qui conclure que la
National Institute of Environment Health Sciences a trouv et possde des publications sur les
tudes de toxicologie sur les fluosilicates. Vrification faite, il nen est rien. La recension de
2001 de la National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences dmontre que les tudes de
toxicologie requises par la NSF Standard 60 nont jamais t effectues. Nous en avons
justement fait la preuve prcdemment.
Personne na pas plus les tests de toxicologie requis
Il ny avait donc pas de donnes disponibles pour tous les domaines de la toxicologie sur les
fluosilicates utiliss pour la fluoration de leau potable en 2001. Est-ce assez clair? Si la National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences navait pas en 2001 les tests de toxicologie requis,
cela signifie que la fluoration navait pas t prouve scuritaire lors de son lancement tant aux
Canada quaux tats-Unis et pendant les 56 annes suite son introduction jusquen 2001.
Que faisaient les comits dthique, y compris ceux des ordres professionnels pendant ce
temps? Ils encourageaient la fluoration. Question dthique, cest grave. Il faut le dire
franchement, en exposant des populations la fluoration, on a recours des humains comme
de simples cobayes sans leur consentement et sans quils soient informs du caractre
exprimental de la mesure de sant publique puisque la toxicologie des substances auxquelles
les autorits de la sant expose ces populations ntait pas connue. Maintenant, il reste
savoir si depuis, ces tests auraient t effectus. La rponse est ngative. Si ces tests
existaient, il serait facile pour les plus hautes autorits de la sant du pays et de la province de
fournir les tudes toxicologiques qui dmontrent linnocuit des produits chimiques de
fluoration. Ceci est dautant plus vrai que les demandes ont t faites assez rcemment dans le
cadre de la Loi sur laccs linformation et celle du processus de ptition au bureau du
Vrificateur gnral du Canada. Ces deux plus hautes autorits de la sant que sont Sant
Canada et le MSSS nous ont rpondu ne pas avoir ces revues de toxicologie. Le Dr Fortin tait
le reprsentant du MSSS le 12 septembre dernier et navait pas plus ces tudes de toxicologie.
Ces autorits avaient et ont toujours le devoir lgal et moral de veiller assurer la protection
de la sant publique et elles auraient d faire diligence pour vrifier les preuves de linnocuit
des agents de fluoration et de ne pas exposer des populations entires sans que linnocuit des
fluosilicates ne soit clairement dmontre par ces tests de toxicologie. Si ces mmes autorits
75
Synonyms: Sodium Fluosilicate, Sodium Fluorosilicate, Sodium Silica Fluoride CAS No.: 1689385-9 Molecular Weight: 188.06 Chemical Formula: Na2SiF6
Inhalation: No data
Oral: LD50, rat, 125 mg/kg (Sodium Hexafluorosilicate)
Dermal: No data
Irritation: No data
Sensitization: No data
Comments: None
Chronic toxicity: No data
Carcinogenic Designation: None
76
Prenez bien note de labsence de donnes sur la toxicologie rapporte sur cette fiche
signaltique et la clart de la terminologie. Ces fiches signaltiques accompagnent chaque lot
dagents de fluoration. Les autorits ne peuvent donc pas clamer lignorance ou
lincomprhension :
Toxicit dune exposition chronique : Aucune donne
Dsignation carcinogne : Aucune
Risque environnemental: aucune information trouve.
Toxicit environnementale: aucune information trouve. (Traduction)
La rigueur scientifique la plus lmentaire (cours 101) tablit que linnocuit dune substance
ne peut tre tablie sans avoir effectu un ensemble de tests de toxicologie sur une exposition
chronique et que prtendre son innocuit comme lont fait tous les organismes qui appuient
la fluoration sans en avoir les preuves, relve de la spculation fantaisiste, dautant plus que la
trs grande toxicit aigu et chronique des fluorure est connue.
Les produits de fluoration seraient illgaux sans les tests de toxicologie
Lgalement, lusage de produits de fluoration dont la conformit de leur certification la
norme Standard 60 de la National Sanitation Foundation nest pas remplie devrait tre
dfendu et illgal. Une municipalit ne peut pas utiliser un produit qui nest pas conforme et
qui contrevient aux exigences de la loi. Une certification de complaisance nest pas une preuve
suffisante de la conformit. Le Ministre de la Sant et des Services sociaux qui est maintenant
responsable de leffet de la fluoration sur la sant et les lus municipaux ont le devoir lgal de
sassurer que les produits sont conformes la norme, ce qui exige les tests de toxicologie qui
nont pas t effectus.
Les produits de traitement de leau servant la fluoration ne se conforment aux exigences de
la norme Standard 60 de la NSF suivant les Rglements sur leau potable du Qubec
Ces autorits nont-elle pas le devoir et la responsabilit de sassurer que les produits de
fluoration soient dmontrs scuritaires par une revue de tous les tests de toxicologie requis
pour en faire la preuve et par un encadrement rigide des conditions sanitaires de production,
dempaquetage, de transport et dentreposage? Ni les autorits de la sant du Qubec et ni
celles des autres provinces du Canada se sont donn la peine den vrifier linnocuit et les
conditions de salubrit relatives. Sans faire les vrifications pertinentes, ces autorits ont
suppos hypothtiquement pendant 60 ans que Sant Canada ou la National Sanitation
Foundation avait pris en charge cette responsabilit en effectuant les tests de toxicologie.
Un comportement responsable aurait exig une vrification mais les autorits nen ont point
fait. Un tel comportement irresponsable qui dure depuis plus de 60 ans nest-il pas un
manquement criminel au devoir de diligence dassurer la protection de la sant publique? 60
ans sans voir, est-ce un aveuglement volontaire ou du fanatisme ?
Des produits de fluoration dont linnocuit na pas t dmontre par une revue
des tests de toxicologie ne peuvent pas tre considrs comme scuritaires
Il ny a pas un document sur la fluoration de Sant Canada, du ministre de la Sant et des
Services sociaux, de la Direction de la sant publique et des ordres professionnels qui
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supportent la fluoration qui ne rpte pas at nauseam que la fluoration est une mesure de
sant publique scuritaire.
1.
2.
3.
4.
contrle rendant la fluoration risque pour la sant publique. Chaque lot de produit de
fluoration devrait tre test pour en identifier la nature et la conformit avant usage. Cela ne
semble pas avoir toujours t le cas selon ce que nous avons pu obtenir grce la Loi.
Le recours un produit de fluoration dont la conformit la certification nest satisfaite
rendraient criminel leur ajout leau. Or tous les produits de fluoration ne sont pas conformes
parce que les tests de toxicologie requis nont pas t effectus. Les produits ne sont pas
conformes, un point cest tout.
Pas de tests de toxicologie = produits non conformes
Produits non conformes = produits illgaux
Pas de tests de toxicologie = innocuit non prouve
Innocuit non prouve = produits non prouvs scuritaires
Produits non prouvs scuritaires = fluoration potentiellement dangereuse
Avant mme de se pencher sur lefficacit et sur linnocuit de la fluoration, nous invitons le
contentieux juridique du gouvernement de se pencher trs srieusement sur les nombreux
accrocs la conformit de la certification, aux lois et aux chartes des droits et liberts que
reprsente la fluoration de leau.
Ltat ne peut pas permettre ladministration des populations entires via leau potable
dune substance dont linnocuit na pas t dmontre dune faon satisfaisante par une
revue de la littrature sur les tests de toxicologie dune exposition chronique. Nous esprons
que devant ces vidences qui ont t apportes, les commissaires jugeront la fluoration
illgale et inapproprie.
Si les ordres professionnels de la sant qui appuient officiellement la fluoration avaient une
expertise adquate et une formation suffisante sur cet enjeu, ils auraient su que la nature et la
classification des produits de fluoration les rendaient impropres la consommation humaine.
Ils se seraient aussi vite aperus des lacunes de la preuve sur lefficacit et linnocuit de cette
mesure de sant publique. Si leur appui la fluoration nest fond que sur lapprobation et le
prestige dautres organismes sans quils aient eux-mmes fait leur propre analyse, alors ils
nont pas rempli le devoir qui leur incombait dassurer la protection de la sant de la
population. Consquemment, dans un cas ou dans lautre, la Commission parlementaire sur la
fluoration ne devrait pas tenir compte de leur position en faveur de cette mesure. Cest
dautant plus inquitant que le devoir le plus important des ordres professionnels est dassurer
la protection de la sant de la population en diffusant aussi une information factuelle.
Linformation factuelle sur la nature et la classification lgale des produits chimiques de la
fluoration a t cache autant par les ordres que par les professionnels en autorit au sein des
organismes gouvernementaux.
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En 1975, la Loi sur la protection de la sant publique fut modifie pour obliger lanalyse
de la teneur naturelle en fluorure dans leau et, le cas chant, ajouter des fluorures pour
atteindre un seuil jug optimal pour prvenir la carie dentaire (le seuil tait alors fix
1,2 mg/l). (Soulignement de moi)
Les demandeurs motivent leur projet en rappelant que, tout dabord, la carie dentaire
est une maladie chronique qui affecte une grande partie de la population au Qubec
(Soulignement de nous)
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OBJECTIFS DU PROJET
La finalit sanitaire du projet est lamlioration de la sant buccodentaire travers
laccs de la population de leau potable fluore une norme minimale de 0,7 mg/l.
(Soulignement de nous)
les mesures prvoient que le ministre peut, par rglement, fixer des normes sur la
faon de surveiller la qualit de la fluoration de leau potable, cest--dire celles
concernant la concentration optimale en fluorure de manire prvenir la carie
dentaire. (Soulignement de nous)
cet effet, le Rglement fixant la concentration optimale en fluor pour prvenir la carie
dentaire, ajout la Loi en 2004, fixe 0,7 mg/l la concentration de fluorure dans leau
potable. (Soulignement de nous)
Le Programme national de sant publique (PNSP) (ministre de la Sant et des Services
sociaux (MSSS), 2008, p. 47) tablit deux objectifs de rduction des maladies
buccodentaires :
Rduire de 40 % le nombre moyen de faces dentaires caries, absentes ou obtures
chez les jeunes de moins de 18 ans;
Rduire la prvalence des maladies parodontales (gingivite et maladies parodontales
destructives) chez les personnes ges de 18 ans ou plus. (Soulignement de nous)
Avis sur un projet de fluoration de leau potable, page 2.
Le Comit ne trouvait-t-il pas trange que des substances gres comme produits de
traitements de leau potable servent traiter des populations entires contre une maladie, la
carie dentaire, et que ces produits soient rglements par le Rglement sur la qualit de leau
potable du ministre du Dveloppement durable, de lEnvironnement et des Parcs (MDDEP) et
non pas par Sant Canada qui a la juridiction exclusive de rglementer les produits
thrapeutiques afin dassurer la protection de la sant publique? Peut-on mdicalement traiter
les gens avec nimporte quel produit chimique provenant directement des industries
chimiques?
Le prsent avis porte sur un projet soumis par le directeur national de sant publique
visant modifier le Rglement sur la qualit de leau potable du ministre du
Dveloppement durable, de lEnvironnement et des Parcs (MDDEP) pour y inclure une
norme minimale obligatoire de fluorure 0,7 mg/l pour toutes les municipalits
qubcoises de 5 000 habitants ou plus.
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Mais voil, ce nest que lintroduction. La question de lthique de la fluoration devra hanter le
Comit jours et nuits car elle soulve beaucoup plus de problmatiques thique, morales et
lgales que ne la envisag le Comit dans son avis. Seules linconscience, lincomptence ou la
corruption pourrait taire une conscience informe sur la fluoration
Il ny a pas quun ou deux lments troublant relatifs la nature, la classification, au mode
dadministration du fluorure, linformation diffuse, au droit des citoyens qui auraient veill
un questionnement sur ltique de la fluoration chez les professionnels de la sant comme
dailleurs les lus. Il faut absolument soulever les graves questions rapportes dans ce mmoire
en regard aux rgles de lthique mdicale. Comment se fait-il que de nombreuses autorits
professionnelles de la sant tous les niveaux mme universitaires, mme en tant alertes,
ont fait et ont continu faire la promotion dune telle mesure inacceptable par lemploi de
produits impropres la consommation humaine, par consquent dangereux, et non dvolus
la fonction de prvenir la carie dentaire? La lumire rouge aurait d clignoter! Comment ce
fait-il que personne na allum! Comment se fait-il quil soit permis de traiter des populations
entires sans connatre le patient, ni son sexe, ni son ge, ni son poids, ni ses besoins, ni son
tat de sant, cela sans leur consentement inform en leur administrant un produit impropre
pour prvenir une maladie, de plus non contagieuse? Cest le comble des combles en thique
mdicale!
Il est intressant de souligner certains lments du code de dontologie du mdecin
relativement la fluoration. Nous navons retenu que quelques articles pertinents :
(soulignement de nous)
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28. Le mdecin doit, sauf urgence, avant dentreprendre un examen, une investigation,
un traitement ou une recherche, obtenir du patient ou de son reprsentant lgal, un
consentement libre et clair.
29. Le mdecin doit sassurer que le patient ou son reprsentant lgal a reu les
explications pertinentes leur comprhension de la nature, du but et des consquences
possibles de lexamen, de linvestigation, du traitement ou de la recherche quil
sapprte effectuer. Il doit faciliter la prise de dcision du patient et la respecter.
30. Le mdecin doit, vis--vis des sujets de recherche ou de leur reprsentant lgal,
sassurer :
1o que chaque sujet soit inform des objectifs du projet de recherche, des avantages,
risques ou inconvnients pour le sujet, des avantages que lui procureraient des soins
usuels sil y a lieu, ainsi que du fait, le cas chant, que le mdecin retirera des gains
matriels de linscription ou du maintien du sujet dans le projet de recherche;
2o quun consentement libre, clair, crit et rvocable en tout temps, soit obtenu de
chaque sujet avant le dbut de sa participation la recherche ou lors de tout
changement significatif au protocole de recherche.
31. Le mdecin doit, avant dentreprendre sa recherche sur des tres humains, obtenir
lapprobation du projet par un comit dthique de la recherche qui respecte les normes
en vigueur, notamment dans sa composition et dans ses modalits de fonctionnement.
Il doit galement sassurer que tous ceux qui collaborent avec lui la recherche soient
informs de ses obligations dontologiques.
PRISE EN CHARGE ET SUIVI
40. Le mdecin qui a des motifs de croire que la sant de la population ou dun groupe
dindividus est menace doit en aviser les autorits de sant publique concernes.
44. Le mdecin doit exercer sa profession selon les normes mdicales actuelles les plus
leves possibles; cette fin, il doit notamment dvelopper, parfaire et tenir jour ses
connaissances et habilets.
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45. Le mdecin qui entreprend ou participe une recherche sur des tres humains doit
se conformer aux principes scientifiques et aux normes thiques gnralement reconnus
et justifis par la nature et le but de sa recherche.
47. Le mdecin doit sabstenir de faire des omissions, des manuvres ou des actes
intempestifs ou contraires aux donnes actuelles de la science mdicale.
60. Le mdecin doit refuser sa collaboration ou sa participation tout acte mdical qui
irait lencontre de lintrt du patient, eu gard sa sant.
INTGRIT
84. Le mdecin doit sabstenir dinscrire, de produire ou dutiliser des donnes quil sait
errones dans tout document, notamment tout rapport ou dossier mdical ou de
recherche.
PUBLICIT ET DCLARATIONS PUBLIQUES
88. Le mdecin ne peut, par quelque moyen que ce soit, faire ou permettre que soit
faite en son nom, son sujet ou pour son bnfice, une publicit ou une reprsentation
fausse, trompeuse ou incomplte au public ou une personne qui recourt ses services,
notamment quant son niveau de comptence, quant ltendue ou lefficacit de
ses services ou en faveur dun mdicament, dun produit ou dune mthode
dinvestigation ou dun traitement.
88.0.1. Le mdecin qui sadresse au public doit communiquer une information factuelle,
exacte et vrifiable. Cette information ne doit contenir aucune dclaration de nature
comparative ou superlative dprciant ou dnigrant un service ou un bien dispens par
un autre mdecin ou dautres professionnels.
89. Le mdecin exposant des opinions mdicales par la voie de quelque mdia
dinformation doit mettre des opinions conformes aux donnes actuelles de la science
mdicale sur le sujet et, sil sagit dune nouvelle mthode diagnostique, dinvestigation
ou de traitement insuffisamment prouve, mentionner les rserves appropries qui
simposent.
Les exigences de lthique mdicale
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1. Lthique mdicale exige, et cest une rgle incontournable, quune substance servant
traiter ou prvenir une maladie ait t teste et dmontre scuritaire (tests de
toxicologie dexposition chronique) et efficace, que chaque lot soit contrl et quelle soit
approuve et homologue par Sant Canada spcifiquement dans ce but.
2. Lthique mdicale exige que linnocuit ou la toxicit relative dune substance
administrer dans un but thrapeutique ou prventif aient t pralablement tudies et
soient connues.
3. Lthique mdicale exige que la substance administre dans un but thrapeutique de
traitement ou de prvention dune maladie ait t reconnue pour le traitement de cette
maladie et ait t homologue dans ce but par les autorits comptentes pour le faire, en
loccurrence, par Sant Canada.
Il est vident que la fluoration viole non seulement toutes les rgles les plus lmentaires de
lthique mdicale mais en plus les droits les plus fondamentaux des citoyens en ce qui
concerne les Chartes des droits et liberts. Personne (sain desprit) ne peut tre trait sans son
consentement, cest linviolabilit de la personne!
88
Une entente qui dfinit la responsabilit en sant publique du MSSS inhrente la fluoration
de leau potable
Grce la Loi sur laccs linformation nous avons pu obtenir copie dune entente
administrative et contractuelle liant une municipalit au Ministre de la Sant et des Services
sociaux. Laccs linformation sur ces ententes nous a pourtant t prcdemment refus par
le Ministre de la Sant et des Services sociaux sous la prtention quil ne les trouvait pas alors
que le site de la toile du MSSS en fait clairement mention.
Programme qubcois de fluoration de leau potable
Entente administrative
Une entente administrative a t adopte sur le financement et la responsabilit entre le
gouvernement du Qubec et les villes qui dsirent fluorer leur eau. Cette entente vise
prciser et dcrire les obligations des deux parties dans leurs stratgies de dploiement,
de mise en uvre et de maintien de la fluoration de leau potable.
Selon cette entente, le gouvernement du Qubec est notamment responsable des
consquences de la fluoration et sengage assumer toute responsabilit de sant
publique inhrente la fluoration de leau potable.
http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/sujets/santepub/fluoration/
Or si une telle entente contractuelle existe il ny a pour linstant quune seule municipalit la
signe pour linstant. Encore ici, le MSSS fait une assertion que trs partielle vraie puisquen
ralit la grande majorit des municipalits ne lon pas encore reue et encore moins signe.
89
Lunique entente lie le Ministre de la Sant et des Services sociaux et la Ville de Trois-Rivires.
Elle est intitule :
Programme qubcois de fluoration de leau potable Entente administrative sur le financement et la responsabilit
du Gouvernement du Qubec
Lentente porte la signature du Ministre de la Sant et des Services sociaux reprsente par
Monsieur Jacques Collin, alors sous-ministre en titre et celle de la Ville de Trois-Rivires,
reprsente par Monsieur Ghislain Lachance, directeur des Travaux publiques et du Gnie,
dment autoris par la Ville de Trois-Rivires. ( Annexe A)
Les articles 3 et 5 de lentente sont particulirement pertinents ce dossier et sont stipuls
comme suit :
3. LOBJET DE LENTENTE
Cette entente a pour objet de prciser et de dcrire les obligations des parties dans le
dploiement, la mise en uvre et le maintien de la fluoration de leau au Qubec.
5. OBLIGATIONS DU MINISTRE
Le MSSS est responsable des consquences de la fluoration et sengage :
assumer toute responsabilit de sant publique inhrente la fluoration de leau
potable, incluant toute contestation juridique. Par cet nonc, le ministre s'engage
prendre en charge toute poursuite visant faire interdire la fluoration de leau ou toute
poursuite en dommages et intrts intente par une personne qui s'estimerait lse par
la fluoration de leau potable ainsi que toute rclamation, de quelque nature que ce
soit, de la part d'un tiers dcoulant de la fluoration de leau potable par la ville de TroisRivires;
Le MSSS affirme quil assume toute responsabilit de sant Publique inhrente la fluoration
de leau potable mais il na pas encore pris la responsabilit deffectuer les tests de toxicologie
pour dmontrer linnocuit de la fluoration.
Premirement, la preuve de la responsabilit du Ministre de la Sant et des Services sociaux
relativement la fluoration dcoule du fait que le MSSS est lorganisme qui tablit, qui
rglemente et qui dicte les termes de lentente, qui surveille lapplication de la fluoration et qui
pnalise les municipalits qui mettraient fin la fluoration. Il est impossible dtablir et de voir
faire respecter les normes et les engagements dune entente si on nest pas en autorit pour
le faire. De lautorit dcoule la responsabilit.
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responsabilit pour laquelle les conseillers se voyaient devoir assumer sans en avoir lexpertise
requise. Il tait illogique et irresponsable de demander des lus municipaux gnralement
sans comptence mdicale ou scientifique de prendre la dcision de fluorer et dassumer seuls
limputabilit lgale de lapplication de la mesure au niveau de la sant publique. Or, pour
viter de porter le boulet politique de rendre la fluoration obligatoire, cest exactement ce que
le gouvernement a pourtant fait en transfrant le fardeau de la prise de dcision de fluorer et la
responsabilit de la fluoration aux municipalits. Consquemment, il a srieusement mis en
danger la sant publique et a, en fait, engendr des prjudices mesurables sur une partie de la
population expose.
Les failles de la Loi sur la sant publique relativement la fluoration
Suite des demandes daccs linformation, le Ministre de la Sant et des Services sociaux
navait pas t en mesure de nous prciser quel organisme prcis tait lgalement imputable
du recours aux produits chimiques de fluoration. Il semble vident que le Gouvernement
navait pas envisag les implications lgales du transfert de cette responsabilit aux
municipalits. Personne navait alors valu, juste titre, limplication sur la sant publique de
ce transfert. Ce transfert de responsabilit dcoulait de la Loi sur la sant publique (2002) donc
dune loi du Gouvernement du Qubec. Or si la Loi sur la sant publique prcise que la
municipalit est responsable de surveiller la qualit de la fluoration sur son rseau de
distribution de leau potable, elle ne spcifie aucunement quel organisme serait imputable de la
surveillance et de lvaluation de linnocuit de la fluoration. La Loi est entirement muette sur
ce point crucial et essentiel pour la protection de la sant des citoyens. Il est important de
comprendre ici que la surveillance de la qualit de la fluoration qui consiste sassurer que la
concentration du fluorure dans leau demeure dans un cart acceptable autour de 0,7 ppm est
un tout autre domaine que celui de la surveillance et de lvaluation de linnocuit de la
fluoration. Lvaluation de linnocuit de la fluoration demande lanalyse et la rvision de
toutes les tudes de toxicologie requise pour analyser et mesurer la toxicit sur des cellules, sur
des animaux et sur des humains des produits chimiques de fluoration dissous diverses
concentrations. La surveillance de linnocuit de la fluoration exige aussi de mener des tudes
toxicologiques pidmiologiques sur le terrain. (Voir lannexe B sur les tests de toxicologie.) Il
va sans dire que les municipalits nont ni la comptence, ni lexpertise et ni les moyens
dassurer cette responsabilit lgale. Il nest pas certain que le Ministre de la Sant et des
Services sociaux soit lui-mme en mesure de sacquitter de lvaluation et de la conduite de ces
tudes toxicologiques. Sant Canada ne sen occupe pas plus, la fluoration ntant
supposment pas de sa juridiction. Cest justement l que rside limmense faille du
programme de fluoration. Aucun organisme nassume la responsabilit dassurer linnocuit de
la mesure. Aucun organisme neffectue les tests de toxicologie sur les produits de fluoration.
92
Aucun organisme nvalue les tests de toxicologie ou mme en vrifie leur existence. Aucun
organisme ne se croit imputable dassurer la protection de la sant publique relativement la
fluoration. Que cela soit Sant Canada, le Ministre de la sant et des Services sociaux du
Qubec, la National Sanitation Foundation qui certifie les produits, les manufacturiers ou les
municipalits, ils croient tous erronment quun organisme quelconque sacquitte des tests de
toxicologie et que les produits sont scuritaires. Chacun de ces organismes pointe lautre
comme en tant le responsable! De toute vidence, le principe dimputabilit ne semble pas
sappliquer quant la fluoration.
La Loi sur la sant publique est compltement silencieuse sur lorganisme qui assume
limputabilit de cette mesure de sant publique en cas de prjudices sur la sant ou sur
lenvironnement. La Loi ne soulve mme pas lhypothse que des prjudices puissent dcouler
de la mesure. Elle ne spcifie pas quel organisme serait responsable dassurer les
compensations financires le cas chant. La Loi naborde mme pas la mthodologie pour
lvaluation toxicologique des produits chimiques de fluoration.
Conclusion
On peut dire que la Loi sur la sant publique nest pas trs explicite sur la responsabilit des
municipalits et du MSS dans le dossier de la fluoration. Il a fallu que les opposants soulvent
les nombreuses failles dans la gestion de la fluoration pour que le MSSS modifie les procdures
et rdige une entente crite qui prcise les responsabilits des municipalits et la sienne. Le
Programme de la fluoration sent limprovisation.
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94
Guidelines at a Glance
Les fluorures inorganiques
La prsente fiche d'information dcrit les recommandations canadiennes pour la qualit des
eaux s'appliquant aux fluorures inorganiques et ayant pour but de protger la vie aquatique.
Elle fait partie de la srie Coup d'il sur les recommandations, qui donne, la population
canadienne, des renseignements sur des substances toxiques et d'autres paramtres pour
lesquels il existe des Recommandations canadiennes pour la qualit de l'environnement.
Le Bureau national des recommandations et des normes d'Environnement Canada coordonne
l'laboration des Recommandations canadiennes pour la qualit de l'environnement en
collaboration avec le Conseil canadien des ministres de l'environnement.
Tous les composs qui contiennent du fluor sont appels fluorures; les fluorures inorganiques
sont le sous-ensemble constitu des fluorures qui ne contiennent pas de carbone.
Qu'arrive-t-il aux fluorures inorganiques librs dans l'environnement?
Librs dans l'air, les fluorures inorganiques gazeux peuvent se combiner avec de la vapeur
d'eau et retomber sur terre dans l'eau de pluie, alors que les fluorures inorganiques
particulaires se lient dans l'atmosphre de fines particules qui se dposent ultrieurement sur
la surface terrestre. La plus grande partie des fluorures inorganiques qu'on retrouve l'tat
naturel sur terre sont troitement lis au sol. Lorsque le niveau des fluorures inorganiques
excde ce que le sol peut retenir, ces fluorures inorganiques pourront tre absorbs par les
plantes ou se librer dans la nappe phratique par lixiviation. Les fluorures inorganiques
peuvent aussi tre librs directement dans l'eau (par exemple dans les gouts municipaux).
95
Une fois dans l'eau, les fluorures inorganiques peuvent tre absorbs par des plantes
aquatiques. Les poissons et les autres animaux aquatiques peuvent aussi absorber le fluorure
inorganique contenu dans l'eau et l'accumuler dans leurs os ou leur exosquelette. Bien que les
fluorures inorganiques puissent se dplacer dans l'environnement et mme changer de forme
en fonction de l'hydrochimie, par exemple, le fluor lui-mme ne peut pas se dgrader. Avec le
temps, les librations anthropiques de fluorures inorganiques peuvent donc amener les
concentrations de fluor au-dessus des niveaux naturels.
Quels effets les fluorures inorganiques peuvent-ils avoir sur nos poissons et sur les autres
formes de vie aquatique?
Les fluorures inorganiques influent sur les processus physiologiques et biochimiques des
poissons, des plantes et d'autres organismes aquatiques. Ce faisant, les fluorures inorganiques
peuvent ralentir la croissance et le dveloppement, causer des comportements anormaux et
mener la mort. L'ampleur de ces effets dpend en partie de la concentration et de la forme
de fluorure inorganique prsent, de la priode d'exposition, de l'hydrochimie, ainsi que de
l'espce et de l'ge de l'organisme aquatique. Parmi les espces qui semblent
particulirement sensibles, mentionnons notamment la truite arc-en-ciel, les sparids, les
cladocres et certaine algues vertes.
Quels niveaux de fluorures inorganiques sont sans danger pour les plantes et les animaux vivant
dans les eaux canadiennes?
La Recommandation canadienne sur la qualit des eaux (RCQE) pour la protection de la vie en
eau douce correspond un seuil de 0,12 milligramme de fluorure inorganique par litre d'eau.
Cette recommandation est fonde sur plusieurs tudes scientifiques qui ont examin les
impacts des fluorures inorganiques sur les plantes et les animaux vivant dans nos lacs et nos
rivires. Si le niveau mesur des fluorures inorganiques dans un lac ou une rivire est infrieur
la recommandation, on ne s'attend pas constater d'effet ngatif sur la sant, mme chez les
espces les plus sensibles. L o la RCQE sur les fluorures inorganiques est dpasse, on
n'observera pas ncessairement un effet ngatif sur l'environnement. La probabilit d'un effet
ngatif sera plutt augmente en fonction du niveau de dpassement de la recommandation,
des types de plantes et d'animaux qui vivent cet endroit et d'autres caractristiques de
l'eau (par exemple, sa duret). Il faudra mener des tudes supplmentaires sur ce site
particulier pour dterminer s'il y a oui ou non un impact ngatif.
Comment les niveaux de fluorures inorganiques dans les lacs et les rivires canadiens se
situent-ils par rapport aux recommandations?
En moyenne, la concentration de fluorures inorganiques dans les eaux douces du Canada est
de 0,05 milligramme de fluorure inorganique par litre d'eau, soit environ la moiti de la
96
anthropiques de fluorures inorganiques peuvent donc amener les concentrations de fluor audessus des niveaux naturels. (Selon Environnement Canada)
Si maintenant nous prenions lexemple de la rivire St-Franois. Quel est exactement la
capacit successive de dilution des fluorures des effluents des villes de Windsor et de
Richmond, lune en amont de lautre, de la rivire St-Franois dont le dbit est fort variable
selon les saisons. Son dbit peut tre fort rduit durant lt. Il ny a eu aucune tude dimpact
sur les cosystmes aquatiques de la rivire St-Franois avant la mise en services des usines de
fluoration pour ces deux villes. On nen connat pas non plus les modes de dispersion des
concentrations des fluorures suivant les courants de la rivire. En aval de Richmond, la rivire
est relativement paisible sur une dizaine de kilomtres, le brassage des effluents peut en tre
rduit. Par consquent, des concentrations plus levs en fluorures peuvent persister plus
longtemps dans certains secteurs de la rivire et avoir un impact important sur la flore et le
faune. Les concentrations dans les algues et les sdiments peuvent devenir importantes et
perturber la sant, voir la survie de plusieurs espces plus sensibles de la faune aquatique et,
videmment, aussi celle qui sen nourrit. Plus inquitant encore, cest que la nature chimique
des substances concentres dans la chane alimentaire nest absolument pas connue. Les
fluosilicates sont des substances anthropiques, trangres la nature, et nous ne connaissons
aujourdhui pratiquement rien de leurs effets sur la flore et la faune ainsi que sur leur capacit
de se concentrer. Tant que de trs nombreuses tudes naient t effectues sur toutes les
espces aquatiques, le principe de prcaution doit prvaloir avant de dverser dans leau ces
fluosilicates. Nous reviendrons l-dessus un peu plus loin.
1- http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/water/dwsp/0002/eastern/eastern.htm
On ne connat pas, non plus, les rpercussions de la libration des fluorures dposs et
accumuls dans les sdiments de cette rivire lors des crs saisonnires, particulirement
importantes. On ne connat pas plus les effets cumulatifs des fluorures inorganiques sur une
longue priode. Suivant le type de traitement primaire, secondaire ou tertiaire, les
concentrations en fluorure des effluents ont tendance sabaisser plus ou moins mais
demeurent plusieurs fois au dessus des normes recommands pour la protection de la faune.
Environ 40 % des municipalits du Qubec neffectuent quun traitement primaire et elles
rejetteraient dans les cours deau une concentration en fluorure prs de 8 fois la norme
canadienne de 0,12 ppm.
Concentrations en fluorure des effluents selon une tude du Ministre du dveloppement
durable, de lenvironnement et des parcs du Qubec
Hiver
t
98
Farnham
0,46
0,62
Chateauguay
0,74
0,92
0,80
0,76
0,36
Il faut noter que les donnes de la Communaut urbaine de Qubec sont fournies pour lanne
2002, alors que la fluoration de leau a cess le 1er avril 2008.
De plus, en 2006, selon le Ministre des affaires municipales et des rgions, il y a eu plus de 58
000 dbordements dans les usines dpuration des eaux au Qubec1, qui a laiss couler leau
des effluents sans traitement dans les cours deau avec les fluosilicates quelle contenait, alors,
sans doute, plus dilus, il faut ladmettre. Les rapports danalyse des boues pour les lments
toxiques nincluent malheureusement pas les fluorures. Des taux de plomb allant jusqu 519
mg/kg m.s. et darsenic allant jusqu 99 mg/kg m.s. ont t rapports dans lanalyse des
boues1, ces taux qui tournent autour du double des normes permises au Qubec, en passant
des normes relativement peu exigeantes par rapport aux normes amricaines. Il serait
intressant de connatre linfluence de lajout des fluosilicates dans laugmentation des
concentrations de plomb, darsenic, de chrome et de cadmium dans les boues car les analyses
des fluosilicates fournies par les producteurs de ces additifs font mention dune certaine
contamination par ces lments qui, thoriquement, devrait sajouter la contamination dj
prsente et parfois dj excessive. Comme il ny a pas, selon le CDC, de normes scuritaires
pour le plomb, larsenic et le cadmium qui devraient tre 0,0 ppm pour idalement ne poser
aucun risque deffet nuisible pour la sant, le gouvernement amricain a tabli plutt des
normes ralistes et ralisables et ces normes devraient tre les plus basses possibles en tenant
compte de la faisabilit et des cots relatifs leur rduction.
http://www.mamr.gouv.qc.ca/infrastructures/infr_suivi_ouv_ass_eaux.as
Prenez note aussi que les fluosilicates sont des substances anthropiques qui nexistent pas dans
la nature et ils sont relativement nouveaux. Comme les connaissances toxicologiques des
fluosilicates sont encore embryonnaires et quaucun organisme nest en mesure den
dmontrer leur innocuit, le principe de prcaution doit sappliquer.
Le principe de
prcaution dfini dans la politique du dveloppement durable du Qubec affirme que
lorsqu'il y a un risque de dommage grave ou irrversible, l'absence de certitude scientifique
complte ne doit pas servir de prtexte pour remettre plus tard l'adoption de mesures
effectives visant prvenir une dgradation de l'environnement. Cest aussi ce principe qui
99
vient de motiver Sant Canada davertir la population sur les risques pour la sant que soulve
le bisphnol A.
100
Les tudes qui dmontrent clairement que les fluorures sont toxiques
pour la faune trs faibles concentrations
En Colombie Britannique, le dclin de la pche aux saumons a amen les chercheurs se
pencher sur la toxicit de ce contaminant. En 1982, Damkaer et Dey3 ont tudi le
comportement des salmonids aux alentours du barrage John Day Dam o la concentration en
fluorure de leau variaient entre 0,3 0,5 ppm alors que la concentration moyenne en eaux
douces au Canada se situe au environ de 0,05 ppm4. En 1983 et 1984, des tests de
comportement ont t conduits par Damkaer et Dey3 sur 600 saumons de diffrentes espces
que lon a capturs puis ils ont observ leur comportement de remonte dans des canaux
divers concentrations en fluorure. Les saumons taient affects une concentration de 0,5
ppm et ils ont not que 0,2 ppm taient la limite ou sous la limite de tolrance5. Ils ont pu
dmontr que la diminution de la concentration du fluorure de 0,5 0,2 dans leau John Day
Dam sur la rivire Columbia a rduit l e taux de mortalit des saumons de 55 % 5 %.
101
La duret de leau et la temprature sont deux facteurs qui modifient la toxicit des fluorures,
la toxicit augmente avec la temprature et diminue avec la duret de leau 6. 12 C, et une
duret de 10 mg/l (carbonate de calcium), la tolrance pour la truite arc-en-ciel est 0,2 ppm
selon Warrington7-8. Si on se penche sur lentomofaune aquatique, les fluorures prsentent
une toxicit une concentration trs faible, parfois infrieure 0,1 ppm. En se basant sur les
donnes des taux de mortalits et en recourant une analyse multifactorielle par la mthode
des probits (US EPA,9 1991; Lee et al.10, 1995), les chercheurs ont estim la concentration
scuritaire de fluorure en eau douce (15.640.2 mg CaCO3/l), pour une dure illimite, pour les
larves du phrygane palarctique (Camargo and La Point, 1995)11 et narctique (Camargo,
1996)12 :
1.79 (0.882.94) mg F-/l for Chimarra marginata,
1.18 (0.472.18) mg F-/l pour lHydropsyche lobata,
0.73 (0.321.28) mg F-/l pour lH. bulbifera,
0.56 (0.221.06) mg F-/l pour lH. exocellata,
0.39 (0.130.84) mg F-/l pour lH. pellucidula,
0.70 (0.401.20) mg F-/l pour lH. occidentalis,
0.20 (0.100.40) mg F-/l F pour lH. bronta,
0.70 (0.301.30) mg F-/l pour la Cheumatopsyche occidentalis.
La tolrance intraspcique de ces larves la toxicit du fluorure augmente avec
laccroissement de la taille et de la concentration de leau en chlorure. Une concentration en
fluorure aussi faible que de 0,1 ppm peut tre mortelle la daphnie13 (Daphnia magna) et, par
consquent, rduire lapport alimentaire des saumons qui sen nourrissent et, subsquemment,
en affecter leur survie. La daphnie est donc trs sensible au fluorure14 et cette sensibilit
illustre combien il faut tre prudent avant dintroduire une mesure de sant publique comme la
fluoration. Il faudrait en mesurer toutes les implications cologiques. Dans ltablissement
dune norme maximale scuritaire pour lenvironnement, il est ncessaire dtablir, par des
tudes, les concentrations les plus basses o des effets toxiques sont nots sur une espce et
diviser par une multiple, normalement de 10, pour assurer des variations intraspcifiques et les
variations des facteurs sur le terrain (temprature, composition de leau, prsence dun ou de
plusieurs autre contaminants).
Le fluoration peut avoir, comme nous lavons dmontr, de graves incidences sur les
cosystmes aquatiques, mme des concentrations trs basses. La fluoration est un exemple
102
Puisque nous ignorons presque tout de la toxicit des fluosilicates sur lenvironnement et sur la
sant humaine alors que les connaissances dj acquises sur la toxicit des fluorures
inorganiques sont plus quinquitantes, pourrions-nous conclure quavec la fluoration, le
Ministre du dveloppement durable, de lenvironnement et des parcs jouerait
nonchalamment avec une grenade dgoupille dans les mains?
Avec la fluoration, une partie de leau qui scoule la surface lors des extinctions de feux, du
lavage des voitures, des arrosages des pelouses et des jardins ou avec le lessivage des fluorures
dposs sur le sol (lors de larrosage) par les pluies peut rejoindre directement les ruisseaux et
les cours deau la concentration optimale de 0,7 ppm. La plus grande partie de leau des villes
passe principalement par les effluents et est rejet la rivire. Des villes comme Montral qui
ont des rseaux daqueduc dsuets qui fuient de toutes parts laissant chapper une quantit
deau non ngligeable dans lenvironnement. Que surviendrait-il avec les fluosilicates sils y
taient ajouts? La dcharge des eaux uses des municipalits qui fluorent leur eau potable
cause une augmentation significative (environ 5 fois le niveau naturel de base si la fluoration
est effectue 1,0 ppm, 4 fois si la fluoration est effectue 0,7 ppm) de la concentration en
fluorure dans le cours deau rcepteur19-20. Masuda21 a valu la quantit de fluorure dans les
effluents, elle dpassait la concentration que lon retrouvait dans leau de la ville (1,0 ppm). La
103
concentration du fluorure dans les eaux uses brutes tait de 1,30 ppm, trs lgrement
rduite 1,28 ppm aprs le traitement primaire (environ 40 % des usines de traitement au
Qubec sont de type primaire) et 0,39 ppm suite au traitement secondaire. Singer et
Armstrong22 ont trouv un taux de 0,38 ppm dans les eaux uses dune ville non fluore et
entre 1,16 1,25 ppm dans les eaux uses de villes fluores. Dr. Foulkes23 rapporte, que, dans
la ville de Kamloops, en Colombie Britannique, la concentration en fluorure des effluents allait
jusqu 1.5 mg/l, alors que leau potable tait fluore la concentration de 1.0 mg/l .
Lexcrtion par les humains dune partie des fluorures quils consomment dans leurs aliments,
lapport en fluorures des produits dhygine et les pertes deau par dshydratation expliquent
en partie laccroissement du taux de fluorure des effluents par rapport la concentration
initiale de leau fluore. Il est clair que la concentration des fluorures dans les effluents rejets
dans les cours deau dpasse de plusieurs fois la norme de 0,12 ppm dEnvironnement Canada.
La distance sur la rivire pour que la concentration en fluorure de leau revienne la normale
aprs la dcharge des effluents dpend de quatre facteurs: le volume de leffluent, la
concentration en fluorure de leffluent (traitement primaire ou secondaire), videmment le
volume deau de la rivire et la rapidit du courant. Quand la vlocit du courant est minime,
les matires en suspension ont tendance former des sdiments, entranant avec eux une
partie des fluorures qui sy concentreront (par prcipitation avec le calcium ou le magnsium).
Comme il y a une vie importante dans les sdiments, les plantes et la faune qui y vivent vont
aussi concentrer les fluorures dans leur systme. Leffet de concentration des fluorures le long
de la chane alimentaire se ralise ainsi. Les sdiments sont souvent instables et les crues
peuvent remettre en circulation, dans les colonnes deau ces fluorures et affecter gravement
les cosystmes. Bahls24 a montr que la concentration de leau de la East Galletin River,
partir de la ville Bozeman, Montana, nest pas revenu son taux de base de 0,33 ppm avant 5,3
km depuis la dcharge des effluents et dont la concentration en fluorure des effluents variait
entre 0,6 2,0 ppm . Singer and Armstrong25 ont rapport quune distance de 16 km fut
ncessaire pour ramener leau du Mississipi son taux original de 0,2 ppm aprs avoir reu les
effluents de Minneapolis-St Paul, au taux de 1,21 ppm. Pourtant le volume deau du Mississipi
est lev. Prenez note que les niveaux de base des fluorures dans leau des rivires, aux tatsUnis, sont gnralement plus levs quau Canada. La pollution par les fluorures y compris des
fertilisants phosphats, la densit plus grande de la population et le recours beaucoup plus
rpandu la fluoration expliquent ces taux de base plus levs. Dautre part la toxicit des
fluorures sur les algues, les invertbrs et sur la faune est beaucoup plus grande en eau trs
douce comme cest le cas pour la plupart des rivires au Canada car la biodisponibilit des
fluorures diminue avec laccroissement de la duret de leau24.
La pollution prs des alumineries pose aussi problme et peut dj avoir une influence sur les
cosystmes avant mme lajout de la fluoration. Le problme se pose au Saguenay (Roy)26. Il
104
y a un rel besoin de plus dtudes sur la toxicit des fluorures sur les dcomposeurs tels les
bactries et les champignons saprophytes. Ces microorganismes jouent un rle important dans
la structure et la fonction des cosystmes en recyclant les lments nutritifs. Plus dtudes
sont aussi ncessaires sur les algues et les planctons qui ont la capacit de concentrer les
fluorures et par consquent augmenter lapport en fluorure pour les espces qui les
consomment et qui peuvent tre sensible la toxicit des fluorures. La plupart des tudes sur
la faune aquatique se sont limites la toxicit aigu mais rares sont celles qui traitent des
effets chroniques, encore plus rares pour ne pas dire inexistantes celles qui se sont penchs sur
la gnotoxicit ou la mutagncit des fluorures sur les espces. La revue trs extensive de
Camargo26 ne fait que dmontrer encore toute lignorance qui persiste prsentement sur les
rpercussions toxicologiques des dversements des fluorures dans lenvironnement aquatique.
Comme le rapport du National Research Council de 2006 la soulign, il reste tellement
daspects de la toxicit chronique des fluorures qui nont pas t suffisamment tudis pour
quon ne puisse, pour le moment, mme songer la fluoration de leau. Ses auteurs ne se sont
mme pas penchs sur la bioaccumulation des fluorures dans la chane aquatique et, par
consquent, de cette implication dans lalimentation humaine. Nous pourrions crire une thse
ici, mais il y a suffisamment dinformation pour exiger une tude dimpact de la fluoration sur
les cosystmes aquatiques et la sant humaine par le BAPE. Jusqu ce que les tudes sur les
effets de la toxicit chronique de fluorure et particulirement des fluosilicates sur les
cosystmes aquatiques et sur la sant humaines soient effectues, ce qui prendrait encore au
moins 20 ans et plusieurs milliards de dollars et tant donn ltat de dficience criant de
preuves dinnocuit des fluorures pour la sant humaine, pour la faune et la flore aquatique et
la gravit des effets potentiels dj connues, la fluoration de leau doit cesser immdiatement.
du Qubec 30-31. Quune analyse aussi sommaire et aussi incomplte ait t effectue par les
auteurs de ce rapport traduit soit une srieuse incomptence ou, nous esprons fortement que
non, soit une grave tentative de tromper la population et les lus. De toute faon,
lenvironnement nest pas, priori, de la comptence de lInstitut national de la sant, cest
celle du Ministre du dveloppement durable... Que la Ministre du dveloppement durable, de
lenvironnement et des parcs dalors, Madame Line Beauchamp, nait pas soulev dobjection
et nait pas vu corriger la dsinformation de ce rapport en matire denvironnement est trs
inquitant!
1- Camargo, J. A., Fluoride toxicity to aquatic organisms: a review, Chemosphere, 2003, vol. 50, p. 251.
2- US Environmental Protection Agency: National primary drinking water regulations; Fluoride; Final rule.
Federal Register 1985; 50:47142-47155.
3- Damkaer DM, Dey DB. Evidence for fluoride effects on salmon passage at John Day Dam, Columbia
River, 1982-1986, North American Journal of Fisheries Management, 9 154-162 1989;
4- Environnement Canada, La recommandation canadienne pour la qualit des eaux, Les fluorures
inorganiques. (Voir )
http://www.ec.gc.ca/ceqg-rcqe/Francais/Html/GAAG_Fluoride.cfm
http://www.ec.gc.ca/ceqg-rcqe/English/Html/GAAG_Fluoride.cfm
5- Warrington PD. 1987. Skeena-nass area lower Kitimat river and Kitimat arm. Water quality assessment
and objectives. Technical appendix. Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Environment and Parks,
Resources Quality Section, Water Management Branch, Victoria, BC, Canada.
6-Warrington, P.D. Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Fluoride. Technical Ap pendix. British Columbia
Ministry Of Environment, 1990.
7- Pimental R. Bulkley RB. Influence of-water hardness on fluoride toxicity to Rainbow trout
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 1983, vol.2, p. 381-386.
8- Angelovic JW, Sigler WF, Neuhold JM. Temperature and fluorosis in Rainbow trout. Journal Water
Pollution Control Federation ,1961, vol. 33, p. 371-381.
9- US Environmental Protection Agency,. Multifactor Probit Analysis. USEPA 600/X- 1991, p . 91 101,
Washington, DC.
10- Lee, G., Ellersieck, M.R., Mayer, F.L., Krause, G.F., Predicting chronic lethality of chemicals to fishes
from acute toxicity test data: multifactor probit analysis. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 1995, vol. 14, 345 349.
11- Camargo, J.A., La Point, T.W., 1995. Fluoride toxicity to aquatic life: a proposal of safe concentrations
for five species of Palearctic freshwater invertebrates. Arch. Environ.Contam. Toxicol. vol. 29, p. 159 163.
12-Camargo, J.A., Estimating safe concentrations of fluoride for three species of Nearctic freshwater
invertebrates: multifactor probit analysis., Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 1996, vol.56, p. 643 648.
106
13-Dave G. Effects of fluoride on growth reproduction and survival in Daphnia magna, Comparative
Biochemistry and Physiology, 1984, vol. 78c, no 2, p. 425-431.
14- Environment Canada..1990 Biological test method: Acute lethality test using Daphnia spp.
Environmental Protection Series Report EPS 1/RM/11. Ottawa, ON.
15- Green RE, Taggart MA, Senacha KR, Raghavan B, Pain DJ, Jhala Y, Cuthbert R. Rate of decline of the
oriental white-backed vulture population in India estimated from a survey of diclofenac residues in
o
carcasses of ungulates., PLoS ONE. 2007, vol.2, n 1, p. e686.
16- Taggart MA, Senacha KR, Green RE, Jhala YV, Raghavan B, Rahmani AR, Cuthbert R, Pain DJ, Meharg
AA. Diclofenac residues in carcasses of domestic ungulates available to vultures in India. Environ Int.
o
2007, vol. 33, n 6, p.759 765.
17- Swan GE, Cuthbert R, Quevedo M, Green RE, Pain DJ, Bartels P, Cunningham AA, Duncan N, Meharg
AA, Oaks JL, Parry-Jones J, Shultz S, Taggart MA, Verdoorn G, Wolter K. Toxicity of diclofenac to Gyps
o
vultures. Biol Lett. 2006, vol. 2, n 2, p.279-82.
18- Taggart MA, Cuthbert R, Das D, Sashikumar C, Pain DJ, Green RE, Feltrer Y, Shultz S, Cunningham AA,
Meharg AA. Diclofenac disposition in Indian cow and goat with reference to Gyps vulture population
o
declines., Environ Pollut. 2007, vol. 147, n 1, p. 60 65.
19- Sparks, R.E., Sandusky, M.J., Paparo, A.A., Identification of the water quality factors which prevent
fingernail clams from recolonizing the Illinois River phase III. Water Resource Centre, University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL. 1983.
20- Camargo, J.A., Ward, J.V., Martin, K.L., 1992. The relative sensitivity of competing hydropsychid
species to fluoride toxicity in the Cache la Poudre River (Colorado). Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., vol.
22, p. 107 113.
21- Masuda TT. Persistence of fluoride from organic origins in waste waters., Developments in Industrial
Microbiology, 1964, vol. 5, p. 53 70.
22- Singer L. Armstrong WD. Fluoride in treated sewage and in rain and snow., Archives of
Environmental Health, 1977, vol. 32, p. 21 23.
23- Dr. Foulkes, 2002, Rponse au WAC 197-11-960, Environmental Checklist for Tacoma-Pierce County,
Health Department Fluoridation
24- Bahls LL. Diatom community response to primary waste water effluent, Journal Water Pollution
Control Federation, 1973, vol. 45, p. 134 144.
25- Masuda TT. Persistence of fluoride from organic origins in waste waters., Developments in Industrial
Microbiology, 1964, vol. 5, p. 53 70.
26- Roy, R.L., Campbell, P.G.C., Prmont, S., Labrie, J., Geochemistry and toxicity of aluminium in the
Saguenay River, Quebec, Canada, in relation to discharges from an aluminium smelter. Environ. Toxicol.
Chem., 2000, vol. 19, p. 2457 2466.
27- Camargo, J. A., Fluoride toxicity to aquatic organisms: a review, Chemosphere, 2003, vol. 50, p. 251.
107
28- Institut national de sant publique du Qubec, Fluoration de leau : analyse des bnfices et des
risques pour la sant Avis scientifique , Gouvernement du Qubec, juin 2007, page 15.
29- http://www.ec.gc.ca/ceqg-rcqe/Francais/Html/GAAG_Fluoride.cfm
http://www.ec.gc.ca/ceqg-rcqe/English/Html/GAAG_Fluoride.cfm
30- Institut national de sant publique du Qubec, Fluoration de leau : analyse des bnfices et des
risques pour la sant Avis scientifique , Gouvernement du Qubec, juin 2007, page 27.
(2.
108
Or si une et une seule de ces conditions se rvle factuelle, cette condition devient ipso facto
une condition sine qua non pour mettre fin sur le champ la fluoration de leau potable. Nous
venons de fournir une quantit de preuves qui dmontrent que toutes ces conditions sont
factuelles. La fluoration :
elle est illgale par lutilisation de produits inappropris soit pour leurs fonctions soit par
leur classification lgale et soit par leur nature impropre la consommation humaine,
les produits servant la fluoration nont pas t prouvs scuritaires par des tests de
toxicologie,
le mode dadministration ne respecte pas les principes de la pharmacologie,
elle prsente des risques ou engendre des prjudices pour une partie de la population,
elle prive les citoyens de leurs droits les plus fondamentaux,
elle va lencontre des principes de lthique mdicale,
elle nest pas socialement accepte,
elle engendre des prjudices lenvironnement.
Cest ce que nous nous attardons faire dans la deuxime partie et la troisime partie de ce
mmoire.
Consquemment nous croyons quune enqute judiciaire serait ncessaire pour valuer si des
recours ne seraient pas ncessaires pour poursuivre les autorits qui ont dfendu cette
mesure de sant et qui ont, comme nous lavons dmontr, fait la promotion de produits
impropres aux fonctions pour lesquelles ils sont utiliss, exposs la population des
substances non prouvs scuritaires qui ont engendr des prjudices insouponns la sant
de milliers de citoyens du Qubec.
109
DEUXIME PARTIE
La deuxime partie de ce mmoire traitera de linefficacit de la fluoration de leau et de ses
effets dltres sur la sant humaine.
sauver un seul huard de frais dentaires. Si en ralit, le taux de rduction de la carie est
presque nul ou peu significatif et que la fluoration engendre un taux de 5 ou 10% de cas de
fluorose dentaire inacceptable sur le plan cosmtique, il est vident que ltat doit se retirer sur
le champ dun tel programme.
Dossier technique sur la fluoration, 1974, Ministre des affaires sociales du Qubec.
12
McDonagh, M., Whiting, P., Bradley, M. Cooper, J,. Sutton, A. Chestnutt, I. Misso, K., Wilson, P.,
Treasure, E. et J. Kleijnen. A Systematic Review of Public Water Fluoridation. NHS Centre for Reviews and
Dissemination, University of York, York, 7 UK, 2000.
13
Yiamouyannis, J. NIDR study shows no relationship between fluoridation and tooth decay rate dans
American Laboratory, mai 1989, p. 8 10.
14
Brunelle, J.A. et J.P. Carlos, Recent trends in dental caries in U.S. children and the effect of water
fluoridation. dans J Dent Res. vol. 69, no spcial, 1990, p. 723 727.
15
Spencer, A.J., Slade, G.D. et M. Davies. Water fluoridation in Australia dans Community Dent Health,
vol.13, Suppl. 2, 1996, p. 27 37.
16
de Liefde, B. The decline of caries in New Zealand over the past 40 Years. dans New Zealand Dental
Journal. vol. 94, no 417, 1998, p. 109 113.
17
Locker, D., Lawrence, H. et A. Jokovic. Avantages et risques lis la fluoration de leau Mise jour du
rapport en 1996 par le sous-comit fdral-provincial sur leau potable. Direction de la sant publique
du Ministre de la Sant de lOntario, 1999, 86 p.
18
Hong, I., Levy, S. M., Warren, J.et B. Broffitt. Dental caries and fluorosis in relation to water fluoride
levels AADR 35th Annual Meeting in Orlando: Abstract # 0153, avril, 2005
19
Pizzo, G., Piscopo, M.R., Pizzo, I. et G. Giuliana, Community water fluoridation and caries prevention:
a critical review. dans Clin Oral Investig, vol.11, No 3, 2007, p.189 193.
111
est devenu plus rpandu, tandis que la fluorose dentaire est devenu un problme mergeant
dans les rgions fluores.
il est maintenant reconnu que le fluorure systmique joue un rle limit dans la prvention
de la carie. Plusieurs tudes pidmiologiques menes dans des villes fluores et non fluores
indiquent que la fluoration de leau pourrait bien tre inutile pour la prvention de la carie
particulirement, dans les pays o les taux de carie sont devenus faibles. (Traduction)
Les Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 20-21ont mis en lumire que le principal mode
daction du fluorure dans la prvention de la carie est topique et que, consquemment, les
concentrations trop faibles de leau fluore jouerait un rle ngligeable dans la prvention de la
carie, si rle il y a. Consquemment, nous ne voyons pas comment un investissement dans la
fluoration pourrait tre financirement rentable.
Warren et ses collaborateurs 22 ont not une superposition entre les concentrations
supposment efficaces pour rduire la carie et celles qui causent la fluorose dentaire. La
multiplication des sources de fluorure provenant particulirement des produits dhygine au
fluorure a accru dangereusement lexposition cet ion et engendre souvent un apport excessif
nuisible la sant dentaire dun nombre grandissant dindividus; cela sexprime par une
augmentation de lincidence et de la gravit de la fluorose dentaire. La revue York sur la
fluoration a trouv quune incidence leve de la fluorose dentaire tait associe dune faon
significative la fluoration et que cette fluorose dentaire ntait pas un problme uniquement
esthtique. Jusqu 48% des enfants qui vivent dans une rgion artificiellement fluore sont
atteints de fluorose dentaire 23. En mars 2007, dans son rapport, les Centers for Disease Control
20
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Achievements in Public Health, 1900-1999: Fluoridation
of drinking water to prevent dental caries. dans Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Review, vol. 48, no 41,
1999, p. 933-940.
21
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommendations for using fluoride to prevent and
control dental caries in the United States. Dans Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Review, vol. 50, (RR14),
2001 p.1-42.
22
Warren, J.J., Levy, S.M., Broffitt, B., Cavanaugh, J.E., Kanellis, M.J, Weber-Gasparoni, K.,
Considerations on Optimal Fluoride Intake Using Dental Fluorosis and Dental Caries Outcomes - A
Longitudinal Study. dans J Public Health Dent, 2008, 21 novembre
McDonagh, M., Whiting, P., Bradley, M. Cooper, J,. Sutton, A. Chestnutt, I. Misso, K., Wilson, P.,
Treasure, E. et J. Kleijnen.. A Systematic Review of Public Water Fluoridation. NHS Centre for Reviews
and Dissemination, University of York, York, 7 UK, 2000.
23
112
and Prevention 24 parlent dune incidence moyenne record de fluorose dentaire de 41% chez les
enfants de 12 15 ans dans lensemble des tats-Unis. Pourtant, lors du lancement du
programme de fluoration en 1974, les autorits de la sant avaient certifi qu la
concentration de 1,2 ppm, les risques de fluorose taient pratiquement inexistants 25. Les
prvisions se sont malheureusement rvles errones. Consquemment, plusieurs pays dont
le Qubec en 2002 ont rduit de 50% environ les concentrations en fluorure de leau potable
pour rduire lincidence et la gravit de la fluorose dentaire.
24
Beltran, E. et L. Barker Prevalence of Enamel Fluorosis Among 12-19 Year-Olds, U.S., 1999-2004,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA,
http://iadr.confex.com/iadr/2007orleans/techprogram/abstract_92598.htm
25
Dossier technique sur la fluoration, 1974, Ministre des affaires sociales du Qubec.
113
Avantages et
risques lis la
fluoration de
leau
AVANTAGES ET RISQUES
LIS LA FLUORATION DE LEAU
Mise jour du rapport publi en 1996
par le Sous-comit fdral-provincial sur leau potable
Prpar sous contrat pour la Direction de la sant publique du ministre de la
Sant de lOntario et du
Bureau de sant des Premires nations et des Inuit de Sant Canada
Prsent par:
David Locker
Community Dental Health Services Research Unit
Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto
Le 15 novembre 1999
114
Auteurs
Le prsent examen de la documentation a t effectu par trois chercheurs de la Community
Dental Health Services Research Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, University of
Toronto.
Herenia Lawrence a rdig la section consacre aux mcanismes daction du fluorure dans la
rduction des caries.
Aleksandra Jokovic a prpar la section sur la sant osseuse, qui traite de lincidence du
fluorure sur lostoporose, les fractures et la teneur minrale osseuse, ainsi que la section sur
les apports en fluorure recommand et rel. Elle a galement dpouill la documentation et
tabli la bibliographie.
Le reste du rapport a t rdig par David Locker, qui lon doit galement lvaluation critique
et linterprtation des crits ainsi que lensemble des recommandations formules dans le
rapport.
115
Sommaire
Introduction
Mcanismes daction anticarieuse du fluorure
Avantages lis la fluoration de leau
Caries
Ostoporose
Risques pour la sant lis au fluorure
Toxicit aigu
Fluorose dentaire
Sant osseuse
Fluorose squelettique
Fractures et teneur minrale osseuse
Cancer
Dveloppement de lenfant
Fonction immunitaire
Apports en fluorure rel et recommand au Canada
Concentration optimale de fluorure dans leau ncessit de
formuler de nouvelles lignes directrices
Concentration maximale acceptable
Recommandations
Bibliographie
iii
1
5
8
8
31
33
33
33
43
43
44
53
55
55
56
60
64
65
66
116
Le prsent rapport constitue une mise jour du rapport sur la fluoration de leau produit en
1996 par le Sous-comit fdral-provincial sur leau potable. Il repose sur un examen de la
documentation publie entre 1994 et 1999 concernant les avantages et les risques lis la
consommation deau potable fluore au niveau optimal. Le rapport se trouve donc limit en
raison de la porte relativement modeste de lexamen demand par la Direction de la sant
publique du ministre de la Sant de lOntario et la Bureau de sant des Premires nations et
des Inuit de Sant Canada.
Mcanismes daction anticarieuse du fluorure
On pensait lorigine que le fluorure exerait principalement son action en sincorporant
lmail, dont il rduisait ainsi la solubilit, mais tout indique que cet effet qui se manifeste avant
lruption des dents est mineur. Les donnes tmoignant dun effet aprs lruption,
particulirement une inhibition de la dminralisation et une augmentation de la
reminralisation, sont beaucoup plus probantes.
Rduction des caries
Les tudes actuelles sur lefficacit de la fluoration de leau comportent des lacunes en ce qui a
trait la structure et la mthode employes, mais tout indique que le taux de caries est plus
faible dans les collectivits o leau est fluore que dans les autres. Lincidence de la fluoration
de leau nest pas considrable en chiffres absolus; souvent non statistiquement significative,
elle peut navoir aucune importance sur le plan clinique.
Comme cette incidence, gnralement plus marque dans le cas des dents temporaires, est le
plus souvent son maximum chez les enfants des groupes socioconomiques infrieurs, ce
segment de la population pourrait bien en tre le principal bnficiaire. Les tudes canadiennes
ne fournissent pas de donnes systmatiques indiquant que la fluoration de leau permet de
rduire les caries dans les populations actuelles denfants. Daprs les quelques tudes portant
sur des collectivits o on a cess de fluorer leau, cette mesure naurait entran aucune
augmentation importante des caries. Il faudrait mener des recherches plus pousses sur les
avantages de la fluoration dans les populations dadultes et de personnes ges, pour ce qui est
de la rduction des caries coronaires ou radiculaires. On devrait aussi tudier davantage
lamlioration de la qualit de vie sur le plan de la sant bucco-dentaire des populations
exposes une eau fluore, de manire accrotre la crdibilit de cette mesure de sant
publique.
Ostoporose
Les tudes portant sur lefficacit du fluorure dans le traitement de lostoporose, en particulier
au chapitre de la rduction des fractures ostoporotiques, ont donn lieu des constatations
contradictoires. Cet tat de choses pourrait tre attribuable des diffrences quant laction
du fluorure dans diffrentes parties du squelette ou aux limites inhrentes la conception des
recherches.
117
Toxicit aigu
Le fluorure dose leve est un poison, mais la consommation deau potable fluore ne peut
entraner lingestion un niveau toxique. Il faut conserver les produits fluors comme les
dentifrices hors de porte des enfants, car ces derniers pourraient en ingrer des doses
toxiques.
Fluorose dentaire
Les tudes actuelles corroborent le point de vue selon lequel la fluorose dentaire a augment
la fois dans les collectivits o leau est fluore et dans les autres. Daprs des tudes nordamricaines, le taux daugmentation atteindrait de 20 75 % dans le cas des premires, contre
12 45 % dans celui des secondes. Bien que cette affection se prsente principalement sous
des formes trs bnignes ou bnignes, la fluorose dentaire constitue un sujet de proccupation
dans la mesure o elle est apparente pour tout le monde et peut avoir une incidence sur les
personnes atteintes. On peut attribuer au fluorure de sources diverses environ la moiti des cas
de fluorose dans les populations denfants recevant une eau fluore, mais les efforts dploys
pour rduire lexposition ces sources pourraient se rvler vains. Il faut tudier, dune part,
lincidence relative des caries et de la fluorose dentaire sur la qualit de vie et, dautre part, les
valeurs de la collectivit concernant lquilibre entre la rduction des caries et laugmentation
de la fluorose dentaire associes la fluoration de leau.
Sant osseuse
Le fluorure, qui est incorpor dans los, peut influer sur ses proprits biomcaniques. La
fluorose squelettique est une maladie invalidante associe une exposition prolonge des
doses gales ou suprieures 10 mg de fluorure par jour pendant au moins dix ans. Des tudes
de la teneur minrale osseuse nont rvl aucun changement compatible avec le tableau
clinique de la fluorose squelettique attribuable une eau dont la teneur en fluorure est
optimale pour la rduction des caries.
Fractures
De faon gnrale, les tudes portant sur le lien entre la fluoration de leau et les fractures
reposent sur une conception cologique. Deux des onze tudes publies avant 1994 faisaient
tat dun effet protecteur, cinq ne montraient aucun lien et quatre indiquaient une
augmentation du taux de fractures de la hanche. Dans ce dernier cas, le lien tait faible, le
risque relatif variant entre 1,1 et 1,4. Des quatre tudes publies entre 1994 et 1999, une
rvlait un effet protecteur peu important, deux ne montraient aucun lien et une laissait
entrevoir un risque accru (RR=1,3-1,4). Sur le plan de la sant publique, limportance dune
faible augmentation du taux de fractures de la hanche dans les populations ges signifie
quil faut mener davantage dtudes fondes sur une meilleure structure de recherche.
Cancer
Les quelques tudes publies au cours de la priode vise par lanalyse ne remettent pas en
question les tudes antrieures, selon lesquelles rien ne permet de croire que lexposition
118
une eau fluore augmente le risque de cancer des os ou dautres tissus organiques. Une tude
cologique a bel et bien laiss entrevoir un lien avec le cancer de lutrus, mais les limites de ce
type dtudes quant au lien entre lexposition et les rsultats observs chez les individus
signifient quelles ne sont pas incompatibles avec les donnes drives dtudes cas-tmoins
plus systmatiques et scientifiquement crdibles.
Dveloppement de lenfant
Selon deux tudes menes rcemment en Chine, les enfants exposs un niveau lev de
fluorure auraient un quotient intellectuel infrieur celui des enfants exposs un faible
niveau. Toutefois, ces tudes comportent de graves lacunes et ne prsentent aucune donne
crdible montrant que le fluorure qui provient de leau ou de la pollution industrielle nuit au
dveloppement intellectuel des enfants.
Apports en fluorure rel et recommand au Canada
Compte tenu du manque de donnes actuelles adquates, les recommandations concernant
lapport quotidien optimal en fluorure taient fondes sur les donnes dose-rponse publies
dans les annes 40. Cest une concentration de fluorure se situant entre 0,8 1,2 ppm qui offre
lapport optimal lorsquil ny a aucune autre source de fluorure, lexception de la nourriture.
Lapport maximal a t fond sur la consommation deau prsentant une teneur en fluorure de
1,6 ppm, soit le niveau prcdant lapparition dune fluorose bnigne. La valeur totale de
lapport quotidien rel a t drive des quantits prsentes dans leau, les aliments, le lait
maternel, lair, le sol et le dentifrice. Au Canada, lapport rel est suprieur lapport
recommand pour les enfants nourris avec une prparation lacte et ceux vivant dans les
collectivits o leau est fluore. On doit sefforcer de rduire lapport dans le groupe dge le
plus vulnrable, soit celui de sept mois quatre ans. Les enfants de ce groupe qui consomment
la dose maximale risquent e prsenter une fluorose dentaire bnigne et leur consommation est
infrieure d peine 20 % la dose pouvant produire une fluorose squelettique en cas dapport
prolong.
Concentration optimale de fluorure dans leau
Les normes concernant la concentration optimale de fluorure dans leau municipale ont t
labores daprs des donnes pidmiologiques recueillies il y a plus de 50 ans. Le niveau
optimal a t tabli 1,0 ppm, en grande partie de manire arbitraire, pour obtenir la
rduction maximale des caries et la prvalence minimale de la fluorose. Il ressort dun nouvel
examen des donnes dose-rponse quun niveau d peine 0,6 ppm permettrait de rduire dans
une proportion similaire la prvalence des caries. On manque de donnes actuelles sur la
relation dose-rponse entre la concentration de fluorure dans leau municipale, les caries et la
fluorose dentaire. Certains disent quil faut laborer de nouvelles lignes directrices plus souples
tenant compte de lvolution de la prvalence des caries, de laccs dautres sources de
fluorure et des proccupations actuelles concernant les effets de la fluorose sur le plan
esthtique. Une concentration d peine 0,5 ppm pourrait se rvler optimale dans certaines
collectivits. La fluorose dentaire na pas t considre comme un problme de sant
publique par le pass, mais cela risque de changer.
119
120
TROISIME PARTIE
Le Dr Pierre Jean Morin, Ph.D. et Matre Remington se penche sur la jurisprudence relative la
fluoration.
121
122
I. Introduction***
Fluoride is an ubiquitous substance in our environment. It is naturally present in public water
supplies, bound with calcium, iron, magnesium, or other minerals, usually at a level of around 0.2-0.4
ppm. Except incidentally, this article will not address the natural presence of fluoride in drinking water,
which is a distinct question. The focus of this article will be the artificial fluoridation of public water
supplies which occurs when the fluoride content of drinking water is artificially adjusted from its natural
* B.A., LL.B., of the Minnesota Bar. Federal Public Defender, 1969-1973; Co-Founder, Instructor, Assistant
Professor, Associate Professor, Lecturer, Hamline University School of Law, 1972-1980; Special Counsel for the City
of Brainerd, 1974-1980; Crow Wing County Public Defender, 1981-1984; Crow Wing County Attorney, 1991-1995;
Advisor on British constitutional law and history to the Amicus Curiae for Quebec in the Supreme Court of Canada,
1997-1998. Mr. Graham has served as counsel in major fluoridation litigation in Minnesota, Washington State,
Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Texas, 1974-1984.
** Ph.D. in Experimental Medicine. Chief Profusionist, Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, 1957-1967; Coordinator
for Research in the Heart Institute and Artificial Organs Group, and Lecturer in Medicine, Laval University, 19671979; Director of Medical Research, Laval University Hospital, 1973-1979; Senior Scientific Advisor to the
Environment Minister and the Prime Minister of Quebec, 1976-l985; Director, Local Community Services Center,
Lotbiniere West, 1979-1990. Dr. Morin was scientific advisor to counsel for the plaintiffs in major fluoridation
litigation in Texas in 1982.
*** The authors wish to express their gratitude to J. William Hirzy, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of the National
Treasury Employees Union, Chapter 280, at the National Headquarters of the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) for documentation concerning developments at EPA from 1986 through 1998, and also to
Rt. Hon. Edward Baldwin, Earl of Bewdley, for his assistance in securing records of important debates on
fluoridation in the British House of Lords.
123
level to a desired level of 0.9-l.2 ppm. This change is effected by adding sodium silicofluoride,
hydrofluosilicic acid, or some such industrial waste product, which releases free fluoride ions into water
consumed by human beings. 26
The theory behind this practice, which now affects about 130 million people in the United States, is
that the ingestion of fluoride will harden the surfaces of teeth and make them less susceptible to dental
caries. The literature is extensive on whether this practice does or does not reduce tooth decay, and
whether it is or is not safe. 27 The standard work, done under auspices of the American Dental
Association (ADA) and the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), is the Newburgh-Kingston CariesFluorine Study: Final Report. 28 Published over forty years ago, it proudly concluded that artificial
fluoridation of public water supplies dramatically reduces tooth decay in humans, at no risk to human
health. 29 In language tinged with contemporary fanaticism, the Final Report announced, The opposition stems from several sources, chiefly food faddists, cultists, chiropractors, misguided and
misinformed persons who are ignorant of the scientific facts on the ingestion of water fluorides, and,
strange as it may seem, even among a few uninformed physicians and dentists. 30
From the beginning, this ostentatious pronouncement has set the tone of ADA and USPHS activists
and others promoting this practice in the face of growing opposition from eminent scientists and
physicians. The ultimate merits of the issues in science and medicine aside, there has always been
learned and respectable opposition to artificial fluoridation of public water supplies, 31 and all attempts
to deny it can only be characterised as irresponsible.
26. See GEORGE L. WALDBOTT, M.D. ET AL., FLUORIDATION: THE GREAT DILEMMA 47-54, 148-74 (1978) for a detailed
discussion of the absorption of fluoride, mainly as free ions, into the soft tissues of the human body. On the other
hand, when fluoride is naturally present in public water supplies, it is generally bound with calcium and other
minerals and, in such form, it does not readily dissociate and so is more readily excreted. Experiments with trout
indicate that fluoride in water so bound tends to be less toxic. See Joseph W. Angelovic et al., Temperature and
Fluorosis in Rainbow Trout, 33 J. WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FEDN 371 (1961). Hence, the artificial presence of
fluoride in drinking water should be considered separately from its natural presence, at least in connection with
questions about whether or not fluoride in drinking water produces harmful side effects.
27. The most respected scientific works, published during the twentieth century in support of artificial fluoridation
of public water supplies, are WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, FLUORIDES AND HUMAN HEALTH (1970), and FRANK J. MCCLURE,
U.S. DEPT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE, WATER FLUORIDATION: THE SEARCH AND THE VICTORY (1970). The work of
WALDBOTT ET AL., supra note l, is a comprehensive and powerful rebuttal. Considerable research has been done
since these classic treatises were published.
28. Herman E. Hilleboe et al., Newburgh-Kingston Caries Fluorine Study: Final Report, 52 J. AM. DENTAL ASSN 290
(1956).
29. See id. at 313-14, 316-19 (1956).
30. Id. at 294.
31. See, e.g., Hearings on H.R. 2341 Before the House Comm. on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, 83d Cong. 6286 (1954) (statement of Frederick Exner, M.D.). In his time, George Waldbott, M.D., was the dean of physicians
against fluoridation. His pioneering book, A STRUGGLE WITH TITANS (1965), is bound to be of great interest to
124
A few preliminary questions need to be asked. The first is whether the natural or artificial level of
fluoride in public water supplies really has any beneficial effect in reducing tooth decay. The main
difficulty with the experimental runs at Newburgh and Kingston in New York and elsewhere is that tooth
decay is enhanced or diminished by innumerable factors including dietary, socio-economic,
environmental, hygienic, and many others. Thus, criticism was voiced, initially in a doctoral
dissertation, 32 that there was no control for known and unknown variables and, consequently, the
conclusions on the reduction of tooth decay associated with fluoridation were invalid.
Subsequent research, involving vastly more data and sophistication, has entirely upset the
Newburgh-Kingston orthodoxy.33 It has since been persuasively demonstrated that the lowest rates of
tooth decay in children occur in areas where the fluoride level is about 0.2-0.4 ppm, which is the normal
level in most parts of the world. 34 From
all published studies on the question in Europe and North America, it has been shown that, while there
is a strong positive relationship between dental mottling and the natural level of fluoride in drinking
water, there is no statistical relationship between the extent of tooth decay and the natural level of
fluoride in drinking water. 35 In more recent years, it has been observed that tooth decay rates have decreased as fast in unfluoridated areas as in fluoridated areas. 36 From massive data gathered by the
government of the United States, it has been revealed that there is no statistical relationship between
rates of tooth decay in children and the extent or duration of artificial fluoridation of public water
supplies. 37
Another question is whether public officials of the United States have been honest in levelling with
the American people about the potential harmful effects of artificially releasing fluoride into the
environment. In this regard, some attention needs to be given to the seminal work of Dr. Alfred Taylor,
scientific historians in future years. He was a founder of the International Society for Fluoride Research, a learned
society of about five hundred scientists who specialize in the field, publishing a quarterly journal entitled Fluoride.
32. See Edward S. Groth III, Two Issues of Science and Public Policy: Air Pollution Control in the San Francisco Bay
Area and Fluoridation of Community Water Supplies 146-462 (1973) (unpublished Ph.D. dissertation, Stanford
University) (on file with University Microfilms in Ann Arbor, Michigan).
33. See, e.g., H. Kalsbeek & G.H.W. Verrips, Dental Caries Prevalence and the Use of Fluorides in Different
European Countries, 69 J. DENTAL RES. 728 (1990); Rudolph Ziegelbecker, WHO Data on Dental Caries and Natural
Water Fluoride Levels, 26 FLUORIDE 263 (1993) (setting forth impressive analyses of data published by the World
Health Organization). Trends now evident in Newburgh and Kingston indicate no significant differences in tooth
decay rates between the two cities, although dental mottling is somewhat higher in fluoridated Newburgh. See,
e.g., Jayanth V. Kumer et al., Trends in Dental Fluorosis and Dental Caries Prevalences in Newburgh and Kingston,
NY, 79 AM. J. PUB. HEALTH 565 (1989); Jayanth V. Kumer et al., Changes in Dental Fluorosis and Dental Caries in
Newburgh and Kingston, New York, 88 AM. J. PUB. HEALTH 1866 (1998); Jayanth V. Kumer et al., Recommendations
for Fluoride Use in Children, N.Y.S. DENTAL J., Feb. 1998, at 40.
34. See, e.g., Yoshitsugu Imai, Relationship Between Fluoride Concentration in Drinking Water and Dental Caries in
Japan, 6 FLUORIDE 248 (1973).
35. Rudolph Ziegelbecker, Natrlicher Fluoridgehalt des Trinkwassers und Karies [Natural Fluoridation of Drinking
Water and Caries], 122 GWF WASSER/ABWASSER 495 (1981), translated in 14 FLUORIDE 123 (1981).
36. John Colquhuon, Child Dental Health Differences in New Zealand, 9 COMM. HEALTH STUD. 85 (1987).
37. John Yiamouyiannis, Water Fluoridation and Tooth Decay: Results from the 1986-1987 National Survey of U.S.
Schoolchildren, 23 FLUORIDE 55 (1990)
125
a biochemist at the University of Texas. The facts have been written up by reputable scholars 38 and
make up an important episode in scientific history.
In the early 1950s, Dr. Taylor undertook a series of preliminary experiments by which it
appeared that cancer-prone mice consuming water treated with sodium fluoride had shorter life spans
than mice drinking distilled water. 39 Because the mice in both the control and experimental groups ate
chow containing measurable fluoride, probably as CaF, as he learned after his initial runs, Dr. Taylor
replicated his earlier work, but used chow containing negligible fluoride. He ran twelve experiments
using 645 cancer-prone mice. He found that, as measured for statistical significance, cancer-prone mice
drinking water containing fluoride, introduced as NaF, had shorter life spans than mice drinking distilled
water. 40 In 1954, the results of Dr. Taylors reruns were published in a refereed journal. 41
Dr. Taylors work was published at a politically sensitive time, because the last stages of the muchboasted surveys at Newburgh and Kingston were underway. The obvious meaning of Dr. Taylors results
was that a possible danger to public health had been overlooked, and that widespread fluoridation
should be delayed until the situation had been clarified. However, the ADA and the USPHS had already
endorsed and begun the drive to promote fluoridation.
The embarrassment, therefore, had to be addressed. In the Final Report, reference was made to Dr.
Taylors original tests two years after the positive results of his reruns had been peer-reviewed and
published. Then it was said, contrary to the known state of world literature:
The reports by Alfred Taylor, a biochemist at the University of Texas, on the increased incidence
of cancer in mice drinking fluoride-treated water have been shown to be unfounded, since the
food that he was giving the mice had many times the fluoride content of the drinking water, and
the food was supplied both to the control and experimental groups. Subsequent tests did not
confirm the differences. 42
Ever since, USPHS officials have insisted, contrary to known facts, that Dr. Taylors reruns were
never done and never published, and that no work supporting Taylors results exists or has ever been
published. For example, in a standard history of the National Institute of Dental Health, published
thirty-five years after Dr. Taylors work first appeared in a refereed journal, Ruth Roy Harris said, Alfred
Taylor, an investigator with a doctorate in biochemistry, indicated that he would not publish his findings
because he was unable to confirm those results in a second experiment. 43 Harris added still another
misrepresentation, also contrary to known facts, A literature search of scientific journals failed to show
any publication of this work by Taylor -- an indication that it was not subjected to review by his peers. 44
The importance of Dr. Taylors work is revealed by what USPHS officials have done to conceal it.
126
After his first study, Dr. Taylor and his wife, also a Ph.D. biochemist, published the results of yet
another large-scale study, in which fluoride in water, introduced as NaF, was shown to induce growth in
implanted tumors in mice. 45 Dr. Taylors pioneering work
has been confirmed and reconfirmed by a considerable multitude of laboratory studies done by world
class scientists, all published in peer-reviewed journals. 46 Meanwhile, it has been held in some
environmental litigation during the twentieth century that, if laboratory tests indicate the capacity of a
certain substance to produce harmful side effects in laboratory animals, the same substance may also
be presumed deleterious to man in the environment. 47
The main inquiry of this article will be whether the several States have constitutional authority to
impose artificial fluoridation of public water supplies. The question depends in part on scientific and
medical facts. As we shall relate in detail, trial judges over the past twenty years have repeatedly found,
after hearing experts, that fluoridation is injurious to public health. We proceed, first, to review the
legal fundamentals.
45. See Alfred Taylor & Nell Carmichael Taylor, Effect of Sodium Fluoride on Tumor Growth, 119 PROC. OF SOCY FOR
EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MED. 252 (1965).
46. See, e.g., Irwin H. Herskowitz & Isabel L. Norton, Increased Incidence of Melanotic Tumors in Two Strains of
Drosophila Melanogaster Following Treatment with Sodium Fluoride, 48 GENETICS 307 (1963); Chong Chang, Effect
of Fluoride on Nucleotides and Ribonucleic Acid in Germinating Corn Seedling Roots, 43 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 669
(1968); Danuta Jachimczak & Bogumila Skotarczak, The Effect of Fluorine and Lead Ions on the Chromosomes of
Human Leucocytes in Vitro, 19 GENETICA POLONCIA 353 (1978); John Emsley et al., An Unexpectedly Strong Hydrogen
Bond: Ab Initio Calculations and Spectroscopic Studies of Amide-Fluoride Systems, 103 J. AM. CHEM. SOCY 24 (1981);
John Emsley et al., The Uracil-Fluoride Interaction: Ab Initio Calculations including Solvation, 8 J. CHEMICAL SOCY
CHEMICAL COMMUN. 476 (1982); A.H. Mohamed & M.E. Chandler, Cytological Effects of Sodium Fluoride on Mice, 15
FLUORIDE 110 (1982); Toshio Imai et al., The Effects of Fluoride on Cell Growth of Two Human Cell Lines and on DNA
and Protein Synthesis in HeLa Cells, 52 ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA ET TOXICOLOGICA 8 (1983); Takeki Tsutsui et al.,
Cytotoxicity, Chromosome Aberrations and Unscheduled DNA Synthesis in Cultured Human Diploid Fibroblasts
Induced by Sodium Fluoride, 139 MUTATION RES. 193 (1984); Takeki Tsutsui et al., Induction of Unscheduled DNA
Synthesis in Cultured Human Oral Keratinocytes by Sodium Fluoride, 140 MUTATION RES. 43 (1984); Takeki Tsutsui et
al., Sodium Fluoride-induced Morphological and Neoplastic Transformation, Chromosome Aberrations, Sister
Chromatid Exchanges, and Unscheduled DNA Synthesis in Cultured Syrian Hamster Embryo Cells, 44 CANCER RES. 938
(1984); Carol A. Jones et al., Sodium Fluoride Promotes Morphological Transformation of Syrian Hamster Embryo
Cells, 9 CARCINOGENESIS 2279 (1988); Marilyn J. Aardema et al., Sodium Fluoride-induced Chromosome Aberrations in
Different Stages of the Cell Cycle: A Proposed Mechanism, 223 MUTATION RES. 191 (1989); Takeki Tsutsui et al.,
Cytotoxicity and Chromosome Aberrations in Normal Human Oral Keratinocytes Induced by Chemical Carcinogens:
Comparison of Inter-Individual Variations, 5 TOXICOLOGY IN VITRO 353 (1991).
47. See e.g., Environmental Defense Fund v. Environmental Protection Agency, 548 F.2d 998, 1006 (D.C. Cir. 1976).
127
legislative authority upon Congress, because, if this clause conferred such a general legislative authority,
it would render the enumeration of specific legislative powers redundant and pointless. 48
Madisons observation was important because he showed that, if Congress had a general legislative
authority as such, it would be nothing other than a power to provide for the common defense and the
general welfare. It would be a power, subject to the limitations inherent and implied in every republican
form of government, 49 to enact only by laws necessary and proper or, in other words, laws fairly
proportioned to and consistent with the common defense and general welfare, in keeping with legal
principle and legal tradition. 50 Alexander Hamilton made unmistakably clear that a bill of rights,
including all essential privileges and immunities of a free people, is always implied, if not expressed, in
every republican form of government. 51 And every republican form of government, as an outgrowth of
the American Revolution, necessarily presupposes the essential truths of the Declaration of
Independence, which begins, before all else, with a tribute to the Laws of Nature and Natures God. 52
So it was that Justice Samuel Chase of the United States Supreme Court, one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence, thus expounded in a celebrated case the inherent limitations on general
legislative authority under any republican form of government:
The nature and ends of legislative power will limit the exercise of it. This fundamental principle
flows from the very nature of our free Republican governments, that no man should be
compelled to do what the laws do not require; nor to refrain from acts which the laws permit.
There are acts which the Federal, or State, Legislatures cannot do, without exceeding their
authority. There are certain vital principles in our free Republican governments, which will
determine and over-rule an apparent and flagrant abuse of legislative power; as to authorize
48. See THE FEDERALIST NO. 41, at 276-77 (Clinton Rossiter ed., 1961). In reaching this conclusion, Madison applied
the rule of construction from the common law that clauses dealing with the same general subject or question
should be construed together, if possible, to give every distinct provision some useful purpose and to coalesce into
a harmonious whole with the others. See THE FEDERALIST NO. 40, at 260 (Clinton Rossiter ed., 1961). The same idea
is advanced in the 7th of the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798, authored by Thomas Jefferson. See 4 DEBATES ON THE
FEDERAL CONSTITUTION 542 (Elliot ed., Lippencott & Co., Philadelphia) (2d ed. 1859).
49. James Madison emphasized that the government of the Union, like the government of every State, is a
republican form of government which has its origin in the people and features distinctive of the American
Revolution. See THE FEDERALIST NO. 39, at 240-42 (Clinton Rossiter ed., 1961). The first mature prototype of such a
republican form of government, see the Virginia Bill of Rights and Constitution of 1776, reprinted in 9 Henings
Statutes at Large, at 109-19.
50. See THE FEDERALIST NO. 33, at 203-04 (Alexander Hamilton) (Clinton Rossiter ed., 1961); THE FEDERALIST NO. 44, at
285 (James Madison) (Clinton Rossiter ed., 1961). Both Hamilton and Madison agreed that the eighteenth clause
of Article I, Section 8, of the United States Constitution, granting Congress the power to enact necessary and
proper laws, would have been implied if it had not been expressed. Also, while it allows implied powers, it also
imposes implied limits on powers of just legislation. The standard judicial definition of necessary and proper laws
is found in MColloch v. Maryland, 17 U.S. (4 Wheat.) 3l6, 421 (1819).
51. See THE FEDERALIST NO. 84, at 512-14 (Clinton Rossiter ed., 1961).
52. THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE para. 1 (U.S. 1776). Sir William Blackstone gave incomparable exposition to
the meaning of natural law as the foundation of constitutional government in 1 COMMENTARIES ON THE LAWS OF
ENGLAND 38-43 (l765) [hereinafter BLACKSTONE].
128
manifest injustice by positive law; or to take away that security for personal liberty, or private
property, for the protection whereof the government was established. 53
There can be no serious dispute as to the nature of the original idea. In view of the transformations
accomplished by the American Revolution, general legislative authority was understood to be the power
of enacting necessary and proper laws to provide for the common defense and general welfare, in
conformity with natural law and legal tradition. And this idea, fully justiciable, was imposed before the
Fourteenth Amendment was ever thought of, by the so-called Guarantee Clause in of the United States
Constitution, which demands that in and for every State of the Union there shall be a Republican Form
of Government. 54
The term police power later appeared as a term of jurisprudence in antebellum litigation which
arose under the Guarantee Clause, used to describe the legislative powers of the several States to enact
regulations of domestic life. 55 The Guarantee Clause largely disappeared as a restraint upon the several
States as a consequence of misunderstanding the interesting old case of Luther v. Borden. 56 Many
generations of judges and lawyers have been deeply confused about it.
In 1842, there was a civil war between two state governments in Rhode Island, each claiming to be
lawful. 57 Both the majority and the dissent agreed that the court could not resolve this question 58,
which was said to be nonjusticiable, because of the enormous practical difficulties involved. Thus began
the doctrine of political questions which says that a question is nonjusticiable and so cannot be judicially
decided if, in the circumstances, a practical remedy cannot be given by the courts, or if there are no
objective legal standards upon which a judicial decision can be made, or if the question is plainly
referred by fundamental law to the political organs of government or society. 59 Nothing could ever be
so likely to injure the dignity or reputation of the bench than failure of judges to honor these inherent
limits to their power.
But there was another important question in the case which most students have overlooked. This
question was whether the charter government of Rhode Island, assumed legitimate, could impose
martial law during the unrest which appears in retrospect to have been remarkably trivial. This question
was decided on the merits. 60 The majority held that the charter government could impose martial law,
but there was a strong dissent, mainly based on the Petition of Right. 61
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
129
In any event, there has never been any reason for saying, as has sometimes been held, 62 that any
constitutional question arising under the Guarantee Clause is per se nonjusticiable. And a number of
courts have occasionally recognized the Guarantee Clause as an appropriate basis of judicial decision, 63
as clearly suggested by Justice Samuel Chase when John Adams was President. During the twentieth
century, the Guarantee Clause has been a sleeping giant of the United States Constitution, yet there is
no reason why, if the need becomes urgent in future years, the giant cannot be awakened and put to
good use.
The Fourteenth Amendment followed the American Civil War and has since been the main basis
in the United States Constitution for judicial decisions restraining the exercise of police power by the
several States. There are some well-kept secrets about the Fourteenth Amendment, which are highly
pertinent to the question of police power, and these may conceivably become more widely understood
or even become legal orthodoxy in the twenty-first century.
In the Slaughter House Cases, 64 the majority spoke the dark language of police power and upheld a
Louisiana statute which required all slaughtering of animals as food for consumption in and around New
Orleans to be done in facilities maintained under the auspices of a certain corporation. 65 The holding
rests mainly on a notoriously unconvincing rationalization to accommodate an unwillingness to face the
full impact of the Fourteenth Amendment.
The first well-kept secret about the Fourteenth Amendment is found in the four dissenting votes to
the Slaughter House Cases, which rest mainly on the very capable and powerful opinions of Justice
Stephen Field 66 and Justice Joseph Bradley. 67 Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment restrains the
several States from abridging the privileges and immunities of citizens of the United States. Most
certainly these dissenters were right in maintaining that this clause serves to incorporate all guarantees
of civil liberty found in the United States Constitution as further restraints on the several States,
including the First through Ninth Amendments. 68 And in light of legal tradition, they were right in
maintaining that the Fourteenth Amendment, by incorporating the Ninth Amendment, imposes the old
Statute of Monopolies 69 upon the several States.
62. See, e.g., Taylor v. Beckham, 178 U.S. 548, 578-79 (1900); Pacific States Tel. & Tel. Co. v. Oregon, 223 U.S. 118,
142-53 (1912).
63. See, e.g., Harrington v. Plainview, 6 N.W. 777 (Minn. 1880).
64. 83 U.S. (16 Wall.) 36 (1873).
65. See id. at 58-82.
66. See id. at 83-111
67. See id. at 111-24.
68. It is impossible to attribute any other cogent meaning to this clause in light of Corfield v. Coryell, 6 F. Cas. 546
(C.C.E.D. Pa. 1823) (No. 3230), and Barron v. Baltimore, 32 U.S. (7 Pet.) 243 (1833).
69. See 21 Jac., ch. 3 (1623). The Statute of Monopolies expressly ordained that monopolies granted by the Crown
were contrary to the ancient and fundamental laws of the realm, and are utterly void. Id. at 1. The statute
created an express proviso allowing patents of invention for terms of fourteen years. See id. at 6. Royal grants of
monopoly had previously been declared unlawful in the Case of Monopolies, 11 Coke 84a (K.B. 1603).
130
Another well-kept secret about the Fourteenth Amendment, which may be unpleasant to some
people yet ever so true, is that the article was never lawfully adopted, 70 mainly because it was proposed
by a Congress which unlawfully excluded representatives and senators from ten States for having had
the temerity of holding views not to the liking of an impassioned and factious majority. 71 Moreover,
adoption was unlawful because ratification by those ten States, essential to adoption, was coerced by
keeping them under martial law until they ratified, 72 contrary to principles already known and
adjudicated to be unconstitutional. 73 Because time is a wonderful solvent of truth, we may anticipate
that in the twenty-first century the Fourteenth Amendment may well be stricken from the United States
Constitution.
The final well-kept secret about the Fourteenth Amendment is this: if and when it is finally
acknowledged that the Fourteenth Amendment was never lawfully adopted, we shall not be deprived of
means, under the fundamental law of the Union, to restrain the several States from acts of invidious
discrimination or other forms of injustice. The reason is that everything worthwhile so far done in the
name of the Fourteenth Amendment, and much more besides, can also be done upon a more
enlightened view of the American Revolution, in the name of the Guarantee Clause. 74 E pluribus unum.
Annuit coeptis novus ordo seclorum.
131
Court, Justice Black managed to sow more confusion, yet with important kernels of truth and
distinguished erudition, than almost any judicial figure in the world during the twentieth century. His
mistakes have pronounced characteristics which are particularly instructive when viewed in retrospect.
His trademark position, stated in his famous dissent in Adamson v. California, 75 was that the
Fourteenth Amendment incorporates the Federal Bill of Rights, including the First through Eighth
Amendments. 76 But, if the Fourteenth Amendment incorporates the Federal Bill of Rights, it necessarily
also incorporates the Ninth Amendment which says that the enumeration of certain rights shall not be
construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. 77 Why no mention of the Ninth
Amendment?
Throughout his dissent, Justice Black fairly radiated hostility against the ancient and venerable idea
of natural law, 78 which he plainly did not understand either as a force shaping legal tradition or as a
category of jurisprudence. 79 He acted as if the Ninth Amendment did not exist, because this article of
fundamental law, construed in light of constitutional history, cannot possibly exclude those certain
unalienable Rights with which all human beings are endowed by their Creator under the Laws of
Nature and Natures God. 80
Justice Black carried his hostility to natural law even further in his majority opinion in Ferguson v.
Skrupa. 81 At issue in that case was a Kansas statute prohibiting any person from engaging in the business of debt adjusting, except as incident to the authorized practice of law. 82 At the time, there was a
venerable precedent which held that, under the l4th Amendment, no State has constitutional
authority to prohibit a useful business which is not inherently immoral or dangerous to public welfare. 83
132
Black flippantly overruled this old case with the remark, Whether the legislature takes for its textbook
Adam Smith, Herbert Spencer, Lord Keynes, or some other is no concern of ours. 84
Blacks attitude was founded upon one of the most unfortunate falsehoods ever to pollute
American jurisprudence. He assumed, out of ignorance, that cases like Lochner v. New York, 85 were
founded on political prejudice, not legal standards. In Lochner, the court held that a law limiting the
right of bakers to contract for their hours of work was unconstitutional. 86 No reason was even
suggested on the record why bakers should not enjoy such discretion, or why they needed the
protection of the law, as might have been true if, say, it had been shown that the bakers are typically in
an uneven bargaining position in dealing with their employers. If such a showing had been at least
attempted, as might well have been easily done, the statute would certainly have been upheld. 87
It is true that the freedom to contract, cited as the justification for holding the statute
unconstitutional, came from natural law jurisprudence. But the theory was not woven out of thin air. It
came from venerable and historic roots, ultimately the decision of Lord Mansfield in Sommersetts
Case 88 which held that, because slavery runs against natural law, it could be sustained only by acts of
Parliament, and all statutes allowing it had to be strictly construed so as to make a slave free the
moment he set foot on the free soil of England. 89
This idea was, of course, adopted and expanded by the Thirteenth Amendment. It follows, by legal
inference, that nobody in the United States may be denied a liberal right to earn a livelihood or to
engage in business as he or she sees fit. Thus, it has been held under the Fourteenth Amendment that,
unless a statute limiting the right of a citizen to contract freely can be plausibly justified, it is
unconstitutional. 90 The idea does not embrace irresponsible freedom and it does not outlaw legislation
to prevent unjust exploitation of labor or activity harmful to the public good. The right is confirmed by
natural law and legal tradition and is suited to the circumstances of a free people. There has always
84. 372 U.S. at 732. This case echoed of the thoughtless satyrism of Oliver Wendell Holmes in Lochner v. New
York, 198 U.S. 45, 75 (1905) (The Fourteenth Amendment does not enact Mr. Herbert Spencers Social Statics).
Under this theory, we should be equally indifferent as to whether the legislature of a State were to take guidance
from Maxmillien de Robespierre, Vladimir Lenin, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Mao Tse Tung, or Pol Pot.
85. 198 U.S. 45 (1905).
86. See id. at 64-65.
87. Pope Leo XIII issued the encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891), which was one of the greatest statements on
natural law in history. He expounded rights of labor and the duty of governments to enact legislation protecting
labor from unjust exploitation. It was on this basis that legislation protecting labor from unjust exploitation was
repeatedly approved as constitutional in natural law jurisprudence, whenever a plausible justification of legislative
judgment was made to appear on the record. See, e.g., Bunting v. Oregon, 243 U.S. 426 (1917); Muller v. Oregon,
208 U.S. 412 (1908); Holden v. Hardy, 169 U.S. 366 (1898).
88. 20 How. St. Tr. l, 82 (K.B. 1771).
89. This principle originated in the policy of the common law which favored liberty, and thus nudged villeinage
into extinction. See, e.g., Pigg v. Caley, Noy 27 (K.B. 1618). Strict construction of laws allowing slavery was
adopted by judges of the old South, and many slaves were freed because of it. See, e.g., Murray v. MCarty, 16 Va.
(2 Mun.) 393 (1811). It was also applied by the circuit court of Missouri in granting Dred Scott and his family their
freedom, and was the main basis of the dissent of Justice Benjamin Curtis in Dred Scott v. Sandford, 60 U.S. (19
How.) 391, 602-603 (1857).
90. See Allgeyer v. Louisiana, 165 U.S. 578 (1897).
133
been just cause to apply this notion with judicious caution, 91 but there never has been any reason to
reject or overrule it altogether. 92
Black took his extremism to the ne plus ultra in his bitter dissent in Griswold v. Connecticut. 93
Complaining that natural law is mysterious and uncertain and that the Ninth Amendment has only
nominal but no substantive meaning, Black insisted that even a statute intruding into the sexual
intimacy of husband and wife, disallowing them to be instructed by their physician on artificial methods
of birth control, could not be struck down as unconstitutional. 94 Fortunately, his fellow justices had no
trouble in understanding privacy as a liberty protected by fundamental law, and they declared the
statute unconstitutional.95
If Hugo Black condemned natural law because he did not understand it, the founding fathers of the
United States did understand it, and they built a new constitutional order upon it. They knew that
natural law is a timeless moral and physical order which enforces itself and can be discovered by natural
reason. 96 They knew that it constrains governments no less than markets. They knew that, if its lofty
commands were disobeyed, there would be misfortunes in public affairs, requiring the accommodations
of temporal law. They knew, therefore, that natural law was elaborated and given objective form by
legal tradition.
The dissenters in the Slaughter House Cases rested their erudite opinions on the facts of history.
They did not make things up to suit their political fancies but relied instead on legal custom acknowledged by the Kings Bench and an organic statute of the English Parliament. In light of long experience,
91. So as to avoid unfortunate decisions like Coppage v. Kansas, 236 U.S. 1 (1915), which was simply a mistake.
No apology can be offered for it in any school of thought.
92. Nebbia v. New York, 291 U.S. 502 (1934), is sometimes cited as the beginning of the end of natural law
jurisprudence in the field of economic regulation, but the case is better understood as a just extension of Munn v.
Illinois, 94 U.S. 113 (1877), in light of pressing economic circumstances not existing at the time of Fairmont
Creamery Co. v. Minnesota, 274 U.S. 1 (1926). Likewise, West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish, 300 U.S. 379 (1937), is
often cited as the definitive end of natural law jurisprudence in the field of economic regulation. Yet in Parrish, the
majority disregarded the intended meaning of the Nineteenth Amendment as expounded in Adkins v. Childrens
Hospital of the District of Columbia, 261 U.S. 525, 552-53 (1923), and later revived in Frontiero v. Richardson, 411
U.S. 677, 686-88 (1977). Parrish allowed a kind of sex discrimination which would never be allowed today and may
be considered virtually overruled.
93. 38l U.S. 479, 507-27 (1965).
94. See id. at 523-25.
95. See id. at 484-86 (penumbras of the Bill of Rights), 498-99 (the Ninth Amendment), 500-04 (due process of law
under the Fourteenth Amendment). By acknowledging a constitutional right of privacy on the basis of natural law
jurisprudence, the Court in no way committed itself to Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973), which did not rest on
natural law jurisprudence but rather overthrew the traditional protection of the unborn by both the common law
and the civil law. See e.g.,Thulluson v. Woodford, 4 Ves. Jr. 227, 321-22 (Ch. 1799); Montreal Tramways v. Leveille,
[1933] 4 D. L. R. 337, 340-41 (Can.). Nor did the Court contradict the moral teaching of Pope Paul VI against
artificial birth control in the encyclical HUMANE VITAE (1968). Natural law jurisprudence actually restrains temporal
law from attempting to prohibit some activities, especially those of a private nature, which, right or wrong, are not
proper subjects for public regulation. See, e.g., THOMAS AQUINAS, SUMMA THEOLOGICA, Ia IIae, q. 93, art. 3, ad 3,
translated in, BASIC WRITINGS OF SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS, 766 (Anton Pegis ed. 1945).
96. For abundant references to natural law, see the opening passages of THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (U.S.
1776) and the corresponding language of Sir William Blackstone, supra note 27, at 38-43.
134
it became clear in the past, as it is impossible to deny today, that, by the wonderful operation of unseen
but undeniable forces of nature, the practice of monopoly creates painful economic congestions. So it
was that legal tradition accommodated and expressed the reality of natural law.
Likewise, if the statute in Griswold had not been left to fade in desuetude, but had been actively
enforced, Connecticut would have faced political upheaval or revolution. Hence, the reality of natural
law, which, fortunately, did not produce unhappy consequences, but only because prosecutors had the
good sense not to file accusations, and the statute was eventually found unconstitutional. In this way
temporal law honored privacy as an unenumerated constitutional immunity which had always existed by
natural law. After transitions and adjustments, legal tradition will mature into a sturdier and sounder
landmark which can be used with greater wisdom and confidence in future years.
It is noteworthy that Sir William Blackstone mentioned the preservation of mans health from such
practices as may prejudice or annoy it not as a legislative power, but as among absolute rights of
individuals, 100 -- in other words, as among those privileges long recognized at common law as essential
to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men. 101
Therefore, it is clear enough that there are natural rights protected by fundamental law, even if not
constitutionally enumerated. As there are such natural rights to marry and have children, to seek
knowledge, to enjoy personal privacy, and to earn a livelihood by honest work of choice, subject only to
such regulation as may be reasonably needed to protect the rights of others and the common good, so
97. See, e.g., Griswold v. Connecticut, 38l U.S. at 481-82, 495, 502.
98. 261 U.S. 390 (1923).
99. See id. at 399-400.
100. BLACKSTONE, supra note 27, at 134.
101. 261 U.S. at 400.
135
too there is a domain of personal freedom, which limits the police power of a State in regulating
health. It is an area given some but not full judicial development in the twentieth century.
Two classic cases stand out like beacons, the first being Jacobson v. Massachusetts, 102 in which a
citizen challenged a statute compelling small pox vaccinations to counteract a pending epidemic of
deadly disease. The act of the legislature was upheld under the Fourteenth Amendment. The holding is
understandable, because the statute addressed a public danger, and failure to comply might have
tangibly increased the chances that an offender might become a carrier of disease which thereby could
infect others. Public emergency has always justified intrusions, even upon incomplete knowledge,
which normal situations will not.
Of much interest in this case is the discussion of the fact that, while the general belief of the
legislature on the need for smallpox vaccinations was supported by respectable medical authority, there
was nevertheless responsible dissent within the medical profession over the efficacy and in some degree
even of the safety of this particular measure. In Jacobson, the court reasoned, The possibility that the
belief [favoring smallpox vaccinations] may be wrong, and that science may yet show it to be wrong is
not conclusive; for the legislature has the right to pass laws which, according to [reasonable belief] are
adapted to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. 103
No less of interest is an exception to the general principle of the judgment. The court plainly said
that the statute could never be interpreted to compel a vaccination where it could be shown with
reasonable certainty that application of the statute to an objecting citizen would seriously impair his
health or probably cause his death. 104 This observation was added as an essential feature of the ratio
decidendi to avoid misinterpretation.
The court did not define what exactly it meant in saying that a statutory regulation of public health
may not be extended to situations in which serious impairment of personal health is shown with
reasonable certainty. But this characteristic phrase has long been a term of art in the law of damages.
It has long been used to describe the legal standard of proving an injury in civil proceedings: while
damages may not be based on speculation or guess, it will be enough to show the approximate degree
of harm by fair preponderance of the evidence adduced in a judicial hearing. 105 And, in such case, injury
may be proved by the opinions of experts who can demonstrate that they are well informed on the
subject investigated. 106
102. 197 U.S. 11 (1905).
103. Id. at 35. Language has been substituted in brackets for the phrase the common belief of the people in the
opinion, because the obvious intent of the court was that the belief of the legislature acting on behalf of the
people must at least be reasonable in view of available knowledge and evidence. The court said, if a statute
purporting to have been enacted to protect the public health, the public morals, or the public safety, has no real or
substantial relation to those objects, then it is the duty of the judiciary to intervene and declare such statute
unconstitutional. Id. at 31.
104. Id. at 39.
105. See, e.g., Bigelow v. RKO Radio Pictures Inc., 327 U.S. 25l (1946); Story Parchment Co. v. Paterson Parchment
Paper Co., 282 U.S. 555 (1930); Eastman Kodak Co. v. Southern Photo Material Co., 273 U.S. 359 (l927).
106. See, e.g., Julian Petroleum Corp. v. Courtney Petroleum Co., 22 F.2d 360, 362 (9th Cir. 1927).
136
The other outstanding case on generic principles of health freedom is Toronto v. Forest Hill, 107 in
which the majority opinion
was written by Justice Ivan Rand, who was probably the most eminent
jurist on the Supreme Court of Canada, in any event one of the finest natural law judges in the world,
during the twentieth century. 108 This case arose under the British North America Act of 1867, before it
was possible, except on a very limited basis, 109 for the judiciary of Canada to strike down acts of the
dominion Parliament or of the provincial Legislatures as unconstitutional and thus null and void. 110 The
judiciary of Canada was then obliged to protect civil liberties by strict construction of statutes, as far as
possible, so as to avoid collision with natural law and legal tradition. 111 It was by using such conservative
yet effective principles that Justice Rand became distinguished as a civil libertarian on the bench.
In Forest Hill, a provincial law allowed municipal corporations to treat public water supplies so as to
make the vended water pure and wholesome. 112 Justice Rand construed this statute strictly, so as to
disallow fluoridation. He protested,
But it is not to promote the ordinary use of water as a physical requisite for the body that
fluoridation is proposed. That process has a distinct and different purpose; it is not a means to
an end of wholesome water for waters function but to an end of a special health purpose for
which water supply is made use of as a means. 113
137
Similar language appears in the concurring opinion of Justice Cartwright, regarding the municipal bylaw to initiate fluoridation then in question:
In pith and substance the by-law relates not to the provision of a water supply but to the
compulsory preventative medication of the inhabitants of the area. In my opinion, the words of
the statutory provisions on which the appellant relies do not confer upon the council the power
to make by-laws in relation to matters of this sort. 114
Jacobson and Forest Hill expound complementary principles of natural law jurisprudence, and
thereby supply a cogent idea of health freedom which is inherent in the respected constitutional
formulation expressed in Meyer v. Nebraska. 115
Under the Guarantee Clause, the Ninth Amendment, and the Fourteenth Amendment, understood
in light of natural law and legal tradition, police power to regulate public health includes discretion to
compel submission of citizens to medical intervention, but only if three necessary conditions are met.
First, legislative judgment underlying the statute may discount responsible professional dissent, yet
must at least rest upon reasonable medical or scientific evidence. Second, it must be fairly justified by
grave cause or public emergency, such as the need to prevent the spread of a contagious disease. Third,
the intervention prescribed cannot be imposed upon protesting citizens who are able to prove, by a fair
preponderance of the evidence, a tangible danger of serious injury to their health. But the legislative
power cannot otherwise impose compulsory medication on protesting citizens. This much is the ideal of
natural law jurisprudence which is inseparable from the intended meaning of the United States
Constitution.
138
vindication, or in the development of freedom of the press from the founding of the Star Chamber to
the adoption of the First Amendment, we should not be astonished to see the passing of considerable
time in the rise and fall of fluoridation, and not a little confusion along the way.
Among all others, the most distinguished judgment sustaining the constitutionality of mandatory
fluoridation of public water supplies has always been, and still is Paduano v. City of New York, 117 which
arose upon a suit brought in 1965 to enjoin the practice in New York City. 118 At that time the clear
weight of available medical and scientific evidence, then respectable but long since shown to be
unfounded, 119 suggested that fluoridation was effective in reducing tooth decay in children. 120 Evidence
of potential danger then existed, 121 but it was little known, in an undeveloped state, and effectively
concealed by ADA-USPHS disinformation. 122 Most physicians and dentists then believed that
fluoridation was beneficial and safe. It is fair to say that most available evidence -- at least what could
be easily orchestrated into a courtroom appearance of the most available evidence -- then suggested
that fluoridation was beneficial and safe.
True enough, then available evidence suggested the need for caution among the wise. But there
were not many in those days who had good credentials, independent means, leisure time for deep
study, the persuasiveness to expose the slick sales pitches of ADA-USPHS spokesmen, the capacity to
survive assaults on their careers and reputations mounted by fluoridation promoters, 123 -- and wisdom
besides.
It is wrong to justify fluoridation by reference to Jacobson, because fluoridation, unlike small pox
vaccinations, does not address a contagious disease, but it is at least understandable that the Supreme
Court of New York should have cited it as persuasive legal authority. 124 The court said:
The question of the desirability of fluoridation is immaterial. In the face of the overwhelming
precedents previously cited, and in accordance with general principles of stare decisis, this court
sitting at Special Term, feels constrained to deny plaintiffs application for a temporary injunction
and to grant defendants motion for a dismissal of the complaint. Until the scientific evidence as to
the
deleterious effects of fluoridation reaches beyond the purely
speculative state now existing,
decisional law mandates the holding that the controversy should remain within the realm of the
legislative and executive branches of government. While the courts do not have a right to impose
fluoridation upon anyone, judicial restraint requires us to adhere to the uniform decisions
holding that the executive and legislative branches of government do -- at least until some proof is
117. 257 N.Y.S. 2d 531 (S.Ct. N.Y. County l965), affd 24 App. Div. 2d 437, 260 N.Y. S. 2d 831 (1965), affd 17 N. Y.
2d 875, 271 N. Y. S. 2d 305 (1966), cert. denied 385 U.S. 1026 (1967).
118. See id. at 533.
119. See Kalsbeek & Verrips, supra note 8; Ziegelbecker, supra note 10; Kumer, supra note 8; Imai, supra note 9;
Colquhoun, supra note 11; Yiamouyiannis, supra note 12, and accompanying text.
120. See, e.g., Hilliboe et al., supra note 4, at 314-24.
121. See Taylor, supra note 16, and accompanying text.
122. See, e.g., Hilleboe et al., supra note 4; HARRIS, supra note 18, and accompanying text.
123. Literally volumes could be written on the notorious and ruthless tactics of fluoridation promoters seeking to
silence all credible opposition. A sober and factual introduction to this subject of political intrigue can be found in
WALDBOTT, ET AL., supra note l, at 258-352.
124. Paduano v. New York, 257 N.Y.S. 2d 531, 539 (S. Ct. N.Y. County 1965).
139
adduced that fluoridation has harmful side effects and therefore is not in the interests of the
community. 125
The court obviously had in mind the qualifying dictum in Jacobson that a public health regulation,
obliging a citizen to accept a medical remedy, cannot be extended to a situation in which it is shown
with reasonable certainty, or by a fair preponderance of the evidence exceeding speculation or guess,
that the remedy will impose a danger of serious injury to the personal health of protesting citizens.
Note clearly what the court did not say, should not have said, and, in light of its reliance on Jacobson,
cannot be interpreted to have said: -- that such danger or injury must be proven by evidence so
powerful as to eliminate all reasonable controversy on the subject. Such a burden of proof is legally
impossible on any question of public health, nor does it comport with public justice or safety, nor does it
have any legitimate basis in legal authority.
Another key judgment sustaining imposed fluoridation merits passing notice because it concerns
legal ideals of the type suggested by the natural law jurisprudence of Ivan Rand. In State Board of
Health v. Brainerd, 126 a mandatory fluoridation law was applied to a community which protested as a
whole body politic in a special referendum 127 by a vote of 9 to 1 against implementing the law, and by a
vote of 5 to 1 authorizing the city fathers to sit as a convention which met and declared the statute
unconstitutional.
The state board of health sued the municipal government which pleaded the express and formal
protest of the residents and voters of the city, the want of a public emergency occasioned by a pending
epidemic of contagious disease, the existence of a responsible medical and scientific controversy over
the effectiveness and safety of fluoridation, the availability of fluoride to persons desiring it by less
intrusive means, and, therefore, the invasion of a natural right of the people, protected by fundamental
law under these circumstances, to enjoy freedom of choice in maintaining personal health. 128 The
Minnesota Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the mandatory fluoridation law, and sustained
the writ of mandamus ordering city officers to implement the statute. 129 But there was a compelling
dissent that speaks to the future. 130
If it can be established with reasonable certainty that fluoridation is dangerous to human health,
and has caused massive injury to the health of the American people, two very important legal
consequences should ultimately follow: (1) the standard of unconstitutionality set forth in Jacobson and
Paduano will have been met, and fluoridation will be unlawful throughout the United States; and (2) the
wisdom of a broader constitutional principle of health freedom, envisioned by the majority in Forest Hill
140
and the dissent in Brainerd, will then be evident, and its eventual judicial recognition as a blessing of
liberty may be anticipated for our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
131. Sir Francis Bacon expounded this demand of inductive logic in the third, fourteenth, nineteenth, twentysecond, eighty-second, and ninety-ninth aphorisms in Book I of Novum Organum. The meaning of these aphorisms
is discussed in 3 COPELSTON, A HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY, pt. II, 112-22 (1963) [hereinafter COPLESTON].
132. See, e.g., Taylor, supra note 16; Taylor & Taylor, supra note 20; sources cited supra note 21.
133. The most important versions of the epidemiological data here in question, including reference to related
laboratory studies, and conventional adjustments for age, race, and sex, are the following: Dean Burk & John
Yiamouyiannis, Fluoridation and Cancer: Age Dependence of Cancer Mortality Related to Artificial Fluoridation, 10
FLUORIDE 123 (1977) [hereinafter Burk & Yiamouyiannis]; Dean Burk and J. R. Graham, Lord Jauncey and Justice
Flaherty: Opposing Views of the Fluoridation-Cancer Link, 17 FLUORIDE 63 (1984) [hereinafter Burk & Graham];
Pierre Morin et al., Les fluorures versus le cancer et les maladies congentales: limage globale, GOURVERNEMENT DU
QUEBEC, MINISTERE DES AFFAIRES SOCIALES (1984); Pierre Morin et al., Fluorides, Water Fluoridation, Cancer, and Genetic
Diseases, 12 SCI. & PUB. POLY 36 (1985); Rudolf Ziegelbecker, Zur Frage eines Zusammenhanges zwischen
Trinkwasserfluordierung, Krebs, und Leberzirrhose, 218 GWF WASSER/ABWASSER 111 (1987); Dean Burk et al., A
Current Restatement and Continuing Reappraisal Concerning Demographic Variables in American Time-Trend
141
physicians and other learned persons when the world first hailed fluoride as a wonder of modern
science.
The leader in gathering pertinent epidemiological data and organizing it in a usable form was Dr.
Dean Burk, who retired in 1974 as the head of the cytochemistry section of the National Cancer Institute
(NCI) of the United States. 134 In his time, he was one of the most famous cancer research scientists in
the world. He was well read, highly cultured, disarmingly humble, and had a delicious sense of humor.
But standing out above every other trait was his ability to view a problem of empirical observation with
clear insight and to give reality, as he put in conversation with those who knew him, the simplest
rational expression. 135
The epidemiological work here in question was done under the direction of Dr. Burk from his
retirement until his death in 1988. As with so much of his work before his retirement, he was years
ahead of his time.
On December 16, 1975, Congressman James Delaney of New York inserted into the Congressional
Record data gathered and organized under the direction of Dr. Burk, showing a striking association
between fluoridation and cancer. 136 It is important to appreciate the basic data, because it was the
principal and decisive focus of the judicial hearings that followed. 137
The year-by-year average observed cancer death rates of ten large central cities of the United
States, which served as the control group and remained unfluoridated from 1940 through 1968, were
compared for the years 1940 through 1968 with the year-by-year average observed cancer death rates
of ten large central cities of the United States which served as the experimental group and remained
unfluoridated from 1940 through 1951, but fluoridated between 1952 and 1956, and remained
fluoridated through 1968 and thereafter. 138 The experiment came to an end in 1968 because
fluoridation was introduced in the control cities step-by-step from and after 1969. The necessary data
are available for all years except for 1951 and 1952.
The central cities in question are all very large, comparable in size, and spread out across the whole
country. In the control group were: Los Angeles; Boston; New Orleans; Seattle; Cincinnati; Atlanta;
Studies on Water Fluoridation and Human Cancer, 61 PROC. PA. ACAD. OF SCI. 138 (1988) [hereinafter Burk, Graham,
& Morin].
134. See WHOS WHO IN THE WORLD 1974-1975 161 (2d ed., Marquis Whos Who, Inc., 1975); National Cancer
Program (Part 2), Hearings Before the Subcomm. of the Comm. on Government Operations, 95th Cong. 471 (1977)
[hereinafter National Cancer Program].
135. Dr. Burks capacity to view and characterize phenomenal reality is illustrated in his trademark paper, Dean
Burk & Hans Lineweaver, The Determination of Enzyme Dissociation Constants, 56 J. AM. CHEM. SOCY 658 (1934),
which has been one of the most often cited and discussed papers in biochemstry during the twentieth century.
136. See 121 CONG. REC. 40773-75 (1975).
137. The technical particulars of the selection, derivation, and arrangement of the basic data are precisely
described in the method section of Burk & Yiamouyiannis, supra note 108, at 103-05, and Burk, Graham, & Morin,
supra note 108, at 138-39.
138. See Burk & Yiamouyiannis, supra note 108, at 104; Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108, at 138.
142
Kansas City (Missouri); Columbus (Ohio); Newark; and Portland. 139 In the experimental group were:
Chicago; Philadelphia; Baltimore; Cleveland; Washington D.C.; Milwaukee; St. Louis; San Francisco;
Pittsburgh; and Buffalo. 140
Roughly speaking, the comparison is between about seven million people in the ten control cities
and about eleven million people in the ten experimental cities over about thirty years.141 There has
hardly ever been a published epidemiological study using so much data, arranged in such powerful
experimental design.
The basic data can be expressed as unweighted averages (giving each city equal weight, regardless
of size) and as weighted averages (giving each city weight according to size). All cancer death rates here
discussed are expressed as so many cancer deaths per 100,000 persons.
The basic data are given in detail in the appendix of this article. 142 For the sake of convenience an
observed or crude cancer death rate for all sites in an entire population will be designated as CDRo. It
does not matter in this case whether unweighted or weighted averages are used. The pattern is
numerically and visibly the same, and the differences emerging from mathematical analysis of the
figures for the two types of averages are trivial. Either way the possibility of chance occurrence is far
less that 1 in 1000. The weighted averages will be used here because weighted averages have been
used by all critics of Dr. Burks work, and Dr. Burk frequently used weighted averages himself.
The data are arranged in standard experimental design, comparing like with like along a base line
from 1940-50 in which cancer death rates grew equally, then continuing the comparison after
fluoridation was introduced in the experimental cities. It was after fluoridation began that there was a
pronounced acceleration in cancer mortality in the experimental group (+F) as compared with the
control group (-F). The resulting association between fluoridation and cancer can be conveniently
quantified by linear regression 143 analysis for the data for 1940-50, also for 1953-68 then extending the
resulting lines to achieve values for 1950 and 1970: 144
1940
1950
1950
1970
139. See Burk & Yiamouyiannis, supra note 108, at 104; Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108, at 138.
140. See Burk & Yiamouyiannis, supra note 108, at 104; Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108, at 138.
141. See Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108, at 139.
142. The figures and tables set forth in the appendix are taken from Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108, at
139-40. The basic data can be recapitulated by any informed and impartial investigator drawing from census
figures and vital statistics published by the government of the United States.
143. Linear regression is a standard technique in statistics for characterization of a field of points on a twodimensional graph as a straight line. This line is so drawn that the sum of the squares of the distances of the
several points to the line is the lowest possible number. Such line is assumed in the product moment formula for
the linear correlation coefficient, designated r to express the degree of association between the two axes. By
use of related operations, a statistical confidence level, represented by the coefficient P can be derived. P
determines the extent to which an observed association may or may not have occurred by chance. The subject is
discussed in standard textbooks. See, e.g., SIR AUSTIN BRADFORD-HILL, A SHORT TEXTBOOK OF MEDICAL STATISTICS 161-67,
173-80 (10th ed. 1977); MURRAY SPIEGEL, THEORY AND PROBLEMS OF STATISTICS 218-20, 226-28, 244-45, 253-54 (1961).
144. See Burk & Graham, supra note 108, at 65; Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108, at 142-43.
143
CDRo(+F)
154.2
181.8
186.3
222.6
CDRo(- F)
153.5
181.3
l83.6
188.8
The size of the association between fluoridation and cancer can be expressed as follows: [(222.6188.8) (186.3-183.6)] + [(154.2-153.5) (181.8-181.3)] or 31.3 excess cancer deaths per 100,000
persons exposed within fifteen to twenty years after fluoridation began in the experimental group of
cities. If this figure is multiplied against 130 million Americans who have been drinking fluoridated
water over the past fifteen to twenty years or more, an excess of over 40,000 cancer deaths in the
United States every year is attributable to fluoridation.
Not long after the foregoing figures were first called to the publics attention, Dr. Burk was called to
testify before Congress on April 6, 1976. And testify he did:
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., M.D., of Civil War medical fame, and professor of anatomy at
Harvard University, in 1843 and 1855 described then prevailing treatment of puerperal fever in
lying-in hospitals as criminal manslaughter. It was only manslaughter, however, not murder
because the physicians of that day did not have, and could not have had a sufficiently
knowledgeable idea of the bacteriological basis of the doctor-nurse-patient transmission of the
disease until the work of Pastuer and Lister decades later.
The scientific and medical status of artificial fluoridation or public water supplies has now
advanced to the stage of the possibility of socially imposed mass murder on an unexpectedly
large scale involving tens of thousands of cancer deaths of Americans annually. 145
The shock resulting from this firm statement by a world-renowned cancer research scientist evoked
an emergency response from the USPHS. Needles to say, the USPHS did not admit that they had
exposed the American people to an environmental hazard which produced tens of thousands of cancer
deaths of Americans annually. As night follows day, they claimed that Dr. Burk had failed to take
elementary precautions. 146
Their pretext was that he and his associates had not adjusted the basic data for age, race and sex,
and that, when such adjustments were done, there was no association between fluoridation and
cancer. 147 Their claim essentially was that, among 18 million people in twenty large cities over thirty
years, it so happened that the experimental cities grew older faster just as they were fluoridated, and
that this aging occurred precisely to the extent necessary to create the shocking appearance of an
association between fluoridation and cancer. 148 This association, they held, was merely an illusion
deceiving the ignorant. It sounds far-fetched. It was worse than far-fetched.
145. Departments of Labor and Health, Education, and Welfare Appropriations for 1977 (Part 7), Hearings Before a
Subcomm. of the Comm. on Appropriations, 94th Cong. 1063-64 (1976) (statement of Dr. Burk).
146. This protest first appeared in a letter of February 6, 1976, from Dr. Donald Frederickson, Director of the
National Institutes of Health, to Congressman James Delaney of New York. This letter has not been officially
published, but the particulars are set forth in the prepared statement of Dr. Arthur Upton, Director of the NCI, to
Congress on October 12, 1977. See National Cancer Program, supra note 109 at 104-20.
147. See id. at 98-103 (statement of Dr. Guy Newell, Deputy Director of NCI).
148. See id. at 80-83 (statement of Dr. Robert Hoover, NCI).
144
It is obligatory to note that Dr. Burk and those working with him adjusted for demographic variables
on numerous occasions. 149 Beyond his published scholarship, he repeatedly gave detailed testimony on
these questions in public hearings 150 and courts of justice. 151 But his view was that the basic data are
best not adjusted in this particular case, because the base line established by the data for 1940 through
1950 already controls for all known and unknown variables. 152
Cancer incidence and mortality are influenced by countless demographic, environmental, dietary,
socio-economic, and other factors, some tending to increase, others tending the decrease the extent of
the disease. It is known, for example, that older people tend to experience more cancer than younger
people, yet good diet and environment can significantly offset the effects of age. Adjustments for age in
particular, and perhaps also for race and sex, may be important in comparing two populations at one
point in time, because such adjustments may serve as a control for such demographic variables. 153 Yet a
very different situation emerges when, as in the case of the basic data here in question, there is a
comparison of trends over time, including a long base line. 154
There are established principles of inductive logic which are associated historically with William of
Ockham 155 and Sir Isaac Newton. 156 They are used in the empirical sciences for the discovery or
identification of causes in nature. Given a strong trend or association observed in nature, take the
simplest and most fitting explanation as the cause, unless and until the contrary be shown. Likewise,
attribute like causes to like effects, unless and until the contrary be shown. Finally, where cause and
effect in certain circumstances are fairly ascertained by proper experiment, such cause and effect may
be generalized throughout the universe, unless and until the contrary be shown.
149. Dr. Burks interest in such adjustments first surfaced at the meeting of the American Society of Biological
Chemists in San Fransisco on June 6-10, 1976, where he joined Dr. John Yiamouyiannis in a paper setting forth
partial adjustments of the basic data for age and race by the direct method. See Dean Burk & John Yiamouyiannis,
Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies and Cancer Death Rates, 35 FED. PROC. AM. SOC. BIOL. CHEM. 1707, (1976). Dr.
Burks more advanced adjustments of the basic data for demographic variables absorbed twelve years of his lifes
work and included, among others, articles published by the International Society of Fluoride Research and the
Pennsylvania Academy of Science. See Burk & Yiamouyiannis, supra note 108; Burk & Graham, supra note 108;
Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108. He was the major inspiration of these several articles. His matured views
are best expressed in the last, published in 1988 not long before his death.
150. For example, see his formal statement to a hearing panel of the EPA on June 17, 1985, including nineteen
tables outlining multiple adjustments by the indirect method for age, race and sex, reprinted in NATIONAL
FLUORIDATION NEWS, Vol. XXXI, no. 4 (1985).
151. See Safe Water Found. of Tex. v. City of Houston, No. 80-52271, Trial Transcript, Jan. 13-14, 1982, at 48-105
(151st Jud. Dist., Tex.)
152. See id. at 46-48, 105-07.
153. See, e.g., Burk & Graham, supra note 108, at 65; Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108, at 139-40.
154. See, e.g., Burk & Graham, supra note 108, at 65; Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108, at 140.
155. Ockhams emphasis on the simplest explanation as the best explanation, often called Ockhams razor, grew
out of his philosophical treatment of universals, relations, causation, and motion. See COPLESTON, supra note 106,
pt. I, at 69-71, 80-81, 83-88.
156. At the beginning of the third book of his PHILOSOPHIAE NATURALIS PRINCIPIA MATHEMATICA, Sir Isaac Newton laid
down his rules of reasoning in natural philosophyfor the identification of causes in phenomenal reality, including
the simplicity principle, sometimes called Ockhams Razor. See 5 COPLESTON, A HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY, pt. I, 162-64
(1964).
145
Given these principles of natural reason, and given what is known about fluoride, including
especially its demonstrated carcinogenic potential, 157 the simplest and most fitting explanation of the
basic data is that all cancer-influencing factors counterbalanced each other during the long base line
period before 1950; that all these factors continued to counterbalance each other after 1950 except for
the one factor known to be new, viz., fluoridation; and that, therefore, the entire observed association
between fluoridation and cancer in the basic data, i.e., 31.3 excess CDs/100,000 after 15-20 years of
exposure, is attributable to fluoridation as the cause. 158 We can then generalize by saying that artificial
fluoridation of public water supplies causes an immense amount of cancer in the United States,
involving tens of thousands of cancer deaths of Americans annually.
Adjustments for age, race, and sex are here meant to account for demographic factors which have
already been addressed by the base line. Such adjustments will therefore tend to control more than
once for the same factors and so, in this context, will tend to understate reality. Changes in the
demographic composition of the control and experimental cities have in some degree been
counteracted by other factors, and the adjusted figures will not reflect this counteracting effect. So
again, adjustments will tend to understate reality.
Dr. Burk respected conventional opinion, but he did not adore it. And since conventional opinion
demands adjustments for age, race, and sex, not because he thought they clarified the meaning of the
basic data, he cheerfully went along. It is ironic that the scientist who thought these adjustments least
useful did more than all others to assure that they were properly done. His guiding principle in dealing
with the subject was that, if adjustments were to be executed, they should rest upon standard methods,
and be carried out as comprehensively and thoroughly as possible, otherwise not at all.
It is no less ironic that the attack against his epidemiological work was spearheaded by the National
Cancer Institute which he had served with such distinction before his retirement. The confrontation
initially developed in hearings on September 21 and October 12, 1977, in Congress. 159
In these hearings, the National Cancer Institute came forth with its objections in a definitive, 17page document. 160 It was presented under the signature of the director Dr. Arthur Upton, and
introduced in committee by the deputy director Dr. Guy Newell. This Upton Statement was then and
still is the official position of the government of the United States. It is reputed to be the irrefutable
answer to the thesis of Dr. Burk and his colleagues. The scientific debate since then has turned upon the
Upton Statement, which lays down a characteristic adjustment of the basic data for age, race, and sex by
the indirect method, an orthodox procedure for this purpose. 161
157. See generally Taylor, supra note 16; Taylor & Taylor, supra note 20; sources cited supra note 21.
158. See Burk & Graham, supra note 108, at 65; Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108, at 139-40.
159. The key contributions of historic significance on both sides are reprinted in National Cancer Program, supra
note 109, at 3-60, 75-83, 98-140, 181-212, 219-30, 305-18 (1977).
160. See id. at 104-20.
161. See BRADFORD-HILL, supra note 118, at 190-96.
146
In this procedure, we ordinarily compare two populations at a certain point in time in terms of the
ratio of the observed cancer death rate (which we have called CDRo) to the index or expected
cancer death rate (which we shall call CDRe) of each population.
In deriving an expected CDR, we ascertain from census figures the number of persons in each
demographic category of the observed populations. In addressing Dr. Burks basic data, the staff at NCI
used forty such categories, viz., age groups 0-4, 5-14, 15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84,
and 85+, each divided into white male, white female, nonwhite male, and nonwhite female.
We must then select a standard population, drawn from census figures and vital statistics for a
certain territory and year: this standard population really consists of a set of known cancer death rates
for each category in the population. The choice of this standard population requires some judgment.
The staff at NCI selected the United States in 1950, 162 which is not, in our view, an unreasonable choice,
because it represents a fair estimate of what cancer experience should be, category by category, in the
absence of anything tending to make cancer deaths higher or lower than usual.
For each population compared, the number of persons in each category is multiplied by the
corresponding rate in the standard population. Expected cancer deaths so determined are added up,
then divided by the total population, and reduced to a common denominator of 100,000. The resulting
expected CDR will be what may be anticipated for the population in view of its demographic
composition.
The fraction CDRo/CDRe is called a standardized mortality ratio or SMR. If based on good judgment,
it will indicate the extent to which the observed cancer death rate of a given population is higher or
lower than what should be expected under normal circumstances in view of its demographic structure.
The Upton Statement sets forth an adjustment of the basic data expressed in weighted averages.
The SMRs are as follows: 163
1950
1970
Change
CDRo/CDRe (+F)
1.23
1.24
+.0l
CDRo/CDRe (-F)
1.15
1.l7
+.02
Using these figures, the NCI asked Congress to believe that, relative to what may be expected in light
of the age structure of the two groups of cities observed, cancer mortality actually grew 1% faster in
the unfluoridated cities than in the fluoridated cities. 164
Dr. Burk and his colleagues had a remarkable answer: 165 The available and pertinent data for the
years after 1950 were 1953-1968. Without the trends in these years, nobody would suspect that there
is a causal relationship between fluoridation and cancer. In its adjustment, the NCI considered l950
162. See National Cancer Program, supra note 109, at 112, 224.
163. See National Cancer Program, supra note 109, at 118.
164. See id. at 81, 112.
165. See id. at 64-65. See also Burk & Graham, supra note 108, at 67-68; Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108,
at 142-43.
147
before fluoridation began in the experimental cities, and 1970 after fluoridation had already been
initiated in the control cities, and did not consider the years 1953-1968 which were the whole basis of
concern. In other words, the NCI simply derived their CDRo values from data reported for 1950 and
1970, and ignored all else, as if 1953-1968 were unimportant.
Having omitted all available and pertinent data in their adjustment, it is not surprising that the NCI
came up with the wrong answer. In the same hearings before Congress, it was demonstrated by a
colleague of Dr. Burk that, if the adjustment proposed by the NCI is undertaken using all available and
pertinent data after 1950, there emerges an impressive association between fluoridation and age-racesex adjusted cancer mortality. 166
Dr. Burk developed even more comprehensive adjustments. In doing so, he considered the years
before and after 1950, because the observed CDRs portray a change in trends after 1950 and a change
from trends before 1950. 167 The data representing 1953-1968 were important, but they were especially
important in view of what happened in 1940-1950. The need to consider the years before and after
1950 became clearer from the fact that there were demographic fluctuations before and after 1950: it
appeared that these fluctuations both before and after 1950 could materially influence the size the
association adjusted for age, race, and sex.
Dr. Burk derived CDRo values for 1940 and 1950 by linear regression analysis of the data for 19401950, and for 1950 and 1970 by linear regression analysis of the data for 1953-1968. 168 He derived CDRe
166. Dr. John Yiamouyiannis executed an adjustment of the basic data, using weighted averages and US-1950 as
the standard population, exactly as stipulated in the Upton Statement. He adjusted only for the years after 1950,
deriving CDRo values for 1950 and 1970, by linear regression analysis of the CDRo data for 1950 and 1953-1969,
and showed an association in terms of CDRo/CDRe = +.042, and in terms of CDRo-CDRe = 12.4 cancer deaths per
100,00 persons exposed within after fifteen to twenty years after the introduction of fluoridation in the
experimental cities. See National Cancer Program, supra note 109, at 64-65. The main objection to this technique
came from Dr. David Newell of the Royal Statistical Society in defense of the Upton Statement. He claimed that,
because populations between census years and thus denominators in intercensal CDRs must be estimated by
linear interpolation, they are not reliable data, and therefore not suitable for linear regression analysis. See
Aitkenhead v. Borough of West View, No. GD-4585, Trial Transcript, May 8, 1978, at 72, 72A, 73-76 (Allegheny
Court of Common Pleas, Pa). This criticism was exploded by none other than Dr. Guy Newell, Deputy Director of
the NCI, who supervised preparation of the Upton Statement and introduced it before Congress. Later speaking as
a professor of epidemiology at the University of Texas, he stated emphatically that use of linear interpolation to
derive denominators in intercensal CDRs is accepted procedure in modern applied epidemiology, and, therefore,
perfectly reliable. See Safe Water Found. of Texas v. City of Houston, No. 80-52271, Trial Transcript, Jan. 26, 1982,
at 1648-54 (151st Jud. Dist., Tex.). The correctness of undertaking a linear regression analysis of intercensal CDRs
in which the denominators were estimated by linear interpolation was further confirmed by Dr. Hubert Arnold,
professor of statistics at the University of California, Davis. See National Cancer Program, supra note 109, at 580.
The propriety and necessity of such use of interpolated data, based on fundamental principles of inductive logic, is
discussed in Burk & Graham, supra note 108, at 68-69, and Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108, at 143-44.
167. On the importance of adjusting both for the period before fluoridation was begun in the experimental cities
and the period after, then reaching a combined result, see Burk & Graham, supra note 108, at 67, and Burk,
Graham, & Morin, supra note 108, at 142-43.
168. See Burk & Graham, supra note 108, at 67; Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108, at 142.
148
values, using US-1950 as the standard population, exactly as stipulated in the Upton statement. 169 He
used the SMR or CDRo/CDRe, and also the difference between observed and expected CDRs, i.e., CDRoCDRe, which is also used by conventional epidemiologists. 170 His results can be summarized as
follows: 171
Cities
1940
1950
1950
1970
CDRo (+F)
CDRe (+F)
CDRo/CDRe (+F)
CDRo-CDRe (+F)
154.2
128.1
1.204
26.1
181.8
146.9
1.238
34.9
186.3
146.9
1.268
39.4
222.6
174.7
1.274
47.9
CDRo (-F)
CDRe (-F)
CDRo/CDRe (-F)
CDRo-CDRe (-F)
153.5
140.3
1.094
13.2
181.3
155.5
1.166
25.8
183.6
155.5
1.181
28.1
188.8
166.0
1.137
22.8
These figures can be transformed into coefficients which reflect an association between fluoridation
and CDRs adjusted for age, race, and sex, as it developed from 1940 to 1970:
The change in CDRo/CDRe = [(1.274-1.137) (1.268-1.181)] + [(1.204-1.094) (1.238-1.166)] =
+.088. This coefficient means that, relative to what might be expected in light of the demographic
structure of the two populations here in question, adjusted cancer mortality grew about 9% faster in the
fluoridated cities.
In terms of CDRo-CDRe, fluoridation is associated with [(47.9-22.8) (39.4-28.1)] + [(26.1-13.2)
(34.9-25.8)] = 17.6 excess cancer deaths per 100,000 persons exposed after 15-20 years. This adjusted
figure, multiplied against 130 million Americans now drinking fluoridated water 15-20 years, works out
to something on the order of 23,000 excess cancer deaths every year in the United States.
Whether adjusted or unadjusted figures are preferred, the size of the human casualty is so large and
tragic that it is almost indecent to quibble over the numbers. Over twenty years have passed, and the
casualty has mounted, since the NCI represented to Congress, on the basis of demographic adjustments
which left out all available and pertinent data, that there is no association between fluoridation and
cancer.
169. The particulars of the NCI adjustments are laid out more clearly in the paper of the Royal Statistical Society
defending the Upton Statement. See National Cancer Program, supra note 109, at 224-29.
170. See id. at 227-28 (Royal Statistical Society).
171. See Burk & Graham, supra note 108, at 67-68. Dr. Burk preferred another similar adjustment based on the
indirect method, using weighted averages, and US-1940 as the standard population, then combining the impact of
changes both before and after 1950 in time independent terms. This adjustment yields the conclusion that
69.2% of the observed association between fluoridation and cancer, as reflected in the basic data, cannot be
explained by demographic differences. See Burk, Graham, & Morin, supra note 108, at 142-43.
149
Reading this statement side by side with Jacobson v. Massachusetts, 174 and Paduano v. City of New
York 175, a suit before the judiciary attacking the constitutionality of mandatory fluoridation should
succeed if it could be established by a fair preponderance of the evidence that the measure causes or
contributes to the cause of cancer in man. But the court held that the judiciary had no original
jurisdiction to consider the question, ostensibly because, in Ohio, the power to find the facts was vested
by statute in an administrative agency. 176 The holding seems to have been created post hoc to avoid a
touchy question.
It would have been easy for the court to rely on respectable authority to the effect that, where a
constitutional question is fairly raised, and the outcome depends on facts, especially where personal
rights are involved, exhaustion of administrative remedies is not necessary, and the judiciary can take
jurisdiction to hear the evidence and decide the controversy on the merits.177 No further headway was
made in Ohio because the plaintiffs too well understood that impartial consideration by the
172. See City of Canton v. Whitman, 337 N.E.2d 766 (Ohio 1975); City of Cincinnati v. Whitman, 337 N.E. 2d 773
(Ohio 1975).
173. City of Cincinnati ex rel. Crotty v. City of Cincinnati, 36l N.E.2d 1340, 1341-42 (Ohio 1977).
174. See 197 U.S. 11, 39 (1905).
175. 257 N.Y.S.2d 531, 542 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 1965)
176. See 361 N.E.2d at 1342.
177. See, e.g., United States v. Sisson, 297 F. Supp. 902, 906 (D. Mass. 1969) appeal dismissed, 399 U.S. 267
(1970); Bare v. Gorton, 526 P.2d 379, 383-84 (Wash. 1974). This exception to the rule on exhaustion of
administrative remedies is ultimately rooted in the constitutional fact doctrine in Ng Fung Ho v. White, 259 U.S.
276, 282-83 (1922) and Ohio Valley Water Co. v. Ben Avon Borough, 253 U.S. 287, 289 (1920).
150
administrative agency, where fluoridation was institutional policy, was as hopeless as an unbiased
attitude by the NCI and other institutes in the USPHS.
A. The Pittsburgh Case
However, it was not necessary to wait very long for the opportunity to be fairly heard on the new
evidence in Pittsburgh in the case of Aitkendead v. Borough of West View.178 The case was assigned to
Judge John Flaherty who has since become the Chief Justice of Pennsylvania. The suit rested on a theory
of nuisance, and went to hearing on a motion for a preliminary injunction. Expert witnesses from the
National Cancer Institute, the National Academy of Sciences, the Royal Statistical Society, and the Royal
College of Physicians appeared to oppose the testimony of Dr. Burk and his colleagues, as had occurred
in Congress. 179 After many sessions, followed by extensive summations on both sides, Judge Flaherty
made his findings on November 16, 1978. He first described the main evidence by stating:
Over the course of five months, the court held periodic hearings which consisted of extensive
expert testimony from as far away as England. At issue was the most recent time trend study of
Dr. Burk and Dr. Yiamouyiannis, which compared the cancer mortality of 10 cities which
fluoridated their water systems with 10 cities which did not fluoridate over a period of 28 years
from 1940 to 1968. The study concluded that there was a significant increase in cancer mortality
in the fluoridated cities. 180
He defined the sole issue of fact as whether fluoride may be a carcinogen. 181 He then found
that [p]oint by point, every criticism made of the Burk-Yiamouyiannis study was met and explained by
the plaintiffs. Often, the point was turned around against defendants. In short, this court was
compellingly convinced of the evidence in favor of plaintiffs. 182
Judge Flaherty entered a preliminary injunction. Since the facts of the case had been fully tried, a
motion was prepared for an amended complaint to attack the constitutionality of imposed fluoridation,
and for a permanent injunction, based on danger to public health. The motion was about to be filed
when raw power showed itself with lightning speed and impressive clout to limit the political damage. 183
151
The Chief Judge of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania quickly stayed the preliminary injunction,
ignoring the facts judicially found, as if public safety were not an issue. 184
An administrative agency, which favored fluoridation as institutional policy, quickly and summarily
entered findings which parroted USPHS propaganda. 185 Another administrative agency, which had a
similar institutional policy, then entered an order which purported to deny the Borough of West View
permission to obey Judge Flahertys injunction. 186 Events thus took bizarre turns to save a sacred cow.
Jurisdiction to enter the findings supporting the preliminary decree of November 16, 1978, was
sustained on appeal shortly before Judge Flaherty was elevated to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. 187 The Commonwealth Court then held that the cause could go no further before the judiciary
under the pretext that exclusive jurisdiction belonged to the administrative agency. 188 That was the end
of the case, for all understood the notorious bias of the administrative agency which was not about to
admit that it had promoted the dumping of carcinogenic agents into the environment. The appellate
decisions left the findings of Judge Flaherty untouched, but departed widely from the traditional rule
that, once a court of equity takes jurisdiction over the subject matter of a suit, such jurisdiction
continues until the final decree, even though a basis for legal or administrative jurisdiction might later
appear. 189
As the USPHS tried to press-release its way out of the crisis in the United States, the findings of
Judge Flaherty became highly influential abroad. In the British House of Lords, the Earl of Yarborough
accurately summed up the meaning of the case:
Already this evening examples have been quoted of what occurred in America. What I read was
rather different from the picture painted this evening. It was my understandingif the case
quoted was the case in Allegheny [County] in Pennsylvaniathat it was found proven that
fluoride was a danger to health. I know that there was some legal wrangle about jurisdiction but
I thought, on the facts presented by a number of experts, that that was the finding and that the
facts had not been challenged but merely the jurisdiction of the court. 190
So important was the meaning of this case that it also attracted the attention of an investigative
commission of the Environment Ministry of Quebec, chaired by Dr. Benot Bundock who had been the
principal medical officer for special projects in the Canadian Ministry of Health. The commission had
184. See 397 A.2d at 879-80.
185. See Aitkenhead v. Borough of West View, No. GD-4585-78, Exhibit C (Pa. Dept. of Health, Dec. 21, 1978),
Plaintiffs Motion to Dismiss Preliminary Objections, Feb. 21, 1979 (Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Pa.).
186. See id. Exhibit A (Pa. Dept. of Env. Res., Jan. 8, 1979), Plaintiffs Motion to Dismiss Preliminary Objections,
Feb. 21, 1979. See also id. Order Dismissing Preliminary Objections, May 25, 1979.
187. See Aitkenhead, 397 A.2d at 880.
188. See Aitkenhead, 442 A.2d at 366.
189. The rule can be traced to Lord Eldon in Eyre v. Everett, 2 Russ. 381 (Ch. 1826), and Adley v. Whitstable, 17
Ves. Jr. 316 (Ch. 1810). See also Gulbenkian v. Gulbenkian, 147 F.2d 173, 176 (2d Cir. 1945); Rosen v. Mayer, 113
N.E. 217 (Mass. 1916).
190. 402 PARL. DEB. H.L. (5th ser.) 1446-50 (1979). Another important contribution on the same occasion, including
learned discussion on the epidemiological work of Dr. Dean Burk, came from the Deputy Speaker, Lord Douglas of
Barloch. See id. at 1461-68. See also the recent and informed speeches by the Earl Baldwin of Bewdley in 593 PARL.
DEB. H. L. (5th ser.) 1394-99, 1427-29 (1998).
152
been diligently studying world literature on fluoridation for over a year when Judge Flaherty returned
his findings. They obtained the entire record of the proceedings in Pittsburgh.
Dr. Bundock and his colleagues returned a comprehensive report on November 30, 1979,
acknowledging the laboratory studies of Dr. Taylor and the basic data of Dr. Burk, specifically concurred
with the findings of Judge Flaherty, and recommended executive suspension of all efforts to enforce the
mandatory fluoridation law of Quebec. 191 This recommendation was accepted, and the moratorium has
now continued almost twenty years through no less than six governments both pequist and liberal. So
well regarded is this report that a standard ecology textbook, widely used in the secondary schools of
Quebec, forthrightly acknowledges that fluoride in drinking water, as introduced through artificial
fluoridation of public water supplies, is an environmental pollutant which causes cancer in man. 192
B. The Alton Case
One important early case sustaining the constitutionality of imposed fluoridation on sweeping
notions of police power came out of the Illinois Supreme Court. 193 Some years later a suit was brought
to enjoin fluoridation on allegations of new evidence not previously considered. The complaint was
dismissed on demurrer, but the Appellate Court of Illinois held that, taking the facts alleged as true, res
judicata did not bar the suit, because res judicata cannot bar reconsideration of an issue on the basis of
evidence which did not exist when the judgment was initially entered. 194 The remand occurred in 1972,
and the case floundered in legal horseplay in the circuit court until a trial was forced eight years later in
Alton, where Lincoln and Douglas had debated the Dred Scott case before the Civil War.
Illinois Pure Water Committee v. Director of Public Health 195 was tried from April through June 1980
before Judge Ronald Niemann. It was a case of uncommon ferocity with endless dilatory motions and
preposterous contentions by the State, causing the trial to move at a snails pace.
Judge Niemann endured the experience with almost inhuman patience. He had a highly skeptical
attitude about the testimony offered on behalf of the plaintiffs and he reacted to the large numbers
generated by the basic data with astonishment and disbelief. He discounted much of what he heard,
but at length was satisfied that the plaintiffs had at least made a prima facie case of danger to public
safety. 196
191. See Jean-Benot Bundock et al., Les fluorures, la fluoruration, et la qualit de lenvironnement, MINISTERE DE
LENVIRONNEMENT, GOUVERNEMENT DU QUBEC, at 1-2, 103-04, 107-08, 116-17, 197-200 (1979).
192. See JACQUES VIEL ET PAUL DARVEAU, POUR UNE PENSEE ECOLOGIQUE 35 (1984).
193. See Schuringa v. City of Chicago, 198 N.E.2d 326 (Ill. 1964).
194. See Illionois Pure Water Comm. v. Yoder, 286 N.E.2d 155, 157-58 (Ill. App. Ct. 1972).
195. See No. 68-E-128 (Madison County Circuit Court, Ill.). The full record of the proceedings is not available to us,
but the final decree entered by Judge Nieman on February 24, 1982, is fairly detailed in describing the procedural
history and the scientific evidence presented on both sides. Moreover, the summations of the evidence and the
legal arguments on both sides, only slightly abridged, have been conveniently and accurately published by the
National Health Action Committee in 2 HEALTH ACTION, NO. 11-12 (1981) [hereinafter HEALTH ACTION].
196. See Illinois Pure Water Commn v. Dir. of Pub. Health, No. 68-E-128, Final Decree, Feb. 24, 1982, at 9-10, 20-1,
29 (Madison County Circuit Court, Ill.).
153
Judge Niemann turned to the State and asked it to account for the association between fluoridation
and cancer reflected by the basic data. 197 It should be kept in mind that Chicago is the home of the ADA
which has at its command every expert in the world to support fluoridation as a public health measure.
Even so, no world class scientists appeared to defend fluoridation as in the hearings before Congress
and the trial in Pittsburgh. 198
data A state-hired epidemiologist went so far as to claim that Dr. Burks work was invalid because the
basic data linking fluoridation with cancer had been selected and organized to meet the requirements of
experimental design. In other words, he condemned the comparison of like with like before introducing
fluoridation in the experimental cities, then observing the subsequent difference in cancer mortality
between the two groups invalidated the data. Instead, he said, it was statistically necessary to select
fluoridated and unfluoridated cities of the country at random, 199 which, of course, would have assured
no control for known and unknown variables.
The same epidemiologist spoke of the need for adjustments for age, race, and sex, yet the plaintiffs
case in chief was full of detailed demographic adjustments of the basic data by the direct and indirect
methods. 200 A large box of original data, rows of government publications, and a thick bundle of sheets
of calculations were brought into the courtroom for inspection. The same epidemiologist made
generalized claims that his adjustments wiped away any association between fluoridation and cancer,
yet he conspicuously offered no specific figures or documented calculations in support of his
projections.201
What causes cancer? asked the attorney general of Illinois in his summation, Apparently, nobody
knows. 202 Judge Niemann pondered the case for almost two years. On February 24, 1982, he entered
judgment. He thus stated the law:
The presumption of the validity of legislation is overcome when the plaintiff makes a prima facie
case. The traditional concept of burden of proof resting on the plaintiff, once met, shifts to the
government to justify its intrusion into the life and health of the individual. When the State is
involved, the traditional view is that the King can do no wrong. Although the King must
constantly act for his subjects, certainly he has been wrong a time or two. 203
Judge Niemann specifically found, [This legislation] exposes the public to the risk, uncertain in its
scope, of unhealthy side effects of artificial fluoridation of public water supplies, is unreasonable, and
[is] a violation of the due process clause of the Illinois Constitution of 1970. 204 He added with
disappointment, This record is barren of any credible and reputable scientific epidemiological studies
and/or analysis of statistical data which would support the Illinois Legislatures determination that
197. See id. at 10, 29, 33.
198. See id. at 10.
199. See HEALTH ACTION, supra note 170, 16-19 (Plaintiffs Summation), and 53-54 (Defendants Summation).
200. See id. at 20-26 (Plaintiffs Summation).
201. See id. at 56-58 (Defendants Summation).
202. Id. at 62 (Defendants conclusion in final argument).
203. Illinois Pure Water Comm. v. Director of Pub. Health, No. 68-E-128, Final Decree, Feb. 24, 1982, at 29
(Madison County Circuit Court, Ill.).
204. Id. at 32.
154
fluoridation of public water supplies is both a safe and effective means of promoting public health. 205
Accordingly, Judge Niemann entered a permanent injunction enjoining the State and its subdivisions
from further implementation of fluoridation in Illinois. 206
A direct appeal was immediately taken to the Illinois Supreme Court. Like lightning, the injunction
was stayed without any consideration of the evidence, as if power, and not public health, were the
name of the game. 207 As night follows day, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the judgment of the
circuit court citing broad notions of police power. 208 Particularly offensive about the opinion were
numerous petty and vindictive comments made against the plaintiffs witnesses, 209 harmful to the
dignity of the bench.
There was also dissimulation regarding the record, as may be illustrated. Judge Niemann had
specifically found that the statute was unreasonable, and therefore unconstitutional, because a prima
facie case had been made that fluoridation exposes the population to a tangible risk, albeit uncertain in
extent, of unhealthy side effects, and that no credible and reputable evidence had been given to
justify the intrusion.210 Yet the Illinois Supreme Court attempted to characterize Judge Niemanns
position to be not that the risk was so great that fluoridation was unreasonable, but that the question
was shown to be debatable. Under these circumstances the plaintiffs have failed to show an
unreasonable exercise of the police power. 211
C. The Houston Case
A third case arose in the Lone Star State, entitled Safe Water Foundation of Texas v. City of
Houston. 212 The case brought to trial in January 1982, before Judge Anthony Farris. The petition prayed
for a declaratory judgment that a recently enacted city ordinance imposing fluoridation in Houston was
unconstitutional, and it sought an injunction prohibiting implementation of the ordinance within the
municipality. 213
The trial before Judge Farris moved at an energetic pace, not atypical of judicial proceedings in
Texas. It was distinguished by polished testimony on both sides. The best available witnesses from
several universities defended fluoridation. Cross-examination was crisp and businesslike. The rules of
evidence were somewhat relaxed 214 so as to permit practical inclusion of more information in less time.
The bench firmly managed the proceedings. The trial was efficient, ample, rigorous, and thorough.
155
Whereas in Pittsburgh and Alton the issue was reduced to whether or not fluoridation induces
cancer in man, in Houston a larger range of evidence was considered. These issues included, aside from
cancer, whether fluoridation induces genetic damage, 215 intolerant reactions, 216 and chronic toxicity, 217
not to mention other disputed points
Counsel and witnesses for the plaintiffs conceded that a rational controversy exists over the
effectiveness and safety of fluoridation.218 It was so stipulated, because a good measure of knowledge
is awareness of both sides of the question. There were a few fanatical pro-fluoridation witnesses who
made fabulous claims of Newburgh-Kingston orthodoxy, but they did not do well. Pro-fluoridation
witnesses who displayed broader understanding were more appreciated.
At the conclusion of the trial, plaintiffs argued that they proved serious injury to the public health by
a fair preponderance of the evidence, and that for this reason they were entitled to an injunction. 219 On
the other side, counsel argued that there was a reasonable debate, and that for this reason the City was
entitled to a judgment of dismissal. 220
On February 22, 1982, Judge Farris denied the plaintiffs motion for permanent injunction, holding
that the plaintiffs had the burden to introduce overwhelming evidence in this case. Plaintiffs had to
prove that no rational relationship exists between fluoridation of city surface water and the public
health. Plaintiffs had to prove that no controversial facts exist. 221
The plaintiffs immediately made a motion for new trial or amended order. 222 The argument on the
motion, heard on April 19, 1982, centered on the burden of proof necessary to prevail. Judge Farris
existence and the basis of the opinion offered. This ruling was made during the testimony of Doctor Albert
Burgstahler, one of the foremost scholars in the world on fluoride and fluoridation. The impact of Judge Farris
ruling was to promote an excellent record for this kind of case, as illustrated by Dr. Burgstahlers testimony on
direct examination. See No. 80-52271, Trial Transcript, Jan. 14-15, 1982, at 276-429.
215. See, e.g., No. 80-52271, Trial Transcript, Jan. 18, 1992, at 539-59 (testimony of Dr. Pierre Morin). Dr. Morin
testified on the laboratory studies of fluoride and mutagenesis noted by Dyson Rose and John Maurier in
Environmental Fluoride, NATL RES. COUNCIL OF CANADA PUBL. NO. 16081 69-70 (1977), as confirmed by epidemiological
data linking fluoride in drinking water and mongoloid births. See Ionel Rapaport, Les opacifications du cristallin
mongolisme et cataracte snile, 2 REV. ANTHROP. (Paris) 133 (1954); Ionel Rapaport Contribution a ltude du
mongolisme. Rle patholognique du fluor, 140 BULL. ACAD. NATL. MED. (Paris) 529 (1956).
216. See, e.g., No. 80-52271, Trial Transcript, Jan. 19, 1982, at 579-96 (testimony of John Lee, M.D., on the work of
Dr. George L. Waldbott in Fluoridation: A Clinicians Experience, 73 SO. MED. J. 301 (1980), and his own clinical
experience.).
217. See No. 80-52271, Trial Transcript, Jan. 19, 1992, at 609-14 (testimony of Dr. Lee on the strong association
between the fluoride content of public water supplies and dental fluorosis, described by Rudolf Ziegelbecker,
Natrlicher Fluoridgehalt des Trinkwassers und Karies, 122 GWF WASSER/ABWASSER 495 (1981)).
218. See No. 80-52271, Plaintiffs Summation, Feb. 4, 1982, at 4.
219. See id. Plaintiffs Summation, Feb. 4, 1982, at 4, 25.
220. See id. Defendants Summation, Feb. 4, 1982, at 12-13.
221. See id. Opinion, Feb. 22, 1982, at 8. Judge Farris relied on City of Houston v. Johnny Franks Auto Parts Co.,
480 S.W.2d 774 (Tex. Civ. App. 1972), which rests squarely of Ferguson v. Skrupa, 372 U.S. 726 (1963).
222. See No. 80-52271, Plaintiffs Amended Motion for New Trial, Etc., April 14, 1982, at 1 (stating that, while the
evidence at trial did not eliminate the existence of a rational controversy, and was not intended or claimed to do
156
stated from the bench that the plaintiffs had proven harm by a fair preponderance of the evidence. 223
If this were your run-of-the-mill litigation asking for injunctive relief, he said, plaintiffs would have
prevailed, but this is not the run-of-the-mill case. 224
The question was one of burden of proof, a pure question of law. It was agreed by the court and
counsel that [t]hat is why we have appellate courts. 225 Counsel for the plaintiffs then asked for
findings based on a fair preponderance of the evidence to prepare the record for appeal. 226 The court
acceded to the suggestion, asking for proposals from both sides. 227 On May 24, 1982, Judge Farris
entered his findings which were about as comprehensive and desirable as any judicial findings have
been in environmental law. 228 The court found:
[That] the artificial fluoridation of public water supplies, such as is contemplated by [Houston]
City Ordinance No. 80-2530 may cause or contribute to the cause of cancer, genetic damage,
intolerant reactions, and chronic toxicity, including dental mottling, in man; that the said
artificial fluoridation may aggravate malnutrition and existing illnesses in man; and that the
value of said artificial fluoridation is in some doubt as to the reduction of tooth decay in man. 229
This assessment of the facts, based on a fair preponderance of the evidence, was a reasonable and
impartial picture of scientific reality as it was then understood.
If the municipal government of Houston had acted rationally in the face of these findings of fact,
effectively a declaratory judgment on the weight of the evidence, the city council would have noted the
danger, repealed the ordinance in the public interest, and perhaps established an investigative
commission as had occurred in Quebec. But a city councilwoman, smiling broadly as cameras flashed,
started the machinery which injected into public drinking water a substance judicially found, after an
intensive and disciplined trial of the facts, to be carcinogenic and mutagenic. 230
An appeal was taken, based mainly on a venerable old case decided by the Texas Supreme Court
which held that, where exercise of police power rests on assumed facts, those facts may be judicially
examined and, if upon such inquiry it fairly appears that the means chosen are disproportionate to the
end desired, the ordinance should be declared unconstitutional.231 This principle is typical of the best
so, the preponderance of the said evidence tended to show that fluoridation causes or contributes to the cause of
cancer, genetic damage, intolerant reactions, and chronic toxicity, including dental mottling in man.).
223. See id. Hearing Transcript, Apr. 19, 1982, at 11.
224. See id. at 10.
225. See id. at 12.
226. See id. at 12-13.
227. See id. at 13-14.
228. The findings of Judge Farris, based on a fair preponderance of the evidence, are similar to the findings of
Judge Miles Lord in United States v. Reserve Mining Co., 380 F. Supp 11, 15-17 (D. Minn. 1974), and United States v.
Reserve Mining Co., 417 F. Supp 789 (D. Minn. 1976), affirmed 543 F. 2d 1210 (8th Cir. 1976). The dumping of
taconite tailings was terminated on the principle that, where substantial evidence shows harm to human health, a
question of public health should be judicially determined by resolving doubt against the introduction of foreign
material into environment.
229. See No. 80-52271, Findings of Fact, May 24, 1982, at 1-2.
230. See id. at 1-2.
231. See Houston & T. C. Ry. v. City of Dallas, 84 S.W. 648, 653-54 (Tex. 1905).
157
natural law jurisprudence which prevailed earlier in the twentieth century. Given the findings of Judge
Farris, fluoridation was unconstitutional under this principle, because endangering the public with
cancer and other ailments cannot be justified by a dubious possibility of reducing tooth decay. The
Texas Court of Appeals expressly found that a fair preponderance of the evidence showed the injection
of fluoride into the Citys water system would be harmful, 232 but, with the full support of higher
tribunals, held that such proof of harm was not enough to arrest an exercise of police power. 233
Therefore, it is evident that, at least for the time being, we are saddled with Hugo Blacks positivist
and anti-libertarian doctrines, and some years must pass before our judiciary sees the need for a change
of course. Years must pass as surely as years had to pass from the death of Sir John Elliot following his
arrest in 1630 for a speech in Parliament, and the grand day in 1667 when the House of Lords reversed
the judgment of the Kings Bench which denied Sir John release on a writ of habeas corpus. 234
Meanwhile, the findings of Judge Flaherty, Judge Niemann, and Judge Farris have since been quoted to
legislative bodies from Montreal to Honolulu and from London to Canberra. Not always, but
occasionally legislators have listened.
There has been other interesting political fallout from these judicial findings. On August 9-10, 1983,
a strategic conference of pro-fluoridation activists, most of them deeply involved in ADA and USPHS
politics, took place at the University of Michigan. 235
The proceedings began with a presentation by a special counsel of the American Dental
Association. 236 The gentleman was introduced as a member of the rules committee of the Illinois
Supreme Court, so it is clear that he was a powerful insider. 237 He told the audience that it was he who
had secured the stay of the injunction from the Illinois Supreme Court issued by Judge Niemann. 238
Counsel did not clearly inform his listeners that, from 1978 through 1982, three American judges in
courts of superior jurisdiction had fully heard evidence on both sides: the first of these judges, by then a
supreme court justice of eminent standing, entered findings undisturbed on appeal, saying he was
compellingly convinced of the danger of cancer; the second entered findings of no credible or reputable
evidence to redeem fluoridation; and the third had entered comprehensive findings based on a
preponderance of the evidence, expressly sustained on appeal, condemning fluoridation as posing a
tangible danger of cancer and a good many other human diseases, while expressing doubt even of its
capacity to reduce tooth decay.
232. Safe Water Found. of Tex. v. City of Houston, 661 S.W.2d 190, 192 (Tex. App. 1983), writ refd n.r.e. (Tex.
1984), appeal dismissed 469 U.S. 801 (1984).
233. See id. at 192-93.
234. See, e.g., HENRY HALLAM, CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY OF ENGLAND 299-300 (Garland Pub. 1978) (1846).
235. The proceedings were recorded verbatim in FLUORIDATION: LITIGATION & CHANGING PUBLIC POLICY, (Michael W.
Easley et al. eds. 1983) [hereinafter CHANGING PUBLIC POLICY].
236. See id. at 3-11.
237. See id. at 3.
238. See id. at 5-6; see also Illinois Pure Water Comm., Inc. v. Director of Pub. Health, 470 N.E.2d. 988, 989 (Ill.
1984).
158
Another speaker at the University of Michigan announced a significant change of litigation policy to
perpetuate and expand fluoridation in future years. Whereas in earlier years it had been standard
practice to invite trials, as had occurred in a number of earlier fluoridation cases, a new policy, following
the trials in Pittsburgh, Alton, and Houston, was announced: By avoiding a trial on the merits of
fluoridation, we prevent the subjection of what we feel is a purely scientific issue to scrutiny by a judge
who is likely not to have proper scientific training with which to make an objective ruling. 239 To
recapitulate this interesting phase of legal and scientific history, in the trials in Pittsburgh, Alton, and
Houston, one trial judge after another heard the evidence and found that fluoridation appears to be
injurious to human health. Therefore, the new ADA-USPHS policy is to avoid, by all means, a trial on the
merits.
This policy has been remarkably successful for over fifteen years. No case has ever gotten to trial.
No pro-fluoridation witness has been cross-examined in court. Sales pitches continue before legislative
bodies with a fair degree of success in the sense that mandatory or imposed fluoridation has
considerably expanded. In legislative committees, witnesses usually cannot be effectively held to
account for what they say.
We understand that the judicial process is far from perfect. But, now, the purely scientific issue
mentioned at the University of Michigan -- and fluoridation is a purely scientific issue until legally
imposed -- is tried in legislative proceedings by frantic political lobbying, maneuvers, ambushes,
speechifying, applause, horsetrading, buttonholing, demagoguery, infighting, and posturing.
Press fanfare erupted, and the main feature of this media blitz was the impression that there had
been a discovery of something entirely new and previously unknown, as if the work of Alfred Taylor,
Dean Burk and many others had never been done. Soon, however, the public was assured that all is
well. 242
239.
240.
241.
242.
2.
159
The official evaluation, while leaving much to be desired, gives a very different impression. The
authors conceded that, although the numbers were small, the data gathered by the NTP study reveal a
statistically significant dose-response trend of osteosarcomas of bone in male rats. 243 Additionally, the
authors cited no less than eleven studies published in good journals, showing that fluoride is capable of
inducing genetic mutation in mammalian cells and fruit flies, aggravating chromosomal aberrations in
animal systems, and causing morphological transformations in Syrian hamster ovary cells. 244
The article concludes with the sedate comment that it would appear prudent to re-examine
previous animal studies and human epidemiological studies, and perform further studies as needed to
evaluate more fully any possible association between exposure to fluorides and the occurrence of
osteocarcomas of bone. 245 We join this recommendation, adding that meanwhile artificial fluoridation
of public water supplies ought to be halted across the country pending such review of the evidence, as
was recommended by Dr. Bundock and his colleagues in Quebec, and that nobody having any direct or
indirect interest in the conclusions ought to participate.
The recommendation for reevaluation has not been fulfilled. There are interesting reasons why.
On May 1, 1990, the acting Director of the Criteria and Standards Division, Office of Drinking Water
in the United States Environmental Protection Agency, received a memorandum from Dr. William
Marcus, Senior Scientific Advisor in the Criteria and Standards Division. 246 Dr. Marcus reviewed the NTP
study and pointed to results suggesting carcinogenic potential of fluoride. 247 He also cited the most
recent published version of the epidemiological data gathered and adjusted under the direction of Dr.
Burk. 248 Dr. Marcus urgently recommended an independent review by the EPA. 249
To put it mildly, Dr. Marcus memorandum did not inspire a warm and friendly response from the
management of the EPA. In due course, Dr. Marcus sent his document to the Administrator of the EPA
and to his union representative who in turn released it to the press. The public reaction was rather
agitated, causing a bureaucrat from the health effects branch within the agency to approach Dr.
Marcus supervisor with the suggestion that he memorandum sent the wrong message to the
public. 250 Shortly thereafter, Dr. Marcus was accused of violent and aberrant behavior and
discharged. 251
243. See John Bucher et al., Results and Conclusions of the National Toxicology Programs Rodent Carcinogenicity
Studies with Sodium Fluoride, 48 INT. JOUR. CANCER 733, 734-35 (1991).
244. See id. at 736.
245. Id.
246. Dr. Marcus historic memorandum of May 1, 1990, is a matter of public record. See Marcus v. Environmental
Protection Agency, No. 92-TSC-5, Complainants Exhibit 56, mentioned in the Recommended Decision and Order,
Dec. 3, 1992, at 5 (U.S. Dept Labor).
247. See id. at 1-3.
248. See id. at 3.
249. See id. at 4.
250. Id. , Recommended Decision and Order, Dec. 3, l992, at 5.
251. See id. at 6-9.
160
On December 3, 1992, following extended hearings, an administrative law judge found that Dr.
Marcus had been fired on false pretexts because of his warnings against artificial fluoridation of public
water supplies. 252 The ALJ ordered Dr. Marcus reinstated with back salary, money damages, and
attorneys fees, 253 and, on February 7, 1994, the Secretary of Labor affirmed the reinstatement as
ordered.
The simple and blunt meaning of this episode is impossible to misunderstand. The scientists,
lawyers, and engineers at the national headquarters of the EPA have since used their union for
protection against their administrators who, as the case of Dr. Marcus demonstrates, have a political
agenda not necessarily in the public interest, and certainly not in the interest of the professionals at EPA
who desire the independence required to act honestly for the general welfare.
Under the protection of their union they have made plain that their administrators may set policy,
but that they as professionals refuse to conceal the errors of policy set. The subject of fluoridation has
come to their attention. On July 2, 1997, the union members, at a duly called meeting,254 voted
unanimously in support of a resolution that read:
Our members review of evidence over the last eleven years, including animal and human
epidemiology studies, indicate a causal link between fluoride/fluoridation and cancer, genetic
damage, neurological impairment, and bone pathology. Of particular concern are recent
epidemiology studies linking fluoride exposures to lower I.Q. in children. As professionals who
are charged with assessing the safety of drinking water, we conclude that the health and welfare
of the public are not served by the addition of this substance to the public water supply. 255
161
If artificial fluoridation of public water supplies causes cancer in man, as the published laboratory
studies and epidemiological surveys indicate, and as judicial findings confirm, then nobody should be
surprised to see that it produces a host of other human ailments. Who should be surprised to learn that
dumping a carcinogen and mutagen in public drinking water has not only been accompanied by
devastating increases in cancer mortality, but may also reduce human intelligence?
The end of fluoridation will take time, but not because time is necessary to develop essential
scientific information. We already know enough to appreciate the enormity of the risk. We knew
enough many years ago.
But the end will finally arrive, because, as Aristotle said at the beginning of the Metaphysics, all men
by nature desire to know. 256 Ignorance cannot be perpetuated forever. The necessary legal and
scientific reforms will come in the twenty-first century. Our descendants will look back on us, and they
will be amazed.
256. See BASIC WORKS OF ARISTOTLE 689 (W.D. Ross trans., Richard McKeon ed. 1941).
162
QUATRIME PARTIE
163
Fluoride is considered as pivot of preventive dentistry, mainly because of its cariostatic efficacy.
But fluoride does not have only beneficial effect, it also have some serious incurable side
effects not only on teeth but whole body which cannot be ignored.
The most common side effect noticed is dental fluorosis which occurs as a result of fluoride
overdose and results in tooth discoloration a condition called mottled enamel.
In artificially fluoridated regions, dental fluorosis is now much more prevalent and severe
than the initial proponents of fluoridation predicted. The University of Yorks Fluoridation
Review [8] estimates that up to 48% of children in fluoridated areas have some form of dental
fluorosis.
The University of Yorks Fluoridation Review [1] estimates that up to 48% of children in
fluoridated areas have some form of dental fluorosis.
In addition to dental fluorosis there is also a large and growing body of research on a
fluoride-induced bone disease called skeletal fluorosis. This disease is observed on x-rays as
increased bone density, structural damage to bones, and calcification of joints and ligaments.
In severe cases, some patients cannot even straighten their arms or even walk upright.
The health effects of fluoride were reviewed by Moulton in 1942 [2] prior to the Grand Rapids
intervention and regularly ever since by numerous organizations and individuals. More
164
recently IPCS (International program on chemical safety) [3] have carried out a detailed
review of fluoride and the potential for impacts on health. Studies and reviews have
concentrated not only on bone fractures, skeletal fluorosis, cancers and birth defects but
also cover many other disorders claimed to be caused, or aggravated, by fluoridation. [4-10]
There is clear evidence from India and China that skeletal fluorosis and an increased risk of
bone fractures occur as a result of long-term excessive exposure to fluoride (total intakes of
14 mg fluoride per day), and evidence suggestive of an increased risk of bone effects at total
intakes above about 6 mg fluoride per day. [3] Most people assume that these severe
manifestations of skeletal fluorosis occur at much higher fluoride levels than the 1 ppm. To
the contrary, clinically significant cases of skeletal fluorosis have been reported in at least 9
papers from 5 countries when natural fluoride concentrations are below 4 ppm and are
mostly below 2.5 ppm. [11] A few cases are even reported in India and China at fluoride
concentrations slightly below 1 ppm. In India and China naturally occurring fluoride is
regarded as a chronic poison and the main issue is how to remove it from drinking water as
effectively and cheaply as possible. In particular, a recent epidemiological study, which
examined the aged in six naturally fluoridated Chinese villages, hip fracture rates doubled at
1.5 ppm, and tripled at 4.3 ppm, when compared to the fracture rates at 1 ppm fluoride. [12]
In Mexico, a linear correlation between the severity of dental fluorosis and the incidence of
bone fractures in children has been observed.[13] Guifan Sun (School of Public Health, China
Medical University, Shenyang) in his inaugural address stressed on active research of fluoride
and improvement of the health condition of people all over the world because fluoride has a
statistically significant association with a wide range of adverse effects. These include not
only dental and skeletal and dental fluorosis bit also increased risk of bone fractures,
decreased thyroid function, lowered IQ, arthritic-like condition, and possibly, osteosarcoma.
On 9 August 2007, the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) statement signed by over 600
professionals stated that it is time for advanced nations and fluoridating countries to
recognize that fluoridation is outdated and has serious risks that far outweigh any minor
benefits, violates sound medical ethics and denies freedom of choice. [14]
Some worrying results have also been published on the biological effects of fluorides, based
on laboratory and animal experiments. It is well known to biochemists that, contrary to one
of the pro fluoridation myths, fluoride is highly active biologically, forming a strong hydrogen
bond with the groups found in proteins and nucleic acids.[15] In vitro experiments
demonstrated that fluoride inhibits enzymes, and induces chromosome aberrations [16] and
genetic mutations. [7] Professor Anna Strunecka of Charles University in the Czech Republic
has shown in laboratory experiments that fluoride in the presence of aluminum disrupts Gproteins. [18] G proteins take part in a wide variety of biological signaling systems, helping to
165
control almost all important life processes. Furthermore, pharmacologists estimate that up
to 60% of all medicines used today exert their effects through a G-protein signaling pathway.
Animal experiments reveal that fluoride increases the uptake of aluminum into the brain at 1
ppm in the drinking water. It has been suggested that aluminum fluoride (AlF3) complexes
might induce alterations in homeostasis, metabolism, growth and differentiation in living
organisms. Thus, the malfunctioning of G-proteins could be a causal factor in many human
diseases, including Alzheimers disease, asthma, memory disturbance, migraine and mental
disorders. [19] Dr Z. Machoy, from the Pomeranian Academy of Medicine, Poland, points out
that AlF3 activates several guanine nucleotides, mimicking the actions of some
neurotransmitters and hormones. His group has performed computer modeling of how AlF3
attacks the biologically important GDP nucleotide.[20]
Dr NJ Chinoy from Gujarat University, India, has found that higher doses of fluoride cause
reproductive problems.[21] Research on aged human cadavers by Dr Jennifer Luke at
University of Surrey has shown that fluoride concentrates in the pineal gland. [22]
Furthermore, in animal studies, It has been shown that this concentration is associated with
the earlier onset of puberty. As a mechanism hypothesis has been made that the increased
fluoride concentration leads to the reduced production of melatonin (because fluoride is
known to inhibit the enzymes needed to produce it) and that this in turn leads to an
accelerated sexual maturation. This work dovetails with studies which have shown that girls
in the US one of the world's most heavily fluoridated countries are reaching puberty
earlier and earlier.[23]According to Dr. John R. Marier, of the Division of Biological Sciences at
the Canadian National Research Council, Ottawa, Fluoride (in vitamins or water) interferes
with magnesium metabolism in the body. This is significant because fluoride toxicity is
increased when magnesium levels are low. Magnesium deficiency is widespread in the U.S.,
especially among children and teenagers, reaching the 99th percentile among young women.
[24]
A major cross-sectional survey of 84 cities in the USA by JA Brunelle and JP Carlos at the
National Institute of Dental Research found that children aged 5 to 17, who had lived their
whole lives in fluoridated cities, had on average only 0.6 fewer decayed, missing and filled
tooth surfaces (DMFS) per child than those in unfluoridated cities. [25] In Australia a survey
by Professor John Spencer from University of Adelaide (1996) found an average reduction of
only 0.12 to 0.3 DMFS per child.[ 26] Since the total number of permanent tooth surfaces in a
child's mouth is 128, the US and Australian reductions are less than one half and one quarter
of one percent of tooth surfaces, respectively.
166
Fluoride is also not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).California is
28% fluoridated; Hawaii is 9% fluoridated. These states are tied for the lowest rate of tooth
loss in the USA. On the other hand, Kentucky is 100% fluoridated and has the highest
toothless population of older adults. [24]
Also the Role of vested interests in promoting the use of fluoride in dentistry cannot be
underestimated. Several fluoride researchers have published accounts of attempts by dental,
medical and public health authorities to intimidate them and to suppress their work.[7]
Behind the dental and medical associations, who promote fluoridation, are powerful
corporate GFFGG interests like- the sugary food industry (e.g. sugar, soft drinks, processed
breakfast cereals and sweets)that benefits from the notion that there is a magic bullet that
stops tooth decay, whatever junk food our children eat; the phosphate fertilizer industry
that sells its waste silico-fluoride to be put in drinking water instead of paying for its safe
disposal; and the aluminum industry, which had an image problem with the atmospheric
fluoride pollution it produces, and funded some of the early research in naturally fluoridated
regions of the USA that appeared to show that fluoride was good for teeth.
Some governments support fluoridation because they consider it to be a cheaper way of
addressing tooth decay than running effective dental services for school-children and older
people, and politically safer than tackling the promotion of sugary foods that are the main
cause of tooth decay.
Conclusion
Fluoride because of its anti caries action was considered pivot of preventive dentistry. It was
considered as double edge sword as the excess amount was responsible for dental as well as
skeletal fluorosis, which is incurable. But its benefits as anticaries element were so much
endorsed that it over shadowed its serious side effects. But with changing scenario attention
is now being drawn on potentially permanent damaging effect of fluoride. This review of
literature on fluoride research reveals a situation where people in fluoridated communities
are required to ingest a harmful and ineffective medication with uncontrolled dose. The
medication actually doesnt need to be swallowed, since it acts directly on tooth surfaces.
The benefit of fluoridation is at best a reduction in tooth decay in only a fraction of one tooth
surface per child. It is time for advanced nations and fluoridating countries to recognize that
fluoridation is outdated and has serious risks that far outweigh any minor benefits, violates
sound medical ethics and denies freedom of choice. With the advancement of recent
methods for caries prevention role of fluoride in preventive dentistry needs to be
readdressed.
167
References
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23. Diesendorf M , 'A kick in the teeth for scientific debate' Australasian Science 2003; 24:
35-37.
24. Water fluoridation: available at : http://www.doctoryourself.com/review.html. accessed
16 august 2010. )
25. Brunelle, JA & Carlos JP, , Recent trends in dental caries in U.S. children and the effect of
water fluoridation, Journal of Dental Research1990; 69 :723-727.
26. Spencer AJ, Slade GD & Davies M, Water fluoridation in Australia, Community Dental
Health 1996;13: 27-37.
169
CINQUIME PARTIE
Article paratre
170
ANNEXE A
171
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/pet_299_e_34270.html
172
173
Status: Completed
Summary: In this follow-up petition, the petitioners refer to a Supreme Court decision
that they claim describes fluoridation products as medication, and they ask Health
Canada to reconcile this with its claim that fluoridation products are mineral nutrients.
The petitioners ask Department of Justice Canada whether the fluoridation of drinking
water respects the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They also ask Environment Canada
and Health Canada to describe the studies done and actions taken to assess the impact of
fluoridation on aquatic ecosystems.
Federal Departments Responsible for Reply: Environment Canada, Health Canada,
Justice Canada
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/pet_299C_e_35212.html
La rglementation et lapprobation de
lajout de produits de fluoration leau
potable
Ptition : no 299
Sujet(s) : leau; sant humaine et environnementale; surveillance de la conformit et
contrles dapplication
Ptitionnaire(s) : Pierre Jean Morin et Gilles Parent
Reue le : 19 mai 2008
tat du dossier : clos
Sommaire : Les ptitionnaires sinquitent de lajout de produits de fluoration leau
potable. Ils affirment que ces produits ne sont pas rglements ni approuvs en tant que
mdicaments ou produits de sant naturels en vertu de la loi fdrale. Ils demandent
Sant Canada dexpliquer comment il sassure que ces produits sont conformes aux
normes sur les aliments et drogues du Canada. Estimant quil existe des dclarations
contradictoires propos de lajout de produits de fluoration leau potable, les
ptitionnaires demandent galement au ministre des explications ce sujet. Enfin, ils
demandent Sant Canada et Justice Canada de donner des exemples dautres produits
chimiques anthropiques qui ont un effet bnfique allgu sur la sant et ont t ajouts
leau potable sans approbation rglementaire ni consentement clair.
Ministres/organismes fdraux chargs de rpondre : Justice Canada; Sant Canada
174
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/Francais/pet_299_f_34270.html
175
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/Francais/pet_299C_f_35212.html
La rglementation et lapprobation de
lajout de produits de fluoration leau
potable
Ptition : no 299
Sujet(s) : leau; sant humaine et environnementale; surveillance de la conformit et
contrles dapplication
Ptitionnaire(s) : Pierre Jean Morin et Gilles Parent
176
Les fluorures ajouts leau potable sont des mdicaments non rglements, non
homologus, non contrls, non thiques et illgaux
Ptition en vertu de larticle 22 de la Loi sur le Vrificateur gnral pour mettre fin
linjection de substances toxiques dans leau potable (fluorures inorganiques,
arsenic inorganique, plomb) en violation de la Loi sur les pches,
article 34(1), dcrivant les dispositions visant conserver et protger lhabitat des
poissons qui maintiennent les ressources halieutiques du Canada, en prvenir la
dtrioration
article 35(1), interdisant la dtrioration, destruction ou perturbation de l'habitat des
poissons
articles 36-42 contrlant le dversement de toute substance nocive dans leau,
lhabitat des poissons
G0S 2K0
819-292-3045
Bureau du Vrificateur gnral du Canada
Commissaire de lEnvironnement et du Dveloppement durable
Objet: Petitions
240 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G6
Sans frais: 1-888-761-5953
Tlphone: 613-995-3708
Tlcopieur: 613-941-8286
Courriel: petitions@oag-bvg.gc.ca
La ncessit dopter pour le dveloppement durable
Chaque anne, en Ontario seulement, des milliards de litres, soit lquivalent de
840 000 piscines olympiques contamines par des fluosilicates sont dverses dans
lenvironnement. Dans le lac Ontario et dans le fleuve St-Laurent, les taux ambiants de
fluorure sont dj le double des normes considres comme scuritaires fixes dans les
Recommandations pour la qualit des eaux au Canada (RQEC), soit 0.12mg/l.
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/water/dwsp/0002/eastern/eastern.htm
Les donnes probantes indiquent que les concentrations de fluorure dans les rejets
secondaires deaux uses des communauts fluores varient entre 1.0 ppm et 1.5 ppm,
soit environ dix fois la norme de 0.12mg/l vise dans les Recommandations pour la
qualit des eaux au Canada pour la protection des espces aquatiques (Hamilton
Board of Health Report July 2008, Camargo 2003). Un tel dpassement au Canada des
Recommandations pour la qualit des eaux telles que fixes par Environnement Canada
et en plus dune telle magnitude, prsente un risque srieux pour les organismes
aquatiques, en violation de la Loi sur les pches. Dun point de vue environnemental, ces
violations contreviennent au dveloppement durable.
Ce document veut dmontrer que les produits de fluoration qui sont ajouts leau
potable et ensuite rejets dans lenvironnement sont des produits naturels non
rglements, non homologus, non contrls, non thiques et sont de plus en
contravention plusieurs rglements de Sant Canada et aux lois provinciales
relatives la pharmacie.
La lgislation des produits de sant naturels, chapeaute par la Loi sur les aliments et
drogues de la FDA (Loi sur les aliments et drogues), a t promulgue en janvier 2004.
Ceux qui produisent, distribuent, achtent et vendent ces produits ont eu jusquau 31
dcembre 2009 pour se conformer cette nouvelle lgislation. Cependant, Sant Canada
nous a informs quaucun producteur, distributeur, acheteur ou vendeur de produits de
sant naturels de fluoration na prsent la moindre demande dhomologation pour les
agents de fluoration. Par consquent et selon la lgislation, ces agents de fluoration sont
illgaux et ne devraient tre ni vendus et ni achets au Canada. Toute municipalit qui
achte ces produits contreviendrait donc la loi.
178
Le Dr. Bill Osmunson, DDS, MPH, a obtenu lopinion du Conseil des pharmaciens de
ltat de Washington (Washington State Board of Pharmacy):
Le fluorure est un mdicament sous prescription rglement par larticle 69.41
RCW. RCW 69.41.010 qui dfinit un mdicament de catgorie legend drug, c'est-dire comme un mdicament dont la loi de ltat ou du conseil des pharmaciens
exige quil soit dispens uniquement par ordonnance ou dont lusage est limit aux
praticiens uniquement. Dans WAC 246-883-020(2), le Conseil a prcis que les
mdicaments dordonnance (legend drugs) sont ceux qui ont t dsigns comme tels
par la loi fdrale et qui sont lists dans ldition Drug Topics Red Book de 2002.
Le prsident de la Rvision de York (York Review, 2000) affirme dans le British Medical
Journal:
Si le fluorure est un mdicament, les donnes probantes concernant ses effets
doivent se conformer aux normes de la preuve des mdicaments, incluant les
donnes probantes rsultant des essais alatoires. Or, Aucun essai alatoire na
t men sur leau fluore. Source: Cheng, KK, Chalmer, I, Sheldon, TA 2007
British Medical Journal, 6 october, vol. 335: 699-702.
En vertu de la Loi fdrale sur la pharmacie, ces mdicaments sont lists et publis par
lANORP (Association nationale des organismes de rglementation de la pharmacie).
(Voir www.napra.org et chercher fluorure de sodium) :
Les mdicaments du tableau 1 (schedule 1 drugs) exigent une ordonnance une dose
suprieure 1 mg
Les mdicaments du tableau 3 (schedule 3 drugs) ne peuvent qutre achets en
pharmacie et une dose infrieure 1 mg
Bien qu'il ne soit pas homologu par Sant Canada, et bien qu'il n'ait fait l'objet d'aucune
nouvelle demande dhomologation de mdicament, le fluorure destin lingestion
dans le but de prvenir une maladie est distribu deux endroits:
1) en pharmacie, sous ordonnance et comme mdicament en vente libre
2) par mdication de masse, via leau fluore, sans ordonnance, ni rglementation et ni
homologation par Sant Canada et sans le consentement clair des citoyens.
Dans une lettre date du 7 janvier 2010 et envoye Carole Clinch par le Dpartement de
la base de donnes des produits pharmaceutiques de Sant Canada, on peut lire:
"Veuillez noter que les composs de fluorure ajouts leau potable ne sont pas les
mmes que les composs utiliss chez le dentiste et quils ne sont pas rglements
comme mdicaments par Sant Canada."
Ptition #221, Q/R #15:
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/pet_221_e_30308.html
Q: Le fluorure est-il considr comme un mdicament relevant de Sant Canada
ou vis par tout autre rglement?
180
181
Sant Canada semble tre au courant du fait que ces produits de sant naturels ne sont pas
conformes aux exigences de rglementation de Sant Canada. Sant Canada reconnat
galement la responsabilit de l'application de ces exigences aux produits de fluoration
182
Ultra Vires
L'addition de substances l'eau pour la rendre sre, sapide (au got agrable) ou
d'apparence acceptable est une action administrative. Cependant, la distribution d'un
mdicament d'ordonnance par une personne autre qu'un mdecin, tout comme la
distribution d'un mdicament inscrit dans le tableau III (Schedule III) l'extrieur d'une
pharmacie, dpasse le champ de comptence d'une municipalit; il s'agit d'un acte,
invalide sur le plan lgal.
QUESTIONS
1. La dfinition d'un mdicament au Canada inclut toute substance ou mlange de
substances produites, vendues ou prsentes pour utilisation dans: le diagnostic, le
traitement, l'attnuation ou la prvention d'une maladie, d'un trouble ou d'un tat physique
anormal ou ses symptmes, chez les tres humains ou les animaux.
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/F-27 / . En vertu de cette dfinition, les fluorures sont des
mdicaments car ils sont promus et vendus sur la base de leur allgation thrapeutique
concernant la carie (ex: dans le traitement, lattnuation ou la prvention de la maladie
dentaire quest la carie dentaire). Sant Canada peut-il dmontrer que les produits de
fluoration utiliss dans la fluoration artificielle de leau (H2SiF6 et Na2SiF6), sont
conformes toutes les normes exiges pour les mdicaments et les produits de sant
naturels, tel que stipul par la Loi sur les aliments et drogues et la Loi fdrale sur la
pharmacie, dont le but est d'en dmontrer linnocuit et lefficacit et de protger la sant
du publique?
2. Selon la lettre date du 7 janvier 2010 envoye Carole Clinch par le Dpartement de
la base de donnes des produits pharmaceutiques de Sant Canada: "Veuillez noter que
les composs de fluorure ajouts leau potable ne sont pas les mmes que les composs
utiliss chez le dentiste et quils ne sont pas rglements en tant que mdicaments par
Sant Canada." Est-ce que Sant Canada a dj mis une homologation de mdicament
ou de produit de sant naturel un quelconque fabricant, distributeur ou acheteur
d'acide hydro ou hexafluosilicique et/ou de fluosilicate de sodium (H2SiF6 et Na2SiF6),
soit les produits utiliss actuellement pour la fluoration artificielle de l'eau, dont on
allgue un effet thrapeutique pour la prvention et le traitement de la carie? Sinon,
pourquoi Sant Canada permet-il la vente et l'utilisation de ces produits non conformes
aux exigences lgales dfinies dans la Loi sur les aliments et drogues et dans la Loi
fdrale sur la pharmacie, tout en affirmant que la fluoration artificielle de l'eau est
scuritaire?
3. Selon la ptition #221 ( http://www.oagbvg.gc.ca/internet/English/pet_221_e_30308.html )
(Jusqu prsent, aucun produit de sant naturel (PSN) contenant des fluosilicates
na reu dautorisation de mise en march au Canada) et d'aprs une lettre du 9
fvrier 2010 envoye Madame Carole Clinch par le Dpartement de la base de donnes
des produits pharmaceutiques et la division des aliments et de produits naturels de Sant
Canada:
les fluorures sont classs comme des PSN mais on na pas encore reu de demande
auprs de la Direction des produits thrapeutiques.
184
Sant Canada a-t-il permis la vente et l'achat de ces produits utiliss comme agents
thrapeutiques pour le traitement et l'attnuation de la carie au-del de l'chance de la
priode de transition de dcembre 2009, et au-del de l'chance de la nouvelle transition
du 31 mars 2010, sachant qu'aucun producteur, distributeur ou acheteur (les municipalits
ou le gouvernement du Qubec) de ces produits n'a jamais soumis la moindre demande
pour un nouveau mdicament (New Drug Submission) pour s'assurer de leur
homologation? Si tel est le cas, Sant Canada effacera-t-il alors toutes les rfrences
linnocuit et l'efficacit de ces produits sur son site web, puisque les approbations
d'homologation n'existent pas et quils n'ont donc pas pu dmontrer leur innocuit et leur
efficacit?
4. Dans la ptition #221, rponse #15, Sant Canada nonce (http://www.oag bvg.
gc.ca/internet/English/pet_221_e_30308.html ) : Le fluorure utilis dans la fluoration
de leau nest donc pas considr comme un mdicament vis par la Loi sur les
aliments et drogues. Le dentiste en chef de Sant Canada dit aux citoyens que le
fluorure nest pas un mdicament. Cependant, dans une lettre envoye par Sant Canada
Madame Carole Clinch, Sant Canada affirmait que le fluorure est un mdicament non
rglement et un produit de sant naturel qui na pas encore t homologu sous la Loi
sur les aliments et drogues. Pourquoi Sant Canada fait-il ces affirmations contradictoires
dans les ptitions du Vrificateur gnral et en s'adressant au grand public?
5. Est-il exact, et est-il appropri pour le Dentiste en chef de Sant Canada daffirmer que
ces produits de fluoration, qui nont jamais t rglements et ni homologus pour en
dmontrer linnocuit ou lefficacit, sont srs et efficaces, alors que Sant Canada
nen a jamais valu linnocuit et ni lefficacit, tel que prescrit par la Loi sur les
aliments et drogues?
6. Un avis de conformit a-t-il t mis par Sant Canada un quelconque fabricant
dacides hydro ou hexafluosiliciques et/ou de fluosilicate de sodium (H2SiF6 et Na2SiF6),
qui sont les produits utiliss pour la fluoration artificielle de leau, dont on allgue
clairement un effet thrapeutique pour la prvention et le traitement de la carie,
conformment la Loi sur les aliments et drogues, paragraphe C.08.004(1)(a), indiquant
que le fabricant du mdicament est conforme au Rglement sur les aliments et drogues,
articles C.08.002, C.08.003, C.08.005.1a, et que le fabricant a prsent des "donnes
probantes scientifiques de fond" sur linnocuit, lefficacit et la qualit des produits de
fluoration artificielle de leau?
7. Une monographie a-t-elle t mise par Sant Canada un quelconque producteur
dacides hydro ou hexafluosiliciques et/ou de fluosilicate de sodium (H2SiF6 et Na2SiF6),
qui sont les produits utiliss pour la fluoration artificielle de leau, dont on allgue un
effet thrapeutique pour la prvention et le traitement de la carie, afin de sassurer que
toutes les allgations dinnocuit et defficacit sont scientifiquement valides?
8. Une identification numrique de drogue (DIN) a-t-elle t mise pour les acides hydro
ou hexafluosiliciques et/ou le fluosilicate de sodium (H2SiF6 et Na2SiF6), qui sont les
produits actuellement utiliss pour la fluoration artificielle de leau, dont on allgue un
185
effet thrapeutique pour la prvention et le traitement de la carie, prouvant que toutes les
exigences rglementaires relatives ces produits ont t respectes (Loi sur les aliments
et drogues et les rglements sur les Produits de sant naturels)?
9. Mme si les fluosilicates pourraient se dissocier presque entirement en laboratoire
dans leau distille, ils ragissent diffremment dans leau potable fluore o un plus
grand nombre de ractions chimiques sont clairement possibles. La rvision du NRC
(National Research Council, 2006) discute de la recherche qui dmontre que les
fluosilicates interagissent diffremment dans les systmes biologiques par rapport
ce qui se produit en laboratoire dans leau distille; par ex: ils peuvent ventuellement
se recombiner dans les environnements faible pH, comme dans lestomac, les aliments
et boissons acides, et ragir en synergie avec les nombreux autres produits chimiques
prsents dans leau potable (qui diffre de leau distille). Dans lvaluation de
linnocuit et de lefficacit des substances fluores, la FDA (US Food and Drug
Administration) exige des donnes pour chaque substance et ne permet pas de sappuyer
uniquement sur des tudes menes sur les autres composs fluors (50 Fed. Reg. 39854).
Sant Canada permet-il que lhomologation dun mdicament fluor (ex: le fluorure de
sodium), rglement par Sant Canada, entrane l'homologation automatique dun autre
mdicament fluor considrablement diffrent (ex: les acides hydro ou hexafluosilicique
ou le fluosilicate de sodium (H2SiF6 et Na2SiF6) et non encore rglement par Sant
Canada
10. Les mdicaments fluors et les produits de sant naturels utiliss pour la fluoration
artificielles de leau (c--d. lacide hydrofluosilicique, le fluosilicate de sodium) ont-ils
reu une dclaration de bioquivalence comme les autres mdicaments fluors
rglements (conformment larticle C.08.004 (4)) pour permettre sa vente et sa
distribution?
11. Selon la lgislation sur les produits de sant naturels (Vol 137, N0 13, article 4(1))
http://gazette.gc.ca/archives/p2/2003/2003-06-18/html/sor-dors196-eng.html Sous
rserve des paragraphes (2) et (3), il est interdit de vendre un produit de sant
naturel moins qu'une licence de mise en march n'ait t dlivre son gard.
Sant Canada a-t-il des preuves leffet que les producteurs, importateurs, distributeurs
et acheteurs des produits de fluoration (c--d. les municipalits et gouvernements
provinciaux au Qubec), incluant les producteurs chinois (un pays dont les exportations
ont soulev des proccupations sanitaires) ont obtenu les licences dexploitation de
produit et dutilisation sur site exiges et conformes aux exigences lgales de la Loi
sur les aliments et drogues et la lgislation des produits de sant naturels, cela afin de
protger la sant du public? Si aucune licence dexploitation de produit et dutilisation
sur site pour ces produits fluors na t mise un producteur ou importateur et que
Sant Canada est au courant de la situation, pourquoi Sant Canada permet-il que ces
mdicaments et produits de sant naturelle soient vendus au Canada, en contravention de
la Loi sur les aliments et drogues et de la lgislation des produits de sant naturels?
12. Si une rglementation nest pas conforme aux exigences de la Loi sur les aliments et
drogues de Sant Canada, ou si un producteur, un importateur ou un acheteur (les
186
municipalits) sont en attente de lhomologation, Sant Canada peut-il fournir ses motifs
expliquant la tolrance injustifie envers ces produits dont la toxicit est leve, qui ont
une allgation thrapeutique et qui ne sont ni homologus ni rglements par Sant
Canada?
13. Sant Canada peut-il fournir la rfrence de la prescription de loi qui concerne Sant
Canada relativement la non-conformit des mdicaments et des produits de sant
naturels, ainsi que les rfrences concernant les sanctions qui sappliquent lors de la
distribution ou de la promotion de mdicaments ou de produits de sant naturels non
rglements ou non homologus par Sant Canada?
14. Sant Canada peut-il expliquer pourquoi un litre et demi (1) deau fluore
concentration de 0.7 ppm et contenant 1.05 mg de fluorure, telle que fixe au Qubec ne
requiert pas dordonnance d'un mdecin ou la distribution en pharmacie exclusivement,
en accord avec les exigences de lANORP alors quun supplment dose quivalente
doit ltre?
15. Sans homologation en tant que mdicament, lajout de fluosilicates leau potable
(H2SiF6 & Na2SiF6) doit tre dsign comme recherche ou tude exprimentale et les
cohortes doivent obtenir le droit de consentement ou de refus de participer dans cette
exprience, en accord avec le code de Nuremberg, la Charte canadienne des droits et
liberts http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/charter/, le gouvernement du Canada
http://pre.ethics.gc.ca/policy-politique/initiatives/revised-revisee/Default.aspx, ainsi
que toutes les professions mdicales (e.g., CMA #21-30
http://icarus.med.utoronto.ca/ccc/cmeEthics.htm l ). Sant Canada peut-il expliquer
pourquoi ces considrations thiques sont ignores dans le cas de ces mdicaments
fluors non rglements, non homologus et non contrls que sont les agents de
fluoration?
16. Selon le rapport prliminaire Le fluorure dans leau potable de Sant Canada
water_eau@hcsc.gc.ca, Cette CMA est protectrice de la sant, condition que les
recommandations de Sant Canada concernant les autres sources d'exposition au
fluorure, tels que les produits dentaires, soient suivies. (p. 3). Les citoyens canadiens
sont-ils responsables de surveiller ces autres sources d'exposition au fluorure pour
sassurer que les recommandations de Sant Canada sur le fluorure dans leau potable (la
principale source dexposition au fluorure) sont scuritaires pour tous, alors que toutes les
donnes sur les apports de fluorure provenant de lair, des aliments, des boissons et des
mdicaments ne sont pas disponibles ou facilement accessibles? Dans laffirmative,
veuillez expliquer comment les Canadiens sont-ils en mesure d'effectuer une telle
surveillance?
17. Sant Canada et le Ministre de la Justice peuvent-ils fournir un exemple autre que
les agents de fluoration o un produit chimique anthropique ayant une allgation
thrapeutique clairement nonce et publicise, peut tre ajout leau potable dune
municipalit dans le but de traiter les consommateurs pour une maladie, sans leur
consentement clair et sans avoir obtenu au pralable une homologation, cela en toute
187
impunit ? Lexemple des fluosilicates pourrait-il servir de prcdent dans une Cour
pour motiver lajout de tout autre mdicament leau sans le consentement du patient?
Agences gouvernementales:
Sant Canada, Ministre de la Justice
[haut de la page]
Rponse du ministre : Justice Canada
8 septembre 2010
Monsieur Gilles Parent, ND.A.
1505, rue Decelles, bureau 2
Saint-Laurent QC H4L 2E1
Monsieur Pierre Jean Morin, Ph.D.
336, Rang Castor
Leclercville QC G0S 2K0
Messieurs,
Je suis heureux de rpondre la ptition portant sur une question environnementale que
vous avez envoye au Bureau du vrificateur gnral du Canada et dont jai reu copie
le 28 mai 2010. Dans celle-ci, identifie par le Bureau du vrificateur gnral du Canada
comme tant la ptition no 299 portant sur une question environnementale, vous
demandez quon mette fin linjection de substances toxiques (fluorures inorganiques,
arsenic inorganique, plomb) dans leau potable.
Ma collgue, lhonorable Leona Aglukkaq, ministre de la Sant, rpondra au nom du
gouvernement du Canada aux questions que vous posez dans la ptition puisque celles-ci
relvent de son mandat.
Je vous remercie de lintrt que vous portez aux questions souleves dans la ptition et
vous prie dagrer, Messieurs, lexpression de mes sentiments distingus.
[document original sign par Rob Nicholson, ministre de la Justice et procureur
gnral du Canada]
Lhonorable Rob Nicholson
c.c. : M. Scott Vaughan
Commissaire lenvironnement et au dveloppement durable
188
24 septembre 2010
Monsieur Gilles Parent
1505, rue Decelles
Saint Laurent (Qubec) H4L 2E1
Messieurs,
Je donne suite la ptition environnementale no 299 qui a t envoye le 19 mai 2010
monsieur Scott Vaughan, commissaire lenvironnement et au dveloppement durable
(CEDD).
Dans votre ptition, vous avez soulev des questions portant sur lajout des fluorures dans
leau potable.
Je suis heureuse de vous transmettre, ci-jointe, la rponse de Sant Canada relative
votre ptition. Je comprends que le ministre de la Justice et procureur gnral du Canada
rpondra sparment.
Japprcie votre intrt face ce sujet important et jespre que vous trouverez ces
renseignements utiles.
Je vous prie dagrer, Messieurs, lexpression de mes sentiments les meilleurs.
[document original sign par Leona Aglukkaq, ministre de la Sant]
Leona Aglukkaq
Pice jointe
c.c. Monsieur Scott Vaughan, CEDD
Lhonorable Rob Nicholson, c.p., c.r., dput
189
ce que Sant Canada fait ces dclarations contradictoires en rpondant aux ptitions
soumises au vrificateur gnral et ses transactions avec le grand public?
Rponse la question 4 :
Le fluorure utilis dans le cadre de la fluoruration de leau potable nest pas considr
comme un produit de sant naturel et nest donc pas rgi par le Rglement sur les
produits de sant naturels. Lorsque le fluorure est utilis en grande concentration dans
un produit auquel a t attribue une proprit thrapeutique (p. ex. eau dentifrice, pte
dentifrice), les produits sont considrs comme des mdicaments au sens de la Loi sur
les aliments et drogues et ils sont rgis par le Rglement sur les produits de sant
naturels.
Question 5 :
Est-il exact et adquat pour le dentiste en chef de Sant Canada daffirmer que les
produits de fluoruration, qui nont jamais t rglements ni autoriss pour dmontrer
quils sont scuritaires et efficaces, sont en fait scuritaires et efficaces lorsque Sant
Canada na jamais valu la sret et lefficacit des ces produits, comme lexige la Loi
sur les aliments et drogues?
Rponse la question 5 :
Oui, il est appropri que le dentiste en chef de Sant Canada affirme que les produits de
fluoruration sont scuritaires et efficaces.
Parmi les rles du dentiste en chef, un des rle est de prsenter la position de Sant
Canada sur la fluoruration, qui est base sur des examens scientifiques internes dtudes
scientifiques pertinentes originales qui sont rvises par des pairs et qui sont publies
dans des revues professionnelles reconnues lchelle mondiale ainsi que de promouvoir
des mesures de sant efficaces et de prvention comme la fluoruration de leau.
La rponse la question 9 suit la rponse consolide aux questions 6, 7, 8 et 10.
Une seule rponse est fournie pour les questions 6, 7, 8 et 10.
Question 6 :
Est-ce que Sant Canada a dj mis un avis de conformit un fabricant dacide
hydrofluorosilique ou dacide hexafluorosilique et/ou de fluosilicate de sodium (H2SiF6 et
Na2SiF6), les produits utiliss lheure actuelle pour fluorer artificiellement leau et pour
lesquelles des allgations sont faites au sujet de la prvention et du traitement des caries
dentaires, en vertu de la Loi sur les aliments et drogues, alina C.08.004(1)(a)),
indiquant que le fabricant se conforme au Rglement sur les aliments et drogues,
sections C.08.002, C.08.003 et C.08.005.1a et quil a soumis la preuve scientifique de
193
Question 9 :
A) Mme si les fluorosilicates se dissocient dans leau distille dans des conditions de
laboratoire, ils ragissent diffremment dans leau fluore, alors quun plus grand nombre
de ractions chimiques sont possibles. Dans son examen, le Conseil national de
recherches du Canada (CNRC, 2006) cite des recherches dmontrant que les
fluorosilicates interagissent diffremment dans des systmes biologiques quils le font
dans leau distille en laboratoire. Par exemple, ils peuvent ventuellement se recombiner
en environnement faible en pH, comme lestomac ou les aliments et boissons acides, et
peuvent ragir avec synergie, avec de nombreux autres produits chimiques prsents dans
leau potable (qui diffre de leau distille).
B) En valuant la scurit et lefficacit des substances fluores, la US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) exige des donnes sur chaque substance et ne se fie jamais
seulement sur des tudes ayant trait dautres produits chimiques de fluorure (50 Fed.
Reg. 39854). Est-ce que Sant Canada permet lautorisation dun mdicament de fluorure
(par exemple, fluorure de sodium) qui est rglement par Sant Canada
automatiquement accorder lhomologation dun autre mdicament de fluorure
considrablement diffrent qui nest pas encore rglement par Sant Canada (comme
lacide hydrofluorosilique ou lacide hexafluorosilique et/ou le fluosilicate de sodium
(H2SiF6 and Na2SiF6)?
Rponse la question 9 :
A) Les fluorosilicates ragissent diffremment dans les systmes biologiques, lestomac
par exemple. Leau potable nest pas un systme biologique. Dans leau potable, les
fluorosilicates sont entirement hydrolyss et librent les ions fluorure.
B) Non. Tous les produits de sant naturels doivent faire lobjet dun examen avant la
commercialisation pour en vrifier la scurit, lefficacit et la qualit avant dtre
autoriss tre vendus.
Question 10 prsente plus haut dans la rponse consolide pour les questions 6, 7,
8 et 10.
Question 11 :
La lgislation sur les produits de sant naturels (Volume 137, Numro 13, Partie 4(1)
http://gazette.gc.ca/archives/p2/2003/2003-06-18/html/sor-dors196-eng.html) prcise
que Sous rserve des paragraphes (2) et (3), il est interdit de vendre un produit de sant
naturel moins quune licence de produit soit mise en regard de ce produit de sant
naturelle. Est-ce que Sant Canada a la preuve pour indiquer que les fabricants, les
importateurs, les distributeurs et les acheteurs de produits de fluorure (par exemple les
municipalits et les gouvernements provinciaux, comme dans le cas de la province de
Qubec), y compris les fabricants de la Chine (un pays pour lequel les exportations ont
soulev des inquitudes pour la sant), ont obtenu les licences de produits et les licences
195
dtablissement exiges par la loi relative aux produits de sant naturels afin de protger
la sant de la population? Si des licences de produit ou dtablissement pour ces produits
de fluorure ont t accordes des fabricants et des importateurs et que Sant Canada
est au courant de la situation, pourquoi est-ce que ce ministre permet que ces
mdicaments et produits de sant soient vendus au Canada, en violation de la Loi sur les
aliments et drogues et la lgislation ayant trait aux produits de sant naturels?
ET
Question 12 :
Si les rglements ne sont pas cohrents par rapport aux exigences de la Loi sur les
aliments et drogues si certains fabricants, importateurs ou acheteurs (municipalits)
attendent lheure actuelle, la dlivrance de licence, est-ce que Sant Canada peut
expliquer sa tolrance injustifie en regard de ces produits hautement toxiques pour
lesquels des allgations de sant sont faites mais qui ne possdent pas dautorisation de
Sant Canada et que Sant Canada ne rglemente pas?
La rponse aux questions 11 et 12 est la mme que la rponse la question 4 :
Le fluorure utilis dans le cadre de la fluoruration de leau potable nest pas considr
comme un produit de sant naturel et nest donc pas rgi par le Rglement sur les
produits de sant naturels. Lorsque le fluorure est utilis en grande concentration dans
un produit auquel a t attribue une proprit thrapeutique (p. ex. eau dentifrice, pte
dentifrice), les produits sont considrs comme des mdicaments au sens de la Loi sur
les aliments et drogues et ils sont rgis par le Rglement sur les produits de sant
naturels.
Question 13 :
Est-ce que Sant Canada peut fournir une rfrence aux exigences lgislatives qui
sappliquent SC en ce qui a trait aux mdicaments et produits de sant naturels non
conformes ainsi que des rfrences ayant trait aux sanctions qui sappliquent pour les
personnes qui distribuent ou font la promotion de mdicaments ou de produits de sant
naturels qui ne sont pas rglements ni autoriss par Sant Canada?
Rponse la question 13 :
Le ministre utilise une approche axe sur les risques pour assurer que lintgrit du
systme de rglementation pour les produits de sant commercialiss, y compris les
produits de sant naturels, est conserve par lentremise de la concentration sur les
activits de conformit et dapplication de la loi sur la non-conformit qui pose le plus
grand risque pour la sant et la scurit des Canadiens. La Loi sur les aliments et
drogues, et le rglement connexe, ainsi que les politiques de la Direction gnrale des
produits de sant et des aliments comme la Politique sur la conformit et lapplication de
196
ce dernier et sans licence, et cela en toute impunit? Ny aurait-il pas raison de craindre
que lexemple que le fluorosilicate pourrait un jour crer un prcdent dans un tribunal
pour justifier lajout dautres mdicaments leau potable sans le consentement des
patients?
Rponse aux questions 15 et 17 :
La fluoruration des rserves deau potable nest pas exprimentale. Elle constitue une
mesure de sant publique largement accepte visant favoriser la sant dentaire, et elle
est appuye par des donnes scientifiques.
Les fluorosilicates utiliss pour la fluoruration de leau potable ne sont pas jugs tre des
mdicaments ou des produits de sant naturels par Sant Canada et ne sont donc pas
assujettis aux exigences rglementaires relatives aux mdicaments ou aux produits de
sant naturels utiliss dans les essais cliniques.
Sant Canada collabore avec les provinces et les territoires en vue de llaboration des
Recommandations pour la qualit de leau potable au Canada. Les provinces et les
territoires utiliseront ensuite ces recommandations comme base pour ltablissement de
leurs propres exigences en matire de qualit de leau potable. Au Canada, les dcisions
relatives la qualit de leau potable incombent gnralement aux provinces et aux
territoires, dont llaboration, ladoption et la mise en uvre de rglements.
Question 16 :
Dans son rapport prliminaire Le fluorure dans leau potable
(water_eau@hcsc.gc.ca), Sant Canada dit que ce Mac protge la sant, pourvu que
des efforts soient faits pour respecter les recommandations de Sant Canada au
sujet des autres sources dexposition au fluorure, comme les produits dentaires.
(page 3). Est-ce que les Canadiens devraient tre responsables de surveiller ces autres
sources dexposition au fluorure pour assurer que les recommandations de Sant
Canada au sujet du fluorure dans leau potable (la principale source dexposition au
fluorure) sont scuritaires pour tous, lorsque les donnes sur le fluorure dans
latmosphre, les aliments, les boissons et les mdications ne sont pas disponibles ou
tout le moins, sont difficiles obtenir? Dans laffirmative, veuillez expliquer comment on
sattend ce que les Canadiens effectuent une telle surveillance?
Rponse la question 16
Les autres sources majeures dexposition au fluorure sont les produits dentaires comme la
pte dentifrice ou leau dentaire fluore ainsi que les supplments alimentaires. Dans ces
situations, il incombe aux consommateurs dutiliser les produits conformment aux
instructions du fabricant, ou, pour les supplments en suivant les recommandations de
leur spcialiste de sant. Pour les aliments, Sant Canada est en train de raliser une
enqute sur lexposition des Canadiens aux fluorures dans les aliments et a incorpor
cette information dans son valuation de lexposition totale.
198
199
article 34(1), dcrivant les dispositions visant conserver et protger lhabitat des
poissons qui maintiennent les ressources halieutiques du Canada, en prvenir la
dtrioration
article 35(1), interdisant la dtrioration, destruction ou perturbation de l'habitat des
poissons
articles 36-42 contrlant le dversement de toute substance nocive dans leau,
lhabitat des poissons
ST-LAURENT, QC
H4L 2E1
514-747-2259
Gilles.parent-nd@bellnet.ca
[document original sign par Gilles Parent, N.D.A.]
_______________________________________
Pierre Jean Morin, Ph.D. (mdicine exprimentale), ancien conseiller pour le Ministre
de lenvironnement du Qubec
336, Rang Castor
LECLERCVILLE, QC
G0S 2K0
819-292-3045
[document original sign par Pierre Jean Morin]
_______________________________________
Bureau du Vrificateur gnral du Canada
Commissaire de lEnvironnement et du Dveloppement durable
Objet: Petitions
240 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G6
Courriel: petitions@oag-bvg.gc.ca
La ncessit dopter pour le dveloppement durable
Les donnes probantes indiquent que les concentrations de fluorure dans les rejets
secondaires deaux uses des communauts fluores varient entre 1.0 ppm et 1.5 ppm,
soit environ dix fois la norme de 0.12mg/l vise dans les Recommandations pour la
qualit des eaux au Canada pour la protection des espces aquatiques (Hamilton Board of
Health Report juillet 2008, Camargo 2003). Hamilton rapporte que la concentration de
fluorure dans les effluents pourrait tre rduite de moiti en cessant la fluoration
artificielle de leau. Il est par ailleurs bien tabli que les mthodes actuelles ne permettent
pas denlever de manire conomique les fluorures des rejets.
QUESTIONS
1. Dans la rponse # 1 notre ptition #299, Sant Canada prcise que le fluorure ajout
leau nest pas jug comme un mdicament ou un produit de sant naturel mais, selon
lui, comme un lment nutritif. Sant Canada croit donc que lajout de fluorure leau
est un enrichissement nutritif de leau dans le but de prvenir la carie ou favoriser la
sant dentaire. Ces vitamines et ces minraux qui sont ainsi ajouts aux aliments ou
leau pour la fortification (le fluorure tant le seul ajout nutritif permissible leau
potable) requirent-ils dtre de qualit pharmaceutique ou de qualit alimentaire pour
permettre leur ajout suivant la Loi des aliments et drogues (partie D)?
201
substance malpropre et quils sont conformes aux bonnes pratiques de fabrication pour
assurer la protection de la sant des citoyens canadiens ?
10. Dans sa rponse la question #1 de notre ptition numro 299, Sant Canada affirme
que La fluoration de leau potable a pour but de fournir une source alimentaire de
fluorure, un lment nutritif. Le fluorure ajout leau dans les concentrations
disponibles au Canada est jug nutritif par opposition thrapeutique. Si les fluorures
comme les autres lments nutritifs utiliss pour la fortification des aliments sont des
lments nutritifs utiles dans la prvention de diverses maladies de carences ou de
dficience, comment Sant Canada peut-il affirmer que les produits utiliss pour
fluorer (pour la fortification en fluor de) leau potable ne relve pas du cadre de
rglementation de la Loi sur les aliments et drogue (rponse la question 4 de la
ptition numro 299 et aussi la question 14, ptition 221) alors que la Loi sur les
aliments et drogues spcifie clairement larticle D.02.001 que le fluor est bien un des
minraux nutritifs permissibles dans la fortification des aliments (leau) (D.02.001, k) et
qui relve de cette Loi:
Loi sur les aliments et drogues
PARTIE D
VITAMINES, MINRAUX ET ACIDES AMINS
Minraux nutritifs dans les aliments
D.02.001. (1) Dans le prsent titre, minral nutritif dsigne lun des lments
chimiques suivants, soit seul, soit en combinaison avec un ou plusieurs autres lments
chimiques :
k) fluor;
11. Sous quelle(s) loi(s) les normes de lANSI/NSF sont applicables pour la certification ou
lhomologation des vitamines et des minraux nutritifs utiliss pour la fortification des
aliments, incluant le fluorure, un lment nutritif bnfique ?
12. LANSI/NSF sont-ils imputables devant le gouvernement ou devant la population
canadienne quant lefficacit, la salubrit et linnocuit des fluorures nutritifs
employs pour la fortification nutritionnelle de leau ?
13. Si, selon la National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) elle-mme, la norme 60 de la National
Sanitation Foundation (NSF) : does not assume or undertake to discharge any
responsibility of the manufacturer or any other party. (traduction des auteurs)
n'assume aucune responsabilit et se dgage de toute responsabilit du fabricant ou
autre partie.
disponible de : NSF de http://fluoride-class-action.com/wp-content/uploads/NSF_6005-A1.pdf
Si selon la National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) elle-mme, elle nest pas responsable
de la fiabilit de sa norme 60.
NSF shall not be responsible to anyone for the use of or reliance upon this Standard
by anyone. NSF shall not incur any obligation or liability for damages, including
consequential damages, arising out of or in connection with the use, interpretation of,
or reliance upon this Standard. (traduction des auteurs) La NSF ne se rend pas
responsable pour quiconque de l'utilisation de cette norme ou de sa fiabilit. La NSF
ne sengage en rien et nencourra aucune responsabilit pour dommages, y compris
des dommages conscutifs, surgissant hors ou en liaison avec lutilisation,
linterprtation, ou la fiabilit de cette norme. Source : National Sanitation
Foundation (NSF). 2000. Lettre de Hazan de Stan, directeur gnral, programme de
203
certification des additifs d'eau potable de la NSF, Ken Calvert, Prsident, sous-comit
sur l'nergie et l'environnement, comit de la Science, chambre des reprsentants des
USA. 7 juillet, 2000.
http://www.keepers-of-the-well.org/gov_resp_pdfs/NSF_response.pdf
Si selon la National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) elle-mme, elle nvalue pas linnocuit
des fluorures ajouts leau pour fin de traitement ou de lattnuation de maladies chez
lhomme.
The NSF International does not evaluate safety of the chemicals added to water for
the purpose of the treatment or mitigation of disease in humans, and does not
evaluate the product added to water but only the impurities within the product.
(traduction des auteurs) Le NSF international n'value pas linnocuit des produits
chimiques ajouts l'eau pour fin de traitement ou lattnuation de maladies chez
l'homme et n'value pas le produit ajout l'eau mais seulement les impurets dans
le produit. Source : lettre au Dr. Osmunson, la DDS, MPH, date du 2007/1/2.
Alors si la NSF se dcharge de toute responsabilit et par consquence de toute
imputabilit relativement aux fluorures servant la fortification de leau, part de leur
qualit chimique, qui est alors lgalement responsable du contrle de la qualit
pharmaceutique ou alimentaire de llment nutritif fluorure lui-mme, pour chacun
des lots utiliss pour la fluoration de leau potable, de son efficacit et de son innocuit
afin dassurer la protection de la sant des citoyens canadiens ?
14. Si, selon la National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) elle-mme, elle ne se rend pas
responsable pour quiconque de l'utilisation de cette norme 60 ou de sa fiabilit, si elle
ne sengage en rien et si elle nencourra aucune responsabilit pour dommages, y
compris des dommages conscutifs, surgissant hors ou en liaison avec lutilisation,
linterprtation, ou la fiabilit de cette norme, si elle nvalue pas linnocuit des
fluorures ajouts leau pour fin de traitement ou de lattnuation de maladies chez
lhomme et si elle se dcharge de toute responsabilit relativement au fluorure servant
la fortification de leau, part de sa qualit chimique, comment alors, sur le plan
scientifique, Sant Canada peut-il affirmer que la fluoration est efficace et scuritaire
? Sant Canada a fait savoir dans les rponses aux ptitions pralables sur la question
quil nexerce lui-mme aucun contrle et quil nengage aucune responsabilit sur les
agents nutritifs de fluoration servant la fortification de leau, que la qualit
pharmaceutique ou alimentaire des fluorures servant la fortification de leau nest pas
la mme que les fluorures servant la production des produits de sant naturels, que
ces fluorures ne sont assujettis aucune analyse par un organisme crdible, responsable
et imputable. NSF a bien laiss entendre quaucune analyse srieuse de contrle sur la
qualit alimentaire ou pharmaceutique ou sur la salubrit nest pas effectue sur chacun
des lots vendus aux municipalits pour la fluoration de leau. La revue de la littrature
scientifique illustre que lefficacit et linnocuit nont jamais t dmontres par des
tudes randomises et contrles. De plus, personne ne semble tre responsable et
imputable de cet lment pourtant dclar tre nutritif mais non essentiel la
physiologie humaine et la sant dentaire par Sant Canada.
15. Si la National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) ne se porte pas responsable de la fiabilit de
sa norme 60 sur les fluorures, quelle ne se porte pas garant de lefficacit et de
linnocuit des fluorures ajouts leau que ses membres distribuent et quelle nassure
pas lanalyse de chaque lot des agents de fluoration, comment Sant Canada peut-il
assurer la communaut scientifique et la population que les fluorures qui sont ajouts
204
en tant que minral nutritif bnfique leau potable respectent toutes les normes
requises comme lment nutritif ?
16. La toxicit aigu du fluorure
(DL50 dose requise pour atteindre la
dose ltale pour 50 p. 100 des sujets
tests)
Les fluorures inorganiques sont plus
toxiques que le plomb et moins toxiques
que l'arsenic
La concentration maximale acceptable
(CMA)
CMA de l'arsenic = 10ppb
CMA du plomb = 10ppb
CMA du fluorure = 1,500ppb
De: Robert E. Gosselin et coll., Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products 5e d.., 1984
Contaminants
(tudes critiques)
Antimoine (Sb)
Schroeder (1970)
Concentration
Maximale
Acceptable dans
leau
(CMA) mg/l
Dose
quotidienne
scuritaire
prsume vie
mg/kg/day
DfR propose
= DSEO/FI
0.35
Augmentation du
cholestrol sanguin;
diminution de la glycmie
0.006
0.0004
0.010
0.0003
0.004
0.002
Arsenic (As)
0.014
Exposition orale
Lsions cutanes ou
chronique chez les
problmes de lappareil
humains
circulatoire et risque accru
Tseng 1977;
de cancer
Tseng et coll., 1968
Bryllium (Be)
0.46
205
Mercure (Hg)
(inorganique)
Thallium (Tl)
tude de toxicit
orale sub-chronique
chez des rats USA
EPA, 1986
0.03
Maladies des os (douleurs
et sensibilit des os);
enfants avec fluorose
dentaire
Aucune donne
disponible sur lapport en
eau
0.23
Perte de cheveux;
modification de la
formule sanguine;
problmes rnaux,
intestinaux ou hpatiques
0.005
0.0005
1.5
0.002
0.0003
0.00008
0.002
Limeback H,* Thiessen K,* Isaacson R,* Hirzy W.** 2007 The EPA MCLG for fluoride
in drinking water: new recommendations.
* membres du National Research Council 2006 Review of Fluorides in Drinking Water
** chimiste du US EPA
L'Agence canadienne de protection de l'environnement (ACPE) dfinit le fluorure
comme une substance toxique en fonction des critres suivants:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/lcpe-cepa/default.asp?lang=Fr&n=0DA2924D-1
les substances dsignes toxiques, persistantes, bioaccumulables, d'origine
anthropique et qui ne constituent pas des radionuclides naturels non plus que de
substances naturelles inorganiques, seront alors proposes pour la ralisation de la quasilimine selon l'article 65 (3)de la LCPE (1999).
Est toxique toute substance qui pntre ou peut pntrer dans l'environnement en une
quantit ou concentration ou dans des conditions de nature :
http://www.ec.gc.ca/lcpe-cepa/default.asp?lang=Fr&n=EE4794821&wsdoc=39C6A30B-E760-9B43-DCD7-A041AFF8E84B
206
Afin de dterminer si on devrait dclarer une substance comme tant toxique aux
termes de la LCPE (1999), on tient compte des possibilits et de l'ampleur des rejets dans
l'environnement et des dommages qu'elle peut causer la sant humaine ou aux
cosystmes des niveaux se produisant dans l'environnement canadien. Si on envisage
une substance comme tant toxique, les ministres recommandent l'ajout de la substance
la Liste des substances toxiques (LCPE (1999), annexe 1):
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/fra/C-15.31/page-9.html.
Le gouvernement fdral collabore alors avec les provinces, les territoires, l'industrie, les
organisations non gouvernementales ainsi que les autres parties intresses afin d'laborer
un plan de gestion pour rduire ou liminer les effets nocifs de la substance sur
l'environnement et la sant des Canadiens.
tant donn que le fluorure inorganique, l'arsenic ou du plomb sont des substances
toxiques selon la Loi canadienne sur la protection de l'environnement (LCPE), tant
donn que cette loi recommande leur quasi-limination selon l'article 65 (3) de la LCPE
(1999) et tant donn que leur toxicit sont peu prs quivalente selon les tableaux
prcdemment exposs, Sant Canada accepte-t-il quun aliment (l'eau) contienne du
fluorure, de larsenic ou du plomb la concentration allant de 0,6 1,0 ppm et qui y
serait intentionnellement ajout ? Rappelons que la Loi sur les aliments et drogues stipule
quil est interdit de vendre un aliment qui, selon le cas : a)contient une substance
toxique ou dltre, ou en est recouvert Rappelons que selon l'Agence de la protection
de l'environnement des tats-Unis EPA, il n'y a pas de dose scuritaire pour le plomb
ou l'arsenic (MCLG = 0).
17. tant donn que le fluorure nest pas un lment nutritif essentiel mais seulement
bnfique selon la rponse de Sant Canada la rponse #22 de la ptition 221
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/Francais/pet_221_f_30308.html, il y a-t-il un autre
lment nutritif vitaminique ou minral nayant pas de fonction physiologique reconnue
et ntant pas essentiel la sant chez lhumain tel le cas du fluorure que lon puisse
ajouter aux aliments pour leur fortification, cela sans que ces aliments soient considrs
comme thrapeutiques et sans le requis dune homologation de Sant Canada ? (Exclure
de la rponse les acides amins non essentiels qui peuvent tre essentiels pour certains
et qui peuvent tre ajouts dans les formules de laits materniss ou de dites liquides.)
18. La Loi sur les aliments et drogues (L.R., 1985, ch. F-27) spcifie larticle 4, (1) quil est
interdit de vendre un aliment qui, selon le cas :
a) contient une substance toxique ou dltre, ou en est recouvert;
b) est impropre la consommation humaine;
Jusqu'ici, aucun des produits de sant naturels (NHP) contenant des fluorures ne sont
prpars avec des fluosilicates industrielles servant la fluoration de leau potable parce
quils ne satisferaient pas les exigences de la Loi des aliments et drogues de Sant
207
Canada. Sant Canada peut-il dmontrer que les fluosilicates utiliss pour la fluoration
de leau ne contiennent pas entre 200 et 500 ppm (0,02 0,05%) de mtaux toxiques
tels le plomb, larsenic, le cadmium, le mercure, les radionuclides, etc., dmonstration
qui serait videmment requise pour respecter larticle 4, (1) a) du chapitre I de la Loi?
(voir la norme d'AWWA B703 - acide fluosilicique utilis pour la fluoration de leau dans
plusieurs villes au Canada). Ptition 221E au gnral d'auditeur du Canada, rponse #16,
disponible de :
bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/pet_221_e_30308.html)
19. Si la National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) ne se porte pas responsable de la fiabilit de
sa norme 60 sur les fluorures, quelle ne se porte pas garante de lefficacit et de
linnocuit des fluorures ajouts leau que ses membres distribuent, quelle nassure
pas lanalyse de chaque lot et quelle se dcharge de toutes responsabilits lgales des
dommages sur la sant et sur lenvironnement que pourraient engendrer les agents de
fluoration, outre dassurer que les agents de fluoration respectent grosso modo la
composition chimique spcifie, alors qui, selon Sant Canada, est lgalement
responsable et imputable dassurer la protection de la sant de la population expose
la fluoration artificielle au Canada ?
20. Puisque la National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) ne se porte pas responsable de
linnocuit ou de lefficacit des agents de fluoration de leau potable, et puisque les
produits utiliss pour fluorer leau potable ne relve pas du cadre de rglementation de
la Loi sur les aliments et drogue selon Sant Canada (rponse la question 4 de la
ptition numro 299), alors Sant Canada se fie-t-il sur un organisme qui nest pas
lgalement imputable pour sassurer de la qualit alimentaire, de la salubrit et de
linnocuit des fluorures qui sont ajouts leau potable et de la protection de la sant
des citoyens canadiens ?
208
Ptition
St-Laurent et Leclercville, 2, dcembre 2010
Les fluorures ajouts leau potable sont des
mdicaments non rglements, non homologus,
non contrls, non thiques et illgaux
Ptition en vertu de larticle 22 de la Loi sur le Vrificateur gnral pour mettre
fin linjection de substances toxiques dans leau potable en violation de la Loi
sur les pches :
209
Gilles.parent-nd@bellnet.ca
[document original sign par Gilles Parent,
N.D.A.]
210
Afin dassurer la protection de la sant de la population, Sant Canada est suppos veiller
ce que les mdicaments et les produits de sant naturels soient, homologus et
prpars selon les bonnes pratiques de fabrication par des fabricants possdant une
licence de Sant Canada. Tous les produits ayant une allgation thrapeutique sont
normalement considrs comme des mdicaments et doivent se conformer tous les
rglements de la Loi des aliments et drogues. Malgr que les agents de fluoruration
soient sujets une trs active promotion de leur action thrapeutique de prvenir et
dattnuer la carie dentaire par les agences de sant publique, par les professions
dentaires et mdicales et par Sant Canada et peru ainsi par la population, ces agents
de fluoruration ne sont contraints aucun contrle ou surveillance de Sant Canada.
Cour Suprme du Canada : Les agents de fluoruration, des mdicaments selon la
loi
Dans sa rponse la question # 1 de notre ptition #299, Sant Canada prcise que :
le fluorure ajout leau dans les concentrations disponibles au Canada est jug nutritif
par opposition thrapeutique. Le fluorure est ajout leau potable en tant que mesure
de sant publique visant favoriser la sant dentaire et prvenir les caries dentaires.
Le fluorure utilis pour la fluoruration de leau potable nest pas jug tre une drogue par
Sant Canada conformment la Loi sur les aliments et drogues et nest pas rglement
par le ministre comme drogue.
Puis dans sa rponse la question # 2 et 3 de cette ptition Sant Canada poursuit:
comme indiqu dans notre rponse une ptition antrieur (221, question 14), les
produits utiliss pour fluorer leau potable ne relvent pas du cadre de rglementation de
la Loi sur les aliments et drogues. Ainsi, Sant Canada recommande de veiller ce que
ces produits respectent les normes applicables de lANSI/NSF, et ce, afin de sassurer que
leau traite ne pose pas de risques pour la sant des consommateurs, que cela soit en
raison du fluorure ou de ses impurets (ptition 221, question 3)
La cause Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569 :
Si la finalit de ces fluorures ajouts leau potable vise prvenir ou attnuer la carie
dentaire, ce quadmet Sant Canada dans sa rponse la ptition 299, ces fluorures
deviennent des drogues, des mdicaments. Ce nest pas une opinion mais le
fondement du jugement de la Cour Suprme du Canada auquel sont parvenus les juges
J. Rand. et J. Cartwright. Lopinion de Sant Canada sur la nature et la finalit des
fluorures ajouts leau potable ne semble point soutenable. La nature de ces fluorures
est dtermine par sa finalit. Or si la finalit des fluorures ajouts leau potable tait
de traiter cette eau pour la rendre potable alors ces fluorures ne seraient pas des drogues
et ils nauraient qu respecter les normes applicables de lANSI/NSF pour tre lgaux. Or
ce nest point le cas, leur finalit est de prvenir la carie dentaire. Voici donc la conclusion
des juges J Rand. et J. Cartwright :
But it is not to promote the ordinary use of water as a physical requisite for the body
that fluoridation is proposed. That process has a distinct and different purpose; it is not a
means to an end of wholesome water for waters function but to an end of a special
health purpose for which a water supply is made use of as a means. Page 572
Its purpose and effect are to cause the inhabitants of the metropolitan area, whether or
not they wish to do so, to ingest daily small quantities of fluoride, in the expectation
which appears to be supported by the evidence that this will render great numbers of
them less susceptible to tooth decay. The water supply is made use of as a convenient
211
means of effecting this purpose. In pith and substance the by-law relates not to the
provision of a water supply but to the compulsory preventive medication of the
inhabitants of the area. Page 580 (Emphases ajoutes)
Par consquent, la fluoruration est une mdication prventive force. Comme ce
jugement de la Cour Suprme du Canada na jamais tait contest par le Gouvernement
canadien, il doit faire force de loi et, selon nous, lopinion de Sant Canada qui prtend
que ces fluorures ajouts leau potable ne sont pas des mdicaments na aucune valeur
lgale ou juridique.
Faudrait-il rappeler Sant Canada que larticle C.01.021 du Rglement sur les aliments
et drogues. C.R.C., ch. 870 classe comme mdicament tout produit dont la dose de
fluorure de sodium est suprieure 0,1 mg, or leau potable fluore avec le fluorure de
sodium, le fluosilicate de sodium ou lacide hexafluosilicique a une concentration de 0,6
1,0 mg de fluorure par litre, soit 6 10 fois la dose requise pour dclarer le produit un
mdicament.
Sant Canada nen est pas une incohrence prs relativement au fluorure.
Largumentaire de Sant Canada soulev dans sa rponse la question # 2 et 3 de la
ptition # 299, sous-tend que les produits utiliss pour fluorer leau potable ne relvent
pas du cadre de rglementation de la Loi sur les aliments et drogues. Or la Loi sur les
aliments et drogues spcifie clairement larticle D.02.001 que le fluor est bien un
des minraux nutritifs permissibles dans la fortification des aliments (leau) (D.02.001, k)
et cet article sous-tend que le fluor et les agents de fluoruration relvent de cette Loi:
Loi sur les aliments et drogues, Partie D,Vitamines, minraux et acides amins
Minraux nutritifs dans les aliments
D.02.001. (1) Dans le prsent titre, minral nutritif dsigne lun des lments
chimiques suivants, soit seul, soit en combinaison avec un ou plusieurs autres lments
chimiques :
k) fluor;
Dans le cadre de la Loi sur les aliments et drogues, il serait inconcevable et tout autant
irresponsable si Sant Canada nexerait pas un contrle quant la qualit des lments
nutritifs servant la fortification des aliments en exigeant que les manufacturiers suivent
les Bonnes pratiques de fabrication et que les produits soient dans le Codex ou
quivalant. Les agents de fluoruration ne sont pas de simples additifs de traitement de
leau mais des sources de llment fluorure considr comme nutritif par Sant
Canada. Par consquence, nous nous attendons ce que larticle 4 de la Loi sur les
aliments et drogues sapplique pour tous les lments nutritifs servant la fortification
des aliments, y compris le fluorure :
La Loi sur les aliments et drogues , L.R. (1985), ch. F-27, art. 4 du chapitre I; 1993,
ch. 34, art. 72(F). (http://laws.justice.gc.ca/fr/showtdm/cs/F-27):
Vente interdite
4. (1) Il est interdit de vendre un aliment qui, selon le cas :
a) contient une substance toxique ou dltre, ou en est recouvert;
b) est impropre la consommation humaine;
c) est compos, en tout ou en partie, dune substance malpropre, putride, dgotante,
pourrie, dcompose ou prov enant danimaux malades ou de vgtaux malsains;
d) est falsifi;
e) a t fabriqu, prpar, conserv, emball ou emmagasin dans des conditions non
hyginiques,
212
213
auteurs) Le NSF International n'value pas linnocuit des produits chimiques ajouts
l'eau pour fin de traitement ou lattnuation de maladies chez l'homme et n'value pas le
produit ajout l'eau mais seulement les impurets dans le produit. Source : lettre de
la NSF au Dr. Bill Osmunson, la DDS, MPH, date du 2007/1/2.
Prsentement ni Sant Canada, ni lANSI/NSF nest en mesure dassurer la population
que leau traite par les agents de fluoruration ne pose pas de risques pour la sant des
consommateurs, que cela soit en raison du fluorure ou de ses impurets. Pourtant,
Sant Canada a la responsabilit par la Loi sur les aliments et drogues de veiller ce que
les produits alimentaires, de sant naturels ou pharmaceutiques soient conformes la loi.
La certification des additifs pour le traitement de leau na rien faire avec la fluoruration,
la fluoruration de leau potable ne vise pas le traitement de leau.
Non rglements, non homologus, non contrls, non thiques et illgaux
Veiller assurer ce que les agents de fluoruration respecte la loi est entirement la
responsabilit de Sant Canada et la tentative de Sant Canada de se soustraire ses
obligations en affirmant quil na aucun mandat ni pouvoir concernant le processus de
certification. est inadmissible. (ptition environnementale VG # 221B).
La fluoruration de leau potable ne vise pas le traitement de leau. Les agents de
fluoruration sont des produits falsifis parce quils sont annoncs comme tant
efficaces et scuritaires alors que les lments requis pour ltablissement de ces faits
nont pas t effectus, (voir Loi sur les aliments et drogues, L.R. (1985), ch. F-27, art. 4
du chapitre I). Il est assez vident que Sant Canada cherche crer la confusion sur la
finalit de la fluoruration de leau.
Nous considrons qu la lumire du jugement de la Cour Suprme du Canada, Sant
Canada na pas le choix de considrer le fluorure ajout leau comme un mdicament.
Ce nest pas seulement un simple mdicament mais un mdicament administr des
collectivits et de faon force et le jugement stipule clairement quelle est une
mdication prventive force et collective. Le plus grave, cest que Sant Canada,
le responsable de la scurit des mdicaments au Canada, fait la promotion et entrine
lusage dun mdicament littralement illgal puisquil na pas t homologu,
puisquil na pas subit les tests de toxicologie et defficacit requis, puisque les lots
distribus du mdicament ne subissent pas les tests de contrle de qualit appropris,
puisque les Bonnes pratiques de fabrication ne sont pas respectes, puisque les
manufacturiers nont pas obtenues de licence de fabrication, puisquil nest pas
manufactur, empaquet, transport et entrepos dans des conditions dhygine requis,
puisque llment fluorure est une substance dune toxicit trs leve avoisinant celle de
larsenic et du plomb et que, par consquence, il ne peut pas tre considr scuritaire.
Sil nest pas scuritaire, il est alors le devoir urgent de Sant Canada dagir et de faire
retirer le produit immdiatement. Au lieu de voir immdiatement son retrait, Sant
Canada semble chercher se disculper en tordant ou en ignorants les lois et les
rglements en relguant une fondation de lindustrie des additifs de traitement de leau
des responsabilits dont elle-mme se dcharge entirement et officiellement. Sant
Canada a le devoir de veiller la protection de la sant des citoyens canadiens.
Le devoir du ministre de la Justice du Canada de voir au respect des lois
Maintenant, il semble quil appartient au ministre de la Justice du Canada de voir ce
que Sant Canada applique conformment la Loi sur les aliments et drogues telle quelle
est dicte sur les agents de fluoruration et la lumire du jugement de la Cour Suprme
du Canada. Le ministre de la Justice du Canada a aussi la responsabilit de voir ce que
214
larticle 7 de la Chartre des droits et libert soit respect relative la protection de la vie,
la libert et la scurit de sa personne. Or la fluoruration de leau potable, l o elle
est applique, constitue ladministration dune mdication prventive force sans le
consentement des patients et elle contrevient larticle 7 de la Charte qui consacre
linviolabilit de la personne. Le viol du droit fondamental des individus la libert et la
scurit de sa personne quengendre la fluoruration de son eau potable, exige une action
immdiate du ministre de la Justice du Canada. En consquence, ministre de la Justice
du Canada devrait ordonner sur le champ la cessation de la fluoruration. De plus, il
devrait ordonner Sant Canada de voir au retrait immdiat des agents de fluoruration,
parce ces derniers ne sont pas conformes la Loi des aliments et drogues, et dclarer
ces agents illgaux parce quils ne sont pas homologus. Sant Canada a entirement le
pouvoir et la responsabilit de faire appliquer la Loi sur les aliments et drogues sur les
agents de la fluoruration. Il appartient aussi, daprs nous, au ministre de la Justice du
Canada faire respecter les lois environnementales qui dfend de rejeter dans
lenvironnement des substances toxiques tels les fluorures des concentrations qui
peuvent avoir un impact ngatifs sur les cosystmes aquatiques en eau douce trs
sensibles aux fluorures.
La responsabilit du ministre de lEnvironnement du Canada face la
fluoruration
Le ministre de lEnvironnement du Canada a aussi un droit de regard sur cette mesure
de sant publique parce que cette mesure entrane le dversement dans les cours deau
et les grands lacs dune substance quil considre comme toxique pour la faune et flore
aquatique. Les dversements de fluorures des effluents des villes qui fluorent leur eau
potable dpassent de 5 8 fois la Recommandation canadienne sur la qualit des
eaux (RCQE) pour la protection de la vie en eau douce. (Voir les citations la Ptition
VG #221) Le ministre de lEnvironnement du Canada a le devoir de voir protger cette
faune et cette flore aquatique et, pour cela, il doit faire appliquer la Loi canadienne sur la
protection de l'environnement, 1999 (LCPE 1999) et la Loi sur les pches du Canada (
L.R., 1985, ch. F-14) (articles 34(1), 35 (1) et 36 (42), ceci implique de faire cesser la
fluoruration partout au Canada.
QUESTIONS
1. Dans la rponse # 1 notre ptition #299, Sant Canada prcise que le fluorure
ajout leau nest pas jug, selon lui, comme un mdicament ou un produit de
sant naturel mais comme un lment nutritif servant la fortification. Toutefois,
le jugement de la Cour Suprme du Canada, dans son jugement de la cause
Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569, en date de
1957-06-26 a tabli que la fluoruration de leau potable tait une mdication
prventive force (compulsory preventive medication) :
Its purpose and effect are to cause the inhabitants of the metropolitan area, whether or
not they wish to do so, to ingest daily small quantities of fluoride, in the expectation
which appears to be supported by the evidence that this will render great numbers of
them less susceptible to tooth decay. The water supply is made use of as a convenient
means of effecting this purpose. In pith and substance the by-law relates not to the
provision of a water supply but to the compulsory preventive medication of the
inhabitants of the area. Juge J. Cartwright, page 580
Comment Sant Canada concilie-t-il le jugement de la Cour Suprme du Canada qui
stipule que la fluoruration constitue une mdication prventive force avec son
opinion qui juge que le fluorure ajout leau ne constitue pas une mdication ? Le
215
216
217
218
slnium leau potable de laqueduc et si oui sous quelle loi ou sous quel
rglement le fluorure bnficierait dune exemption plus que le vanadium, le
chrome ou le slnium ?
19. Selon Sant Canada, il y a-t-il une loi ou un rglement qui dfendrait aux
municipalits lajout du minral lithium leau potable de laqueduc et si oui sous
quelle loi ou sous quel rglement le mdicament fluorure bnficierait dune
exemption plus que le lithium?
20. Quand et comment Sant Canada prvoit-il mener une campagne de
sensibilisation sur limportance de ne pas utiliser de leau potable artificiellement
fluorure pour la prparation du lait maternis, tant donn que cette priode de
la formation de la dentition est approximativement la plus risque dengendrer la
fluorose dentaire, afin dassurer son devoir de protger la sant de la population
canadienne ?
Questions dadressant Sant Canada, au ministre de la Justice et au
ministre de lEnvironnement suivant la prcision apporte dans la question.
[haut de la page]
Messieurs,
La prsente fait suite votre ptition environnementale (no 299-C), prsente en vertu
de larticle 22 de la Loi sur le vrificateur gnral, concernant les fluorures ajouts leau
potable. Votre ptition a t reue Environnement Canada le 22 dcembre 2010.
Puisque les questions que vous soulevez concernent principalement leau potable, la
ministre de la Sant rpondra pour le compte du gouvernement du Canada.
Je vous prie dagrer, Messieurs, mes salutations distingues.
[document original sign par Peter Kent, ministre de lEnvironnement]
Lhonorable Peter Kent, C.P., dput
c.c. : Lhonorable Leona Aglukkaq, C.P., dpute
M. Scott Vaughan, commissaire lenvironnement et au dveloppement durable
[haut de la page]
219
220
Its purpose and effect are to cause the inhabitants of the metropolitan area,
whether or not they wish to do so, to ingest daily small quantities of .fluoride, in
the expectation which appears to be supported by the evidence that this will
render great numbers of them less susceptible to tooth decay. The water supply
is made use of as a convenient means of effecting this purpose. In pith and
substance the by-law relates not to the provision of a water supply but to the
compulsory preventive medication of the inhabitants of the area. Juge J.
Cartwright, page 580
a-t-il suprmatie sur lopinion de Sant Canada relativement la nature des
fluorures ajouts leau potable dans le cadre de la fluoruration dont le but
avou est de prvenir et traiter la carie dentaire chez les citoyens des
communauts dont leau est ainsi mdicalise? Sant Canada juge que ces
fluorures ainsi ajouts leau ne sont pas une mdication mais un ajout
nutritionnel visant la fortification de leau.
Cette question constitue une demande davis juridique. Le ministre de la Justice ne peut
donner davis juridiques aux citoyens.
Question 3 : Selon le Ministre de la Justice, le jugement de la Cour Suprme du
Canada, dans la cause Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957]
S.C.R. 569, en date de 1957-06-26 qui a tabli que la fluoruration de l eau
potable tait une mdication prventive force (compulsory preventive
medication) et qui na jamais t contest par le Gouvernement du Canada
constitue-t-il un prcdent judiciaire qui fait force de loi relativement la
nature mdicamenteuse de lajout des fluorures leau potable dans le but de
prvenir et traiter la carie dentaire?
Cette question constitue une demande davis juridique. Le ministre de la Justice ne peut
donner davis juridiques aux citoyens.
Question 6 : Quelles sont les actions que le Ministre de la Justice du Canada
peut prendre contre Sant Canada sil ne remplit pas sa responsabilit dassurer
la protection de la sant de la population du Canada en permettant le recours
dun mdicament non homologu, non test, non contrl, non caractris, en
loccurrence les agents de fluoruration, considrant que la Cour Suprme du
Canada a statu en 1957 que la fluoruration de leau potable tait une
mdication prventive force, que ce jugement na jamais t contest, et que
Sant Canada na jamais pris en compte ce jugement pourtant crucial qui dfinit
en fait les agents de fluoruration comme des mdicaments quant sa finalit
de prvenir et de traiter la carie dentaire? (Cause Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest
Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R.569, en date de 1957-06-26)
Cette question constitue une demande davis juridique. Le ministre de la Justice ne peut
donner davis juridiques aux citoyens.
Question 7 :Combien de temps est-il ncessaire pour que le Ministre de la
Justice du Canada prenne action contre Sant Canada qui permet, malgr sa
responsabilit de voir ce que les mdicaments soit scuritaires, la distribution
de mdicament de qualit trs douteux qui nont pas reu une homologation de
Sant Canada, de plus, non tests, non contrls, non caractriss, en l
occurrence les agents de fluoruration, et que la distribution de ces mdicaments
soit stoppe et que les dits mdicaments soient retir du march si Sant
Canada n agit pas incessamment, ceci dans le but de protger la sant des
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Messieurs,
Je donne suite la ptition environnementale no 299 C qui a t envoye le
2 dcembre 2010 monsieur Scott Vaughan, commissaire lenvironnement et au
dveloppement durable (CEDD).
Dans votre ptition, vous avez soulev des questions portant sur lajout des fluorures
dans leau potable.
Je suis heureuse de vous transmettre la rponse ci-jointe de Sant Canada relative
votre ptition. Je comprends que les ministres de la Justice et procureur gnral du
Canada et dEnvironnement Canada rpondront sparment.
Japprcie votre intrt face ce sujet important et jespre que vous trouverez ces
renseignements utiles.
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Toute rfrence fait leau potable ou leau est exclusif leau embouteille et
la glace pramballer et pour ces motifs, dans lensemble, est vu pour leurs
qualits essentielles.
Le fluorure est considr comme un mdicament lorsquil est offert aux fins de
vente sous une forme posologique dfinitive, quil est utilis en forte
concentration avec un systme de livraison du mdicament et quil est tiquet
pour usage thrapeutique (ou quil prsente des affirmations thrapeutiques).
Lorsquon lajoute leau, des seuils conformes aux recommandations des
organismes consultatifs spcialiss tels que lInstitute of Medicine et la National
Academies of Science, pour satisfaire une exigence nutritionnelle, il est
considr une substance minrale nutritive.
Pour clarifier les choses, la National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) international est
une organisation de normalisation; des organismes de certification (plutt que
lorganisation de rdaction des normes) certifient que les produits satisfont aux
exigences dune norme particulire. Les normes doivent tre mentionnes dans la
lgislation ou la rglementation pour quelles deviennent excutoires. Elles sont
des outils dont disposent les organismes rglementaires pour aider assurer la
qualit de leau potable.
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Le fluorure est ajout leau potable titre de mesure de sant publique pour
protger lhygine dentaire en prvenant ou en rduisant les caries. Le fluorure
ajout leau selon les concentrations offertes au Canada est jug nutritif par
opposition thrapeutique. La fluoruration de leau potable a pour but de fournir
une source alimentaire de fluorure, un minral nutritif. Les produits utiliss pour
fluorer leau potable ne tombent pas sous le coup du cadre rglementaire de la
Loi sur les aliments et drogues (LAD). Sant Canada recommande que ces
produits soient certifis selon la norme American National Standards Institute
(ANSI)/NSF approprie, pour sassurer que leau traite ne prsente aucun risque
pour la sant des consommateurs provenant soit du fluorure ou de toute
impuret dans les conditions dutilisation recommandes.
Question 1 (Q. 1) :
Dans la rponse no 1 notre ptition no 299, Sant Canada prcise que le
fluorure ajout l'eau n'est pas jug, selon lui, comme un mdicament ou un
produit de sant naturel mais comme un lment nutritif servant la
fortification. Toutefois, le jugement de la Cour Suprme du Canada, dans son
jugement de la cause Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R.
569, en date de 1957-06-26 a tabli que la fluoruration de l'eau potable tait
une mdication prventive force (compulsory preventive medication) :
Its purpose and effect are to cause the inhabitants of the metropolitan area,
whether or not they wish to do so, to ingest daily small quantities of le fluorure,
in the expectation which appears to be supported by the evidence that this will
render great numbers of them less susceptible to tooth decay. The water supply
is made use of as a convenient means of effecting this purpose. In pith and
substance the by-law relates not to the provision of a water supply but to the
224
225
Rponse (Q. 3) :
Le ministre de la Justice fournira une rponse cette question sous pli spar.
Question 4 (Q. 4) :
Le jugement de la Cour Suprme du Canada, dans la cause Metropolitan Toronto
v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569, en date de 1957-06-26 qui a dfinit la
fluoruration de l'eau potable comme tant une mdication prventive force
(compulsory preventive medication) et que le gouvernement du Canada n'a
jamais port en appel ce jugement devant la Cour Suprme du Canada :
Its purpose and effect are to cause the inhabitants of the metropolitan area,
whether or not they wish to do so, to ingest daily small quantities of le fluorure,
in the expectation which appears to be supported by the evidence that this will
render great numbers of them less susceptible to tooth decay. The water supply
is made use of as a convenient means of effecting this purpose. In pith and
substance the by-law relates not to the provision of a water supply but to the
compulsory preventive medication of the inhabitants of the area. Juge J.
Cartwright, page 580
Sant Canada est-il contraint respecter ce jugement de la Cour Suprme du
Canada et de traiter la fluoruration comme une mdication prventive force
des citoyens et, par consquent, considrer les agents de fluoruration comme
des mdicaments ?
Rponse (Q. 4) :
Cette question vise obtenir une opinion juridique. La ministre de la Sant nest pas
habilite fournir une opinion juridique un citoyen ou une citoyenne.
Question 5 (Q. 5) :
Combien de temps est-il ncessaire pour que Sant Canada prenne action contre
la distribution d'un mdicament, en l'occurrence les agents de fluoruration, qui
n'a pas reu une homologation de Sant Canada, soit stoppe et que ces agents
de fluoruration soit retirs du march, considrant que la Cour Suprme du
Canada a statu que la fluoruration de l'eau potable tait une mdication
prventive force ?
Rponse (Q. 5) :
Cette question vise obtenir une opinion juridique. La ministre de la Sant nest pas
habilite fournir une opinion juridique un citoyen ou une citoyenne.
Question 6 (Q. 6) :
Quelles sont les mesures que le Ministre de la Justice du Canada peut prendre
contre Sant Canada s'il ne remplit pas sa responsabilit d'assurer la protection
de la sant de la population du Canada en permettant le recours d'un
mdicament non homologue, non test, non contrl, non caractris, en 1'
occurrence les agents de fluoruration, considrant que la Cour Suprme du
Canada a statu en 1957 que la fluoruration de l'eau potable tait une
226
227
Quels sont les mesures et les dmarches qu'a effectu Sante Canada auprs du
contentieux juridique pour s'assurer du statut des agents de fluoruration
savoir s'ils sont des mdicaments, des agents de fortifications de l'eau ou des
additifs pour le traitement de 1' eau, en tenant compte du jugement de la Cour
Suprme du Canada dans la cause Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village),
[1957] S.C.R. 569, en date de 1957-0626 ?
Rponse (Q. 9) :
Cette question vise obtenir une opinion juridique. La ministre de la Sant nest pas
habilite fournir une opinion juridique un citoyen ou une citoyenne.
Question 10 (Q. 10) :
Selon Sant Canada, les fabricants ou distributeurs des supplments de
fluorures qui ont t homologus jusqu'ici par Sant Canada sous la Loi des
aliments et drogues (mdicaments avec un Numro d'Identification (DIN) ou
des produits de sant naturels avec un NPN) ont-ils eu a effectuer les tests de la
toxicologie chronique, incluant la cancrognicit, la neurotoxicit et la
toxicocintique, avoir une licence d'exploitation pour dmontrer les bonnes
pratiques de fabrication et prsenter les preuves d'efficacit et d'innocuit
avant que Sant Canada ne leurs attribue une homologation pour ces
mdicaments ?
Rponse (Q. 10) :
Lexamen obligatoire pralable la commercialisation effectu par Sant Canada
relativement chaque demande de licence de mise en march de produit visant un
produit de sant avant de recevoir une homologation cette fin (attribution dun numro
DIN ou NPN), comprend notamment un examen exhaustif de tous les lments probants
requis afin de dmontrer que le produit est de haute qualit, scuritaire et efficace
lorsquutilis suivant les indications demploi recommandes. Une telle preuve est
notamment constitue des rsultats des tests de carcinognicit, de neurotoxicit, de
toxicokintique et de toxicologie chronique effectus comme il convient pour chacun des
produits.
Les fabricants et les distributeurs de supplments de fluorure homologus par Sant
Canada en vertu de la Loi sur les aliments et drogues auxquels un numro DIN ou NPN
est attribu doivent se conformer aux bonnes pratiques de fabrication (BPF) tel que
prescrit la partie C, division 2, du Rglement sur les aliments et drogues (RAD), dans le
cas des produits DIN, ou la partie 3 du Rglement sur les produits de sant naturels
(RPSN), dans le cas des produits de sant naturels, afin dtre autoriss vendre leurs
produits au Canada.
Les bonnes pratiques de fabrication (BPF) sont le volet de lassurance-qualit qui garantit
que les mdicaments et les produits de sant naturels soient systmatiquement produits
et contrls de manire satisfaire aux normes de qualit qui conviennent lutilisation
vise, telle que stipule dans les exigences de dlivrance des licences de mise en march
de ces produits. Tous les mdicaments et les produits de sant naturels doivent tre
fabriqus, emballs, tiquets, imports, distribus et entreposs conformment aux
BPF. Les importateurs, les fabricants, les emballeurs et les tiqueteurs doivent obtenir un
permis dtablissement (RAD, Partie C, Division 1A) dans le cas des activits en lien avec
les mdicaments et un permis demplacement (RPSN, Partie 2) dans le cas des activits
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en lien avec les PSN, dont la dlivrance repose sur une preuve suffisante de conformit
aux exigences en matire de BPF stipules dans la rglementation pertinente.
Question 11 (Q. 11) :
Quel est la dose en mg/kg/jour de fluorure qui serait considre comme
nutritionnelle par opposition la dose thrapeutique selon Sant Canada ?
(Fournir les donnes de la dose thrapeutique recommande pour chaque
groupe d'ge et y joignant lquivalence en litre d'eau selon les concentrations
considres efficaces sur le plan nutritionnel)
Rponse (Q. 11) :
Les apports nutritionnels de rfrence (ANREF) sont constitus de valeurs de rfrence
nutritionnelles pour des populations en sant pouvant servir lvaluation et la
planification dune dite. Les ANREF ont t tablis par des scientifiques canadiens et
amricains dans le cadre dun processus dexamen supervis par la National Academy of
Sciences, un organisme non gouvernemental indpendant.
Lapport suffisant (AS) est le niveau recommand dapport quotidien en substances
nutritives, tabli en fonction dapproximations ou destimations rsultant dobservations
ou dexprimentations pour lapport de substances nutritives par un ou plusieurs groupes
de personnes en bonne sant apparente et que lon estime maintenir un tat nutritionnel
adquat. Lapport nutritionnel tabli pour le fluorure est de 4 mg/jour, pour les hommes,
gs de plus de 18 ans, et de 3 mg/jour pour les femmes ges de plus de 13 ans,
y compris les femmes enceintes et celles qui allaitent. Pour les enfants, lapport
nutritionnel tabli pour le fluorure est de 0,01 mg/jour (nourrissons de 0 6 mois),
0,5 mg/jour (de 7 12 mois), 0,7 mg/jour (enfants de 1 3 ans), 1,0 mg/jour (enfants
de 4 8 ans), 2,0 mg/jour (hommes de 9 13 ans), 3,0 mg/jour (hommes de 14
18 ans), et 2,0 mg/jour (femmes de 9 13 ans).
Les niveaux de fluorure prsents dans les supplments oraux (comprims mcher ou
gouttes) aux fins de la prvention nutritionnelle de la carie dentaire sont expressment
indiqus sur ltiquette de ces produits comme tant uniquement destins lemploi chez
des enfants vivant dans des rgions dont leau potable contient peu sinon aucune teneur
en fluorure. Les dosages sont tablis de manire ce que lapport en fluorure est
similaire celui pour les enfants ayant accs de leau fluore, soit en thorie un apport
total de 1.0 mg/jour de fluorure.
Contrairement leau fluore qui procure une concentration en fluorure denviron
1,0 mg/L, soit 1 ppm, pouvant aller jusqu un maximum de 1,5 ppm, la concentration de
fluorure dans les produits dhygine dentaire utiliss des fins de prvention ou des
fins thrapeutiques est beaucoup plus leve. La tranche recommande des
concentrations de fluorure dans les dentifrices en gel ou en pte stablit entre 850 et
1150 mg/kg (ppm), pour une moyenne de 1000 ppm, dans le cadre dun traitement au
moins deux fois par jour. Pour ce qui est des diffrents groupes dge, il est recommand
pour les enfants de moins de six ans dutiliser seulement une quantit de dentifrice de la
taille dun pois, et il est conseill aux parents de consulter un professionnel de la sant
avant dutiliser un tel traitement pour les enfants de moins de deux ans. Dans le cas des
gels et des produits de rinage au fluorure, la tranche des concentrations de fluorure
stablit entre 14 ppm et 970 ppm, les produits ayant une plus forte concentration ntant
pas recommands pour les enfants de moins de six ans. Les produits usage
professionnel (dentistes seulement) pour une thrapie au fluorure ont des concentrations
de fluorure allant de 27 12 400 ppm, et ne doivent tre utiliss que sous la supervision
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directe dun dentiste qui doit utiliser son jugement professionnel en ce qui a trait lge
des patients recevant un tel traitement, quoique lutilisation de produits de rinage
forte concentration de fluorure ne soient pas recommande pour les enfants gs de
moins de six ans.
Question 12 (Q. 12) :
Comment Sant Canada explique-t-il que la dose nutritionnelle de fluorure
obtenue de l'eau puisse facilement tre quivalente, voire souvent suprieure,
la dose considre thrapeutique qui sont offerte par les supplments de
fluorure qui, eux, sont considrs comme des mdicaments et requirent une
homologation pour tre distribus alors que les agents de fluoruration n'en
requerraient point ? Toutes les deux formes de traitement visent le mme
objectif, soit de rduire l'incidence de la cane, toutes les deux offrent une dose
quotidienne quivalente, toutes les deux causent des effets nfastes sur la
sant dentaire en engendrant la fluorose dentaire qui atteint jusqu'a 75 % de la
population des municipalits appliquant la fluoruration et jusqu 11 %, de type
modr svre.
Rponse (Q. 12) :
Le fluorure protge lmail des dents contre lacide qui provoque la carie dentaire. titre
de mesure de sant publique, leau potable fluore rduit grandement le nombre de
cavits. Par consquent, le fluorure est utilis (dans la fluoruration de leau) chez bon
nombre de collectivits lchelle du Canada. Bien que la qualit de leau potable
municipale soit rglemente au niveau provincial/territorial, Sant Canada recommande
fortement que tous les produits ajouts leau potable durant son traitement et sa
distribution soient certifis comme rpondant aux normes ANSI/NSF appropries. Cela
est vrai de tous les produits de traitement deau utiliss pour la fluoruration.
Selon les constatations et recommandations issues de la runion du groupe dexperts,
convoqu par Sant Canada en janvier 2007 (description complte disponible sur le site
internet de Sant Canada au http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/watereau/2008-fluoride-fluorure/index-fra.php), leau fluore un niveau optimal
nentranerait pas la fluorose dentaire (taches blanches sur les dents) qui peut constituer
un problme cosmtique (modr ou grave, selon lindice de Dean). Les rsultats de
lEnqute canadienne sur les mesures de la sant 2007-2009 (module sur lhygine
buccale) viennent valider le fait que la fluorose dentaire demeure une question peu
proccupante au pays puisque peu denfants canadiens souffrent de fluorose modre ou
grave qui, mme combins, prsentent une prvalence trop faible pour permettre un
signalement.
Les approvisionnements en eau fluore fournissent typiquement du fluorure selon une
concentration denviron 1,0 mg/L, ce qui correspond 1 ppm. La concentration maximale
acceptable dans le cas du fluorure contenu dans leau potable est de 1,5 mg/L (1,5 ppm).
Les niveaux de fluorure qui se trouve dans les supplments oraux (p. ex., en comprims
croquer ou en gouttes) pour la prvention nutritionnelle des caries dentaires sont
expressment tiquets pour usage seulement chez les enfants vivant dans des rgions
prsentant peu ou pas de concentration de fluorure dans leau ltat naturel. Les
posologies sont tablies de sorte que lapport en fluorure soit similaire celui des enfants
dont leau est fluore, p. ex., fluorure total thorique de 1,0 mg/jour.
Les produits de sant dentaire au fluorure pour un usage prventif et thrapeutique sont
gnralement beaucoup plus concentrs que les supplments nutritionnels. Les ptes et
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les gels dentifrices fluors et les eaux dentifrices fluores aux fins dutilisation par les
consommateurs contiennent du fluorure selon une concentration moyenne denviron
1 000 ppm. Les produits fluors aux fins dutilisation par un dentiste (c.--d. pour un
usage professionnel seulement) peuvent atteindre des concentrations de 12 400 ppm.
Comme avec tous les autres supplments minraux oraux (p. ex., le calcium, le
magnsium, le fer) visant la prvention des symptmes de carence ou des fins
thrapeutiques, ces produits finis sous forme nosologique sont depuis longtemps
rglements au Canada comme produits de sant et non comme aliments, dabord en
tant que mdicaments en vertu du Rglement sur les aliments et drogues (RAD) et
ensuite, depuis lentre en vigueur du Rglement sur les produits de sant naturels
(RPSN) en 2004, en tant que produits de sant naturels.
Conformment au RPSN, chaque supplment fluor doit subir une valuation prcommerciale de sa qualit, de son innocuit et de son efficacit au titre des conditions
dutilisation recommandes, avant de pouvoir recevoir une licence de mise en march du
produit qui en autorise la vente au Canada. Tous les importateurs, fabricants, emballeurs
et tiqueteurs doivent galement obtenir une licence demplacement, dont la dlivrance
repose sur une preuve de conformit aux bonnes pratiques de fabrication (BPF).
Grce cette valuation pr-commerciale obligatoire de la qualit, de lefficacit et de
linnocuit continues de chaque produit, les Canadiennes et les Canadiens ont un accs
facilit des produits de sant fluors homologus qui ne sont associs aucune
importante incidence de taches blanches sur les dents, lorsquils sont utiliss
conformment aux conditions dutilisation recommandes. ce jour, Sant Canada a
autoris 313 produits de sant naturels contenant du fluorure. Veuillez consulter la Base
de donnes des produits de sant naturels homologus pour tout renseignement sur ces
produits fluors autoriss (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/applications/licenprod/lnhpd-bdpsnh-fra.php).
Question 13 (Q. 13) :
tant donn que la National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) est un organisme de
l'industrie des agents de traitement de l'eau qui n'est pas imputable a aucun
gouvernement ou agence de sant publique, quelle nest pas responsable de
dmontrer la conformit relative aux exigences fdrales applicable pour un
mdicament, un produit de sant naturel ou un nutriment et que Sant Canada
rejette cette responsabilit en allguant qu'il juge les agents de fluoruration
tre nutritionnels au lieu de thrapeutique, contrairement au jugement de la
Cour Suprme du Canada (Cause Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village),
[1957] S.C.R. 569, en date de 1957-06-26), quel gouvernement ou quel
ministre est imputable pour assurer l'efficacit et l'innocuit des agents de
fluoruration de l'eau potable au Canada et ainsi assurer la protection de la sant
des citoyens canadiens ?
Rponse (Q. 13) :
Cette question vise obtenir une opinion juridique. La ministre de la Sant nest pas
habilite fournir une opinion juridique un citoyen ou une citoyenne.
Question 14 (Q. 14) :
Sant Canada est-il sous l'impression ou laisse-t-il croire que les exigences de la
rglementation de la norme 60 de NSF incluent les valuations ncessaires pour
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Le fluorure est en outre quune partie de ces activits et non pas reli une ligne
budgtaire spcifique.
Question 17 (Q. 17) :
A larticle C.01.021 sur les doses limites des drogues du Rglement sur les
aliments et drogues. C.R.C., ch. 870 classe comme drogue tout produit dont la
dose de fluorure de sodium est suprieure 0,1 mg, par quel dtournement de
la Loi sur les aliments et drogues et du Rglement sur les aliments et drogues
Sant Canada parvient-il a ne pas classer comme drogue l'eau embouteille
fortifie avec du fluorure de sodium la concentration de1 mg/1 et 1'eau
potable traite avec du fluorure de sodium, du fluosilicate de sodium ou de
l'acide hexafluosilicique doses semblables ?
Rponse (Q. 17) :
Cette question vise obtenir une opinion juridique. La ministre de la Sant nest pas
habilite fournir une opinion juridique un citoyen ou une citoyenne.
Question 18 (Q. 18) :
Selon Sant Canada, il y a-t-il une loi ou un rglement qui dfendrait aux
municipalits l'ajout de minraux de fortification tels le vanadium, le chrome ou
le slnium l'eau potable de l'aqueduc et si oui sous quelle loi ou sous quel
rglement le fluorure bnficierait d'une exemption plus que le vanadium, le
chrome ou le slnium ?
Rponse (Q. 18) :
Cette question vise obtenir une opinion juridique. La ministre de la Sant nest pas
habilite fournir une opinion juridique un citoyen ou une citoyenne.
Question 19 (Q. 19) :
Selon Sant Canada, il y a-t-il une loi ou un rglement qui dfendrait aux
municipalits l'ajout du minral lithium l'eau potable de l'aqueduc et si oui
sous quelle loi ou sous quel rglement le mdicament fluorure bnficierait
d'une exemption plus que le lithium?
Rponse (Q. 19) :
Cette question vise obtenir une opinion juridique. La ministre de la Sant nest pas
habilite fournir une opinion juridique un citoyen ou une citoyenne.
Question 20 (Q. 20) :
Quand et comment Sant Canada prvoit-il mener une campagne de
sensibilisation sur l'importance de ne pas utiliser de 1'eau potable
artificiellement fluorure pour la prparation du lait maternis, tant donn que
cette priode de la formation de la dentition est approximativement la plus
risque d'engendrer la fluorose dentaire, afin d'assurer son devoir de protger
la sant de la population canadienne ?
233
234
[OAG translation]
Fluorides Added to Drinking Water are Unregulated, Unlicensed, Uncontrolled,
Unethical
and Illegal Drugs
Petition under Section 22 of the Auditor General Act for discontinuation of the
addition of toxic substances (inorganic fluorides, inorganic arsenic, lead) to drinking
water in violation of the Fisheries Act, specifically
Section 34(1), which contains the provisions to conserve and protect fish habitat that
sustains Canadas fisheries resources, and to prevent its harmful alteration;
Section 35(1), which prohibits the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish
habitat; and
Sections 36-42, which control the deposit of any deleterious substance in water, which
is fish habitat.
235
The legislation on natural health products, under the Food and Drugs Act (FDA), was
enacted into law in January 2004. Producers, distributors, purchasers and sellers of these
products had until 31 December 2009 to comply with this new legislation. However,
Health Canada informed us that no producer, distributor, purchaser or seller of natural
fluoridation health products submitted any application for a licence for fluoridation
agents. Consequently, and in accordance with the legislation, these fluoridation agents are
illegal and should neither be sold nor purchased in Canada. Any municipality purchasing
these products would therefore be contravening the legislation.
In short, on every levellegal, ethical, environmental, and moralartificial fluoridation
of water cannot be considered a sustainable or acceptable measure.
Fluorides added to drinking water are unregulated and unlicensed drugs
The false labelling of fluoridation agents and fluoridated water as a simple water
treatment additive, rather than as a drug, has enabled government agencies to
circumvent the federal and provincial legislation on drugs for over 60 years. The political
implications are clear. Without the normal constraint of the regular drug approval process
(e.g. the Food and Drugs Act and the Natural Health Products Regulations), a
municipality could decide to add any drug to its drinking water, on the pretext that it is
nothing more than a simple additive. In Canada, a drug is defined as any substance or
mixture of substances produced, sold, or represented for use in
(http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/F-27/): the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or
prevention of a disease, disorder or abnormal physical state, or its symptoms, in
human beings or animals. In accordance with this definition, fluoridation products
used in artificial fluoridation of water that are expressly added to treat, mitigate, or
prevent dental caries are subject to the legislation on drugs.
Dr. Philip Michael, Vice-President (Europe) of the International Society of Doctors for
the Environment (ISDE), recently explained that assessment of the risks associated with
chemical fluoridation products must meet the clinical requirements for active
pharmacological substances (http://fluoridealert.org/michael-2009.html):
These are that they should be safe and effective after clinically conducted trials,
and the quality and dissemination of information about these substances to citizens
must be such as to enable them to make informed choices about their own
treatment.
Note also that Health Canada does not recommend ingestion of regulated fluoride
supplements, but, surprisingly, encourages ingestion of unregulated drugs in the
context of artificial fluoridation of water. This is illogical. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hlvs/iyh-vsv/environ/fluor-eng.php
Health Canada does not consider fluoride as an essential nutrient. AG Petition
221, Response # 22 http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/pet_221_e_30308.html
237
Since Health Canada has clearly demonstrated that fluoride is not essential, the reason for
adding it to drinking water specifically validates its role as a drug, since the nutritional
argument does not hold, given that fluoride is simply not an essential nutrient.
Dr. Bill Osmunson, DDS, MPH, obtained the opinion of the Washington State Board of
Pharmacy:
Fluoride is a legend drug regulated under chapter 69.41 RCW. RCW 69.41.010
defines a legend drug as drugs which are required by state law or regulation of
the state board of pharmacy to be dispensed on prescription only or are restricted
to use by practitioners only. IN WAC 246-883-020(2), the Board specified that
legend drugs are drugs which have been designated as legend drugs under federal
law and are listed as such in the 2002 edition of the Drug Topics Red Book.
The Chair of the 2000 York Review states in the British Medical Journal:
If fluoride is a medicine, evidence on its effects should be subject to standards of
proof expected of drugs, including evidence from randomised trials () There have
been no randomised trials of water fluoridation. Source: Cheng, KK, Chalmer, I,
Sheldon, TA 2007 British Medical Journal, 6 October, Vol. 335: 699-702.
Under the federal Pharmacy Act, these drugs are listed and published by NAPRA
(National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities). (See www.napra.org and
search for sodium fluoride.)
Although it is not licensed by Health Canada, and although it is has not been the subject
of any new drug submission, fluoride intended for ingestion to prevent disease is
distributed in two ways:
1) in pharmacies, on prescription and as an over-the-counter drug; and
2) through mass medication, via fluoridated water, without a prescription, unregulated
and unlicensed by Health Canada and without the informed consent of citizens.
In a letter dated 7 January 2010, sent to Carole Clinch by Health Canadas Drug Product
Database section, the following statement is made:
"Note that the fluorinated compounds added to drinking water are not the same as
the compounds used by dentists and are not regulated as drugs by Health Canada."
Petition #221, Q/R #15:
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/pet_221_e_30308.html
Q: Is fluoride considered to be a drug that is subject to Health Canada or any other
regulation(s)?
R: When fluoride is () labelled for therapeutic use (or makes therapeutic claims),
238
the products are considered drugs under the Food and Drugs Act and are regulated
under the Natural Health Product Regulations().
In a letter dated 9 February 2010, sent to Carole Clinch by Health Canadas Drug Product
Database section and Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada states:
[translation] Fluorides are classed as NHPs () but no application has as yet been
received by the Therapeutic Products Directorate.
In other words, no producer, distributor, buyer, or seller of these products has even tried
to comply with the legislation. Petition #221, A #15 & -#16:
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/pet_221_e_30308.html
In its response to Environmental Petition No. 221B, submitted by Carole Clinch under
Section 22 of the Auditor General Act, Health Canada stated that it had no toxicological
study on fluosilicates and that it acknowledges no responsibility for research into their
safety:
Health Canada has not conducted toxicology studies on fluorosilicates () The
department works with certification and accreditation bodies to meet this goal, but
has no mandate or authority regarding the certification process.
At no time has the certification process of a body such as the National Sanitation
Foundation ensured the efficacy, safety, or pharmaceutical quality of the fluorides used
for water fluoridation. This certification process is used only for the additives put into
water, not for products for which therapeutic claims are made, be they natural health
products or drugs.
Pursuant to the Food and Drug Regulations and the Natural Health Products
Regulations, fluorides sold in Canada must comply with the following legislative
requirements (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/legislation/pol/complianconform_pol-eng.php):
1) Product licensing: All natural health products require a product licence before
they can be sold in Canada () A system of site licensing requires that all Canadian
manufacturers, packagers, labellers and importers of natural health products be
licensed.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/about-apropos/index-eng.php
2) Clinical trials: to discover or verify the products clinical, pharmacological or
pharmacodynamic effects; to identify any adverse events that are related to its use;
to study its absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion; or to ascertain its
safety or efficacy.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/about-apropos/index-eng.php#ct
3) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for natural health products must be
employed to ensure product safety and quality. This requires that appropriate standards
239
The use of fluoride drugs and natural health products added to drinking water and the
related claims concerning H2SiF6 and Na2SiF6 do not meet the legal requirements of the
Natural Health Products Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act.
Health Canada seems to be aware that these natural health products are not in compliance
with Health Canadas regulatory requirements. Health Canada also recognizes the
responsibility for the application of these requirements to artificial water fluoridation
products (H2SiF6 and Na2SiF6). In spite of this knowledge and this responsibility, Health
Canada has allowed the use of these products for over 6 years, from the time the natural
health products legislation was put in place to the present day. Producers, distributers,
buyers (municipalities, provinces), and sellers continue to fail to comply with the law.
Health Canada must now rigorously take the steps necessary for regulation of these
240
fluorinated drugs/natural health products, failing which, it must prohibit the sale of these
products in Canada.
http://www.chfa.ca/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Lp%2fKxMx6zHI%3d&tabid=360&l
anguage=en-US
In the absence of licensing, it seems clear that any Health Canada claim made on the
Departments website, by Health Canadas Chief Dental Officer or by anyone else, to the
effect that these unlicensed and unregulated drugs are safe and effective would be
FALSE OR UNFOUNDED, since the reason for these Health Canada regulatory
requirements is precisely to demonstrate their safety and efficacy, which has not, in
fact, been demonstrated.
Consequently, in the absence of Health Canadas regulatory approval, these products should
be considered ILLEGAL and potentially DANGEROUS, in accordance with the Food and Drug
Regulations andthe Natural Health Products Regulations, and according to the National
Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities. SEE:
http://www.napra.org/Content_Files/Files/Position_Statement_Sale_of_
nonapproved_marketed_health_products_January2010.pdf
Schedule III drug outside a pharmacy, is outside the area of jurisdiction of a municipality;
it is an ultra vires action, invalid in legal terms.
QUESTIONS
1. In Canada, drug is defined as any substance or mixture of substances produced, sold
or represented for use in the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of a disease,
disorder or abnormal physical state, or its symptoms, in human beings or animals
(http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/F-27/). Under this definition, fluorides are drugs, as they are
promoted and sold on the basis of the therapeutic claim regarding them and dental caries
(the treatment, mitigation or prevention of the dental disease that is dental caries). Can
Health Canada prove that the fluoride products used in the artificial fluoridation of water
(H2SiF6 and Na2SiF6) comply with all the required standards for drugs and natural health
products stipulated by the Food and Drugs Act and the federal Pharmacy Act and
designed to demonstrate safety and efficacy and to protect public health?
2. In the letter dated 7 January 2010, sent to Carole Clinch by Health Canadas Drug
Product Database section, the following statement is made: "[translation] Note that the
fluorinated compounds added to drinking water are not the same as the compounds used
by dentists and are not regulated as drugs by Health Canada." Has Health Canada issued
a licence for any drug or natural health product to any manufacturer, distributor or
buyer of fluorosilicic acid and/or sodium fluorosilicate (H2SiF6 and Na2SiF6), i.e. the
products currently used for artificial fluoridation of water, for which a therapeutic effect
is claimed in terms of the prevention and treatment of caries? If not, why does Health
Canada permit the sale and use of these products that do not meet the legal requirements
defined in theFood and Drugs Act and the federal Pharmacy Act, while stating that
artificial fluoridation of water is safe?
3. According to Petition #221 (http://www.oagbvg.gc.ca/internet/English/pet_221_e_30308.html) (To date, no Natural Health
Products (NHP) containing fluorosilicates have been licensed for sale in Canada)
and according to a letter dated 9 February 2010, sent to Ms. Carole Clinch by Health
Canadas Drug Product Database section and Food and Natural Products Division:
[translation] Fluorides are classed as NHPs () but no application has as yet been
received by the Therapeutic Products Directorate.
Has Health Canada permitted the sale and purchase of these products used as therapeutic
agents for the treatment and mitigation of caries beyond the December 2009 expiry of the
transition period and beyond the 31 March 2010 expiry of the new transition period,
knowing that no producer, distributor or buyer (municipalities or the Government of
Quebec) has ever made any new drug submission, with a view to their licensing? If so,
will Health Canada remove all reference to the safety and efficacy of these products on
its website, since the licensing approvals do not exist and it has therefore not been
possible to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the products?
4. In Petition #221, Response #15, Health Canada states (http://www.oagbvg.gc.ca/internet/English/pet_221_e_30308.html ): Fluoride used in drinking water
fluoridation is, therefore, not considered a drug under the Food and Drugs Act.
242
Health Canadas Chief Dental Officer tells citizens that fluoride is not a drug. However,
in a letter sent by Health Canada to Ms. Carole Clinch, Health Canada says that fluoride
is an unregulated drug and a natural health product that has not yet been licensed under
the Food and Drugs Act. Why does Health Canada make these contradictory statements
in the context of the Auditor General petitions and in addressing the general public?
5. Is it accurate and appropriate for Health Canadas Chief Dental Officer to state that
these fluoridation products, which have never been regulated or licensed with a view to
demonstrating their safety or efficacy, are safe and effective, when Health Canada has
never assessed their safety or efficacy, as prescribed by the Food and Drugs Act?
6. Has Health Canada issued a notice of compliance to any manufacturer of fluorosilicic
acid and/or sodium fluorosilicate (H2SiF6 and Na2SiF6), which are the products currently
used for artificial fluoridation of water and for which a therapeutic effect is clearly
claimed in terms of the prevention and treatment of caries, in accordance with the Food
and Drugs Act, Section C.08.004(1)(a), indicating that the manufacturer of the drug is in
compliance with the Food and Drug Regulations, sections C.08.002, C.08.003 and
C.08.005(1)(a), and that the manufacturer has presented [translation] basic scientific
evidence on the safety, effectiveness and quality of the products used for the artificial
fluoridation of water?
7. Has Health Canada issued a monograph to any manufacturer of fluorosilicic acid
and/or sodium fluorosilicate (H2SiF6 and Na2SiF6), which are the products currently used
for artificial fluoridation of water and for which a therapeutic effect is clearly claimed in
terms of the prevention and treatment of caries, to ensure that all the claims of safety and
efficacy are scientifically valid?
8. Has a drug identification number (DIN) been issued for fluorosilicic acid and/or
sodium fluorosilicate (H2SiF6 and Na2SiF6), which are the products currently used for
artificial fluoridation of water and for which a therapeutic effect is clearly claimed in
terms of the prevention and treatment of caries, proving that all the regulatory
requirements for these products have been met(Food and Drugs Act and Natural
Health Products Regulations)?
9. Although fluosilicates might almost entirely dissociate in distilled water, they react
differently in fluoridated drinking water, in which a larger number of chemical reactions
are clearly possible. The 2006 National Research Council Review discusses the research
demonstrating that fluorosilicates interact differently in biological systems than in
distilled water in a laboratory. For example, they may eventually recombine in low pH
environments, such as the stomach, and acidic foods and beverages, and react in synergy
with the many other chemicals present in drinking water, (which differs from distilled
water). In assessing the safety and efficacy of fluoridated substances, the US Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) requires data for each substance and does not allow relying
solely on studies conducted on other fluorinated compounds (50 Fed. Reg. 39854). Does
Health Canada allow the licensing of a fluorinated drug (e.g. sodium fluoride) that is
regulated by Health Canada to lead to the automatic licensing of another fluorinated drug
243
that is considerably different (e.g. fluorosilicic acid and/or sodium fluorosilicate (H2SiF6
and Na2SiF6) and that is not yet regulated by Health Canada?
10. Has a statement of bioequivalence been issued for fluorinated drugs and natural
health products used for artificial fluoridation of water (i.e. fluorosilicic acid and sodium
fluorosilicate), as it has for the other regulated fluorinated drugs (pursuant to Section
C.08.004(4)), in order that they may be sold and distributed?
11. Under the legislation on natural health products (Vol. 137, No. 13, Section 4(1))
(http://gazette.gc.ca/archives/p2/2003/2003-06-18/html/sor-dors196-eng.html), Subject
to subsections (2) and (3), no person shall sell a natural health product unless a
product licence is issued in respect of the natural health product. Does Health
Canada have proof that the producers, importers, distributors and buyers of fluoridation
products (i.e. the municipalities and provincial government in Quebec), including the
Chinese producers (China being a country that has elicited major health concerns about
its exports) have obtained the required product and site licences, in accordance with the
legal requirements of the Food and Drugs Act and the natural health products
legislation, to protect public health? If no product and site licence for these fluorinated
products has been issued to a producer or importer, and if Health Canada is aware of the
situation, why is Health Canada allowing these drugs and natural health products to be
sold in Canada, in violation of the Food and Drugs Act and the natural health products
legislation?
12. If regulations are not in compliance with the requirements of Health Canadas Food
and Drugs Act, or if a producer, importer or buyer (municipalities) is awaiting licensing,
can Health Canada explain the unjustified tolerance of these highly toxic products, for
which a therapeutic claim is made and which are not licensed or regulated by Health
Canada?
13. Can Health Canada provide the reference for the legislative requirement with regard
to Health Canada and non-compliance of drugs and natural health products, as well as
references concerning the sanctions that apply in cases of distribution or promotion of
drugs or natural health products not regulated or licensed by Health Canada?
14. Can Health Canada explain why one and a half (1) litres of fluoridated water with a
concentration of 0.7 ppm and containing 1.05 mg of fluoride, as set by Quebec, does not
require a prescription from a doctor or distribution in a pharmacy exclusively, in
accordance with the NAPRA requirements, while a supplement providing an equivalent
dose does?
15. In the absence of licensing as a drug, the addition of fluosilicates (H2SiF6 and
Na2SiF6) to drinking water must be designated as research or experimental study, and the
cohorts must have the right to consent or refuse to participate in this experiment, in
accordance with the Nuremberg Code, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
(http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/charter), the Government of Canada
(http://pre.ethics.gc.ca/policy-politique/initiatives/revised-revisee/Default.aspx) and
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24 September, 2010
Monsieur Gilles Parent
1505, rue Decelles
Saint Laurent (Qubec) H4L 2E1
Messieurs,
This is in response to your environmental petition no. 299 of May 19, 2010, addressed to
Mr. Scott Vaughan, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
(CESD).
In your petition you raised questions about fluorides added to drinking water.
245
I am pleased to provide you with the enclosed Health Canada response to your petition.
I understand that the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada will respond
separately.
I appreciate your interest in this important matter, and I hope that you will find this
information useful.
Sincerely,
[Original signed by Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health]
Leona Aglukkaq
Enclosure
c.c. Mr. Scott Vaughan, CESD
Honourable Rob Nicholson
federal legislation pertaining to pharmacies, the goal of which is to ensure safety and
effectiveness, as well as to protect the health of the population?
Response to Q. 1:
Fluoridating drinking water is intended to provide a dietary source of fluoride, a mineral
nutrient. Fluoride added to water in the concentrations available in Canada is considered
nutritive as opposed to therapeutic. Fluoride is added to drinking water as a public health
measure to protect dental health and prevent or reduce tooth decay. Fluoride used in
drinking water fluoridation is not considered a drug by Health Canada as per the Food
and Drugs Act and is not regulated by the Department as a drug.
Health Canada works with the provinces and territories to develop the Guidelines for
Canadian Drinking Water Quality. The Guidelines are then used by each province and
territory as a basis to establish their own requirements for drinking water quality.
Fluoride is one of the many substances for which a guideline has been established. The
Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) for fluoride of 1.5 mg/litre has been
established taking into consideration all sources of exposure to fluoride, including foods
and dental products. In Canada, the fluoridation of drinking water supplies is a decision
that is made by each municipality, in collaboration with the appropriate provincial or
territorial authority.
When a fluoride preparation, such as a dental rinse or toothpaste, includes a therapeutic
claim and is represented for sale in Canada, it is considered to be a drug (specifically, a
natural health product rather than a pharmaceutical) and is regulated accordingly by
Health Canada. It is the responsibility of the product submission sponsor to demonstrate
compliance with the applicable federal requirements.
One response is provided for Questions 2 and 3.
Question 2 (Q. 2):
The letter from Health Canada=s Drug Product Database Department to Carole Clinch,
dated January 7, 2010, states the following: [TRANSLATION] APlease note that the
fluoride compounds added to drinking water are not the same compounds as those used
by dentists and are not regulated as drugs by Health Canada.@ Has Health Canada
previously issued a drug licence or natural health product licence to any manufacturer,
distributor or purchaser of hydro- or hexafluorosilicic acid and/or sodium fluorosilicate
(H2SiF6 and Na2SiF6), the products currently being used to artificially fluoridate water
and for which health claims are made regarding the prevention and treatment of dental
caries? If not, why is Health Canada allowing the sale and use of products that are not in
compliance with the legal requirements defined in the Food and Drugs Act and in federal
legislation pertaining to pharmacies, while asserting that artificial water fluoridation is
safe?
And
247
248
249
Has Health Canada ever issued a Notice of Compliance to any manufacturer of hydro- or
hexafluorosilicic acid and/or sodium fluorosilicate (H2SiF6 and Na2SiF6, the products
currently being used to artificially fluoridate water and for which health claims are made
regarding the prevention and treatment of dental caries, under the Food and Drugs Act,
paragraph C.08.004(1)(a)), indicating that the manufacturer is in compliance with the
Food and Drug Regulations, sections C.08.002, C.08.003, and C.08.005.1a, and has
submitted Ascientific evidence@ of the safety, efficacy and quality of products used in
artificial water fluoridation?
And
Question 7 (Q. 7):
Has Health Canada ever issued a monograph to any manufacturer of hydro- or
hexafluorosilicic acid and/or sodium fluorosilicate (H2SiF6 and Na2SiF6, the products
currently being used to artificially fluoridate water and for which health claims are made
regarding the prevention and treatment of dental caries), to ensure that all claims of safety
and efficacy are scientifically valid?
And
Question 8 (Q. 8):
Has a drug identification number (DIN) ever been issued for hydro- or hexafluorosilicic
acid and/or sodium fluorosilicate (H2SiF6 and Na2SiF6, the products currently being used
to artificially fluoridate water and for which health claims are made regarding the
prevention and treatment of dental caries), as proof that all regulatory requirements
related to these products have been met (Food and Drugs Act and Natural Health
Products Regulations)?
And
Question 10 (Q.10):
Have fluoride drugs and natural health products used to artificially fluoridate water (e.g.,
hydrofluorosilicic acid or sodium fluorosilicate) received a declaration of bioequivalence
like other regulated fluoride drugs (in accordance with section C.08.004 (4)), in order to
permit their sale and distribution?
Response to Qs 6, 7, 8 and 10:
Health Canada does not regulate either hexafluorosilic acid or sodium fluorosilicate for
use in drinking water fluoridation as drugs/natural health products. As such, the
Department would not issue a declaration of bioequivalence, a Notice of Compliance or a
Drug Identification Number or a Natural Product Number (NPN) for these two
compounds intended for this specific use. Health Canada recommends that drinking water
250
Canada is aware of the situation, why does it permit these drugs and natural health
products to be sold in Canada, in violation of the Food and Drugs Act and the legislation
pertaining to natural health products?
And
Question 12 (Q. 12):
If the regulations are not consistent with the requirements of the Food and Drugs Act or if
certain manufacturers, importers or buyers (municipalities) are currently awaiting
licensing, can Health Canada explain its unjustified toleration of these highly toxic
products for which health claims are made but which are not licensed or regulated by
Health Canada?
Response to Qs 11 and 12 replicates the response to Q. 4:
Fluoridation of water supplies or fluoride used in drinking water fluoridation is not
considered a natural health product therefore not captured under the Natural Health
Products Regulations. When a large concentration of fluoride is used in a product with a
therapeutic claim (e.g. dental rinse, toothpaste), the products are considered drugs under
the Food and Drugs Act and are regulated under the Natural Health Product
Regulations
Question 13 (Q. 13):
Can Health Canada provide a reference to the legislative requirements that apply to HC
with respect to non-compliant drugs and natural health products, as well as references
relating to the sanctions that apply to those who distribute or promote drugs or natural
health products that have not been regulated or licensed by Health Canada?
Response to Question 13:
The Department employs a risk-based approach to ensure that the integrity of the
regulatory system for marketed health products, including NHPs, is maintained through
focussing compliance and enforcement activities on non-compliance that poses the
greatest risk to the health and safety of Canadians. The Food and Drugs Act, the
regulations hereunder, as well as policies of the Health Products and Food Branch such as
HPFB Compliance and Enforcement Policy (POL-0001) provide the framework for
compliance and enforcement activities.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/compli-conform/gmp-bpf/pol/pol_1_tc-tm-eng.php
Question 14 (Q. 14):
Can Health Canada explain why a litre and a half of fluoridated water with a
concentration of 0.7 ppm and 1.05 mg of fluoride (the level set in Quebec) does not
252
253
drugs or natural health products by Health Canada and are therefore not subject to the
regulatory requirements for drugs or natural health products used in clinical trials.
Health Canada works in collaboration with the provinces and territories to develop the
Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. The Guidelines are used by each
province and territory as the basis for establishing their own drinking water requirements.
In Canada, the quality of drinking water is generally an issue under provincial and
territorial jurisdiction, which includes the development, adoption and implementation of
regulations.
Question 16 (Q. 16):
In its preliminary report Fluoride in Drinking Water, (water_eau@hcsc.gc.ca), Health
Canada states that "this MAC is protective of health, provided care is taken to follow
Health Canadas recommendations regarding other sources of exposure to fluoride,
such as dental products. (p. 3). Should Canadians be responsible for monitoring these
other sources of exposure to fluoride to ensure that Health Canadas recommendations
regarding fluoride in drinking water (the primary source of exposure to fluoride) are safe
for everyone, when data on fluoride in air, food, beverages and medications are
unavailable or, at best, difficult to obtain? In the affirmative, please explain how
Canadians are expected to carry out such surveillance?
Response to Q. 16
The other major sources of fluoride exposure are dental products, such as fluoride
toothpaste and mouthwash, and food supplements. In these cases, it is up to consumers to
use them according to the manufacturers instructions or, for supplements, according to
their health experts recommendations. For foods, Health Canada is conducting an
investigation into Canadians exposure to fluorides in food, and has incorporated this
information into its evaluation of total exposure.
[top of page]
Minister's Response: Justice Canada
8 September 2010
Mr. Gilles Parent, NDA
1505 Rue Decelles, Office 2
Saint-Laurent QC H4L 2E1
Mr. Pierre Jean Morin, PhD
336, Rang Castor
Leclercville QC G0S 2K0
Dear Sirs,
254
255
[OAG Translation]
Fluorides added to drinking water are unregulated, unregistered,
uncontrolled, unethical and illegal drugs
Petition under section 22 of the Auditor General Act to put an end to the addition of
toxic substances to drinking water (inorganic fluorides, inorganic arsenic, lead) in
violation of the Fisheries Act:
subsection 34(1), which describes the provisions designed to conserve and protect the
fish habitat that maintains Canadas fishery resources, and prevents them from
deteriorating
subsection 35(1), prohibiting the alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat
sections 36-42 controlling the deposit of any deleterious substance into the water (fish
habitat)
ST-LAURENT, QC
H4L 2E1
514-747-2259
Gilles.parent-nd@bellnet.ca
[Original signed by Gilles Parent]
________________________________________
Pierre Jean Morin, Ph.D. (experimental medicine), former advisor to the Quebec
Department of the Environment
336 Rang Castor
LECLERCVILLE, QC
G0S 2K0
819-292-3045
[Original signed by Pierre Jean Morin]
________________________________________
Office of the Auditor General of Canada
Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
Subject: Petitions
240 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G6
E-mail: petitions@oag-bvg.gc.ca
The need to opt for sustainable development
Evidence shows that fluoride concentrations in wastewater effluent in fluoridated
communities range from 1.0 ppm to 1.5 ppm, or 10 times the standard of 0.12 mg/l set
out in the Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life
(Hamilton Board of Health Report July 2008, Camargo 2003). Hamilton reports that
fluoride concentrations in effluents could be cut in half by discontinuing the artificial
fluoridation of water. It is well established that current methods cannot remove fluorides
from effluents economically.
QUESTIONS
1. In response #1 to our petition No. 299, Health Canada states that fluoride added to
water is not considered a drug or a natural health product but, in its opinion, a nutrient.
Health Canada therefore believes that adding fluoride to water is a nutritional
enrichment of water intended to prevent cavities and promote dental health. Do these
vitamins and minerals that are added to fortify foods or water (fluoride being the only
nutritional addition allowed in drinking water) need to have the nutritional or
pharmaceutical quality required for additives under the Food and Drug Regulations
(Part D)?
2. What accountable agencies ensure the quality and efficacy of vitamins and minerals
used to fortify foods under the Food and Drugs Act, to protect the health of Canadian
citizens?
257
3. Are suppliers of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, for the fortification of foods and
water, required to have a Health Canada licence to manufacture or distribute natural
health products or drugs and, if not, how does Health Canada exert control to guarantee
the quality and safety of these nutrients and thus protect the health of Canadians?
4. Are manufacturers or distributors of vitamins, minerals and amino acids for the
fortification of foods or water required to comply with good manufacturing practices to
be able to sell these vitamins, minerals and amino acids in Canada, to enable Health
Canada to guarantee the quality and safety of these nutrients and thus protect the
health of Canadians?
5. What act(s) and regulation(s) under this (these) act(s), if any, apply specifically to
vitamins, minerals and amino acids used to fortify foods and water, in order to
guarantee the quality and safety of these nutrients and thus protect the health of
Canadians?
6. Are all these acts and regulations governing vitamins, minerals and amino acids used to
fortify foods and water applied by Health Canada equitably and without exception to all
the nutrients used to fortify foods and water, in order to guarantee the quality and
safety of these nutrients and thus protect the health of Canadians?
7. Which Government of Canada body is accountable, under the legislation governing
nutrients used to fortify foods, for guaranteeing the quality and safety of these
nutrients, in compliance with Part I, section 4, of the Food and Drugs Act and thus
protect the health of Canadians?
8. The Food and Drugs Act, R.S., 1985, c. F-27, Part I, section 4; 1993, c. 34, s. 72(F).
(http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/F-27/index.html) states the following:
Prohibited sales of food
4. (1) No person shall sell an article of food that
(a) has in or on it any poisonous or harmful substance;
(b) is unfit for human consumption;
(c) consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, disgusting, rotten, decomposed or
diseased animal or vegetable substance;
(d) is adulterated; or
(e) was manufactured, prepared, preserved, packaged or stored under unsanitary
conditions.
Does this apply to all nutrients used to fortify foods and to the foods themselves in
order to ensure the quality and safety of these added nutrients and thus protect the
health of Canadians?
9. Can Health Canada demonstrate that the fluorosilicates used to fortify drinking water
have been manufactured, prepared, preserved, packaged or stored under hygienic
conditions, that they do not consist in whole or in part of any filthy substance and that
they comply with good manufacturing practices in order to protect the health of
Canadians?
10. In its answer to question #1 in our petition No. 299, Health Canada states that the
fluoridation of drinking water is intended to provide a dietary source of fluoride, a
nutrient. Fluoride added to water in the concentrations available in Canada is
considered nutritional as opposed to therapeutic. If fluoride, like the other nutrients
used to fortify food, are useful in the prevention of various nutritional deficiency
diseases, how can Health Canada state that the products used for fluoridation of
drinking water do not fall under the regulatory framework of the Food and Drugs Act
258
(response to question #4 in petition No. 299 and also question #14, petition No. 221)
whereas the Food and Drug Regulations clearly state in section D.02.001 that fluoride is
one of the mineral nutrients permitted in the fortification of foods (water) (D.02.001,
(k)) and that fall under the following law:
Food and Drug Regulations
PART D
VITAMINS, MINERALS AND AMINO ACIDS
Mineral Nutrients in Foods
11.
12.
13.
14.
D.02.001. (1) In this division, mineral nutrient means any of the following chemical
elements, whether alone or in compound with one or more other chemical elements:
(k) fluoride;
Under what legislation do the ANSI/NSF standards apply for the certification or
registration of vitamins and mineral nutrients to fortify foods, including fluoride, a
beneficial nutrient?
Is ANSI/NSF accountable to the government or the public for the efficacy and safety of
nutritional fluoride used to nutritionally fortify water?
If, according to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) itself, NSF Standard 60 does
not assume or undertake to discharge any responsibility of the manufacturer or any
other party.
Available at http://fluoride-class-action.com/wp-content/uploads/NSF_60-05-A1.pdf
If, according to NSF itself, it is not responsible for the reliability of its Standard 60.
NSF shall not be responsible to anyone for the use of or reliance upon this Standard
by anyone. NSF shall not incur any obligation or liability for damages, including
consequential damages, arising out of or in connection with the use, interpretation of,
or reliance upon this Standard. Source: National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). 2000.
Letter from Stan Hazan, General Manager, Drinking Water Additives Certification
Program, NSF, to Ken Calvert, Chair, Science Subcommittee on Energy and the
Environment, US House of Representatives, July 7, 2000.
http://www.keepers-of-the-well.org/gov_resp_pdfs/NSF_response.pdf
If, according to NSF itself, it does not evaluate the safety of fluoride added to water for
the treatment or mitigation of disease in humans.
NSF International does not evaluate safety of the chemicals added to water for the
purpose of the treatment or mitigation of disease in humans, and does not evaluate
the product added to water but only the impurities within the product. Source: letter
to Dr. Osmunson, DDS, MPH, dated 2007/1/2.
So if NSF releases itself from all responsibility and therefore from all accountability for
fluoride used to fortify water, other than impurities within the product, who is legally
responsible for the pharmaceutical and dietary quality control of the fluoride nutrient
itself, for each of the batches used to fluoridate drinking water, and for its efficacy and
safety in order to protect of the health of Canadians?
If, according to NSF itself, NSF shall not be responsible to anyone for the use of or
reliance upon the Standard 60 by anyone, if it shall not incur any obligation or liability
for damages, including consequential damages, arising out of or in connection with the
use, interpretation of, or reliance upon this Standard, if it does not evaluate the safety
of the chemical added to water for the purpose of the treatment or mitigation of
disease in humans and if it denies any responsibility for the fluoride used to fortify
water, except for impurities within the product, how can Health Canada state that,
259
scientifically, fluoridation is safe and effective? Health Canada has said in responses to
previous petitions on the subject that it has no control and takes no responsibility for
fluoride nutrients used to fortify water, that the pharmaceutical or nutritional quality of
fluoride used to fortify water is not the same as that of the fluoride used to make
natural health products, and that this fluoride is not subjected to any analysis by a
credible, responsible, accountable organization. NSF did suggest that no serious analysis
of the dietary or pharmaceutical quality or safety is done on each of the batches sold to
municipalities for water. The review of the scientific literature shows that efficacy and
safety have never been demonstrated by randomized controlled trials. Furthermore, no
one seems to be responsible or accountable for fluoride, even though it has been
declared a nutrient although not essential to human physiology and dental health by
Health Canada.
15. If NSF does not take responsibility for the reliability of its Standard 60 on fluoride, if it
does not guarantee the efficacy and safety of the fluoride its members distribute for
addition to water, and if it does not analyze every batch of fluorinating agent, how can
Health Canada assure the scientific community and the public that the fluoride added as
a beneficial mineral nutrient to drinking water meets all the required standards as a
nutrient?
16. Acute fluoride toxicity
(LD50 dose required to reach lethal dose
for 50% of tested subjects)
Inorganic fluoride is more toxic than lead
and less toxic than arsenic
Maximum acceptable concentration
(MAC)
Arsenic MAC = 10 ppb
Lead MAC = 10 ppb
Fluoride MAC = 1,500 ppb
From: Robert E. Gosselin et al., Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products, 5th ed., 1984
Contaminants
(critical studies)
Antimony (Sb)
Maximum
Presumed lifetime
acceptable
safe daily dosage
concentration in
mg/kg/day
water
Proposed RfD
(MAC) mg/l
= NOEL/UF
0.006
0.0004
260
Schroeder (1970)
Arsenic (As)
Human chronic
oral exposure
Tseng 1977;
Tseng et al., 1968
Beryllium (Be)
Dog dietary study
Morgareidge et al.,
1976
Cadmium (Cd)
Human studies
U.S. EPA, 1985
Increase in blood
cholesterol; decrease in
sugar
0.014
Skin damage or problems
with circulatory systems,
and may have increased
risk of getting cancer
0.010
0.0003
0.46
Intestinal lesions
0.004
0.002
0.005
Significant proteinuria
0.005
0.0005
1.5
0.002
0.0003
0.002
0.00008
0.03
Fluoride (F-)
Bone disease (pain and
Hodge, 1950, cited
tenderness of the bones);
in Underwood,
Children may get mottled
1977
teeth
Mercury (Hg)
(inorganic)
Thallium (Tl)
Rat oral
subchronic study
USA EPA, 1986
Limeback H,* Thiessen K,* Isaacson R,* Hirzy W.** 2007 The EPA MCLG for fluoride
in drinking water: New recommendations.
* members of the National Research Council 2006 Review of Fluorides in Drinking
Water
** U.S. EPA chemist
The Canadian Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA) defines fluoride as a toxic
substance on the basis of the following criteria:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/lcpe-cepa/default.asp?lang=En&n=0DA2924D-1
substances determined to be toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, anthropogenic, and
which are not naturally occurring radionuclides or naturally occurring inorganic
substances shall be proposed for implementation of virtual elimination under Section
65(3) of CEPA 1999.
261
In determining whether a substance should be declared toxic under CEPA 1999, the
likelihood and magnitude of releases into the environment and the harm it may cause to
human health or ecosystems at levels occurring in the Canadian environment are taken
into account. If a substance is found to be toxic, the ministers recommend that the
substance be added to the List of Toxic Substances (CEPA 1999 Schedule 1).
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/C-15.31/page-9.html
The federal government then works with the provinces, territories, industry, nongovernment organizations and other interested parties to develop a management plan to
reduce or eliminate the harmful effects the substance has on the environment and the
health of Canadians.
Since inorganic fluoride, arsenic and lead are toxic substances under the Canadian
Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), which recommends their virtual elimination
under section 65(3) of the Act (1999), and since their toxicity is shown to be essentially
equivalent in the table above, does Health Canada accept that food (water) should contain
fluoride, arsenic or lead in concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 ppm that are
intentionally added? The Food and Drugs Act states that No person shall sell an article
of food that has in or on it any poisonous or harmful substance. According to the U.S.
EPA, there is no safe dose of lead or arsenic (MCLG = 0).
17. Since fluoride is not an essential nutrient but only beneficial, according to Health
Canadas response #22 to petition No. 221 http://www.oagbvg.gc.ca/internet/English/pet_221_e_30308.html, is there another vitamin or mineral
nutrient that has no recognized physiological function and that, not being essential to
human health as in the case of fluoride, could be added to foods to fortify them,
without these foods being considered therapeutic and needing registration with Health
Canada? (Exclude from the response non-essential amino acids that can be essential for
some people and that can be added to infant formula or liquid diets.)
18. The Food and Drugs Act (R.S., 1985, c. F-27) states in section 4(1) that No person shall
sell an article of food that
(a) has in it or on it any poisonous or harmful substance;
b) is unfit for human consumption;
To date, none of the natural health products containing fluoride are prepared with
industrial fluorosilicates used to fluoridate drinking water because they would not meet
the requirements of Health Canadas Food and Drugs Act. Can Health Canada
262
demonstrate that the fluorosilicates used to fluoridate water do not contain from 200 to
500 ppm (0.02 to 0.05%) of toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury,
radionuclides, etc.? Such a demonstration would obviously be necessary to comply with
Part I, subsection 4(1)(a) of the Act (see AWWA B703 Standard for Fluorosilic Acid used
for water fluoridation in a number of Canadian cities). Petition No. 221E to the Auditor
General of Canada, response #16, available from:
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/pet_221E_e_33561.html
19. If NSF does not take responsibility for the reliability of its Standard 60 on fluoride, if it
does not guarantee the efficacy and safety of the fluoride its members distribute for
addition to water, if it does not analyze every batch and if it incurs no liability for
damage to health or the environment that fluorinating agents might cause, other than
ensuring that the fluorinating agents more or less correspond to the specified chemical
composition, then who, according to Health Canada, is legally responsible and
accountable for protecting the health of Canadians exposed to artificial fluoridation?
20. Since the NSF does not take responsibility for the safety or efficacy of fluorinating
agents in drinking water, and since the products used for fluoridation of drinking
water do not fall under the regulatory framework of the Food and Drugs Act
(response to question #4, Petition No. 299), is Health Canada relying on an organization
that is not legally accountable for ensuring the nutritional quality and safety of the
fluorides added to drinking water and protecting the health of Canadians?
263
Petition
[OAG Translation]
Saint-Laurent and Leclercville, 2 December 2010
Fluorides Added to Drinking Water Are Unregulated,
Unlicensed, Uncontrolled, Unethical and Illegal Drugs
Petition under s. 22 of the Auditor General Act for the discontinuation of the
addition of toxic substances (inorganic fluorides, inorganic arsenic, lead) to
drinking water, which is in violation of the Fisheries Act, specifically:
ss. 36-42, controlling the deposit of any deleterious substance into water,
which is fish habitat.
264
514-747-2259
Gilles.parent-nd@bellnet.ca
[Original signed by Gilles Parent, N.D.A.]
lEnvironnement du Qubec
336, Rang Castor
LECLERCVILLE, QC G0S 2K0
819-292-3045
[Original signed by Pierre-Jean Morin,
Ph.D.]
265
therapeutic claim is made are normally considered drugs and must comply with all
regulations made pursuant to the Food and Drugs Act. Although fluoridation agents are
very actively promoted by the dental and medical professions, and by Health Canada, for
their therapeutic action of preventing and reducing dental caries, and are perceived in
this way by the public, those agents are not subject to control or monitoring by Health
Canada.
Supreme Court of Canada: Fluoridation Agents Are Drugs Under the Act
In response to question 1 of our Petition 299, Health Canada states the following:
[TRANSLATION] Fluoride added to water in the concentrations available in Canada is
considered nutritional as opposed to therapeutic. Fluoride is added to drinking water as a
public health measure to promote dental health and prevent cavities. The fluoride used to
fluoridate drinking water is not considered a drug by Health Canada under the Food and
Drugs Act and is not regulated by the Department as a drug.
In response to questions 2 and 3 of the Petition, Health Canada continues:
[TRANSLATION] as indicated in our response to a previous petition (221, question 14),
the products used to fluoridate drinking water are not regulated by the Food and Drugs
Act. Health Canada recommends that those products comply with applicable ANSI/NSF1
standards to ensure that the fluoridated water does not pose a health risk to consumers
whether because of the fluoride itself or because of its impurities (Petition 221,
question 3).
Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569:
If the purpose of adding fluorides to drinking water is to prevent or reduce dental
cavities, as Health Canada admits In response to Petition 299, those fluorides then
become drugs or medication. This is not just an opinion but the basis for the Supreme
Court of Canada judgment reached by justices J. Rand and J. Cartwright. Health Canadas
opinion on the nature and purpose of the fluorides added to drinking water does not
seem sustainable in the least. The nature of the fluorides is determined by their purpose.
If the purpose of adding those fluorides to drinking water were to treat the water to make
it potable, they would not be drugs and would be legal as long as they met applicable
American National Standards Institute/National Sanitation Foundation (ANSI/NSF)
standards. However, this is by no means the case: their purpose is to prevent dental
cavities. Justices J. Rand and J. Cartwright accordingly reached the following conclusion:
But it is not to promote the ordinary use of water as a physical requisite for the body that
fluoridation is proposed. That process has a distinct and different purpose; it is not a
means to an end of wholesome water for waters function but to an end of a special
health purpose for which a water supply is made use of as a means (p. 572).
Its purpose and effect are to cause the inhabitants of the metropolitan area, whether or
not they wish to do so, to ingest daily small quantities of fluoride, in the expectation
which appears to be supported by the evidence that this will render great numbers of
them less susceptible to tooth decay. The water supply is made use of as a convenient
means of effecting this purpose. In pith and substance the by-law relates not to the
provision of a water supply but to the compulsory preventive medication of the
inhabitants of the area (p. 580, emphasis added).
Fluoridation thus constitutes compulsory preventive medication. As this judgment of the
Supreme Court of Canada was never appealed by the Government of Canada, it must
266
have force of law and, in our view, Health Canadas opinion that fluorides added to
drinking water are not drugs has no legal or judicial value.
Need we remind Health Canada that, under the Food and Drug Regulations, C.R.C.,
c. 870, C.01.021, a drug includes any product having a sodium fluoride dose greater
than 0.1 mg? Now then, drinking water fluoridated with sodium fluoride, sodium
fluorosilicate, or hexafluorosilicic acid has a concentration of 0.61.0 mg fluoride per litre,
which is 610 times higher than the dosage required to declare the product a drug.
Health Canadas position on fluorides verges on inconsistency. The Department argues in
response to questions 2 and 3 of Petition 299 that the products used for fluoridation of
drinking water do not fall under the regulatory framework of the Food and Drugs Act.
Yet the Food and Drug Regulations clearly state in s. D.02.001(k) that fluoride is one
of the mineral nutrients permitted in the fortification of foods (water) and that fluorides
and fluoridation agents fall under the Act:
Food and Drug Regulations, Part D,Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids, Mineral
Nutrients in Foods
D.02.001. (1) In this Division, mineral nutrient means any of the following chemical
elements, whether alone or in a compound with one or more other chemical elements:
k) fluoride;
Under the Food and Drugs Act, it would be both inconceivable and irresponsible of Health
Canada not to exert control over the quality of nutrients used to fortify food by requiring
that manufacturers follow good manufacturing practices and that the products used be
listed in the Codex or equivalent authority. Fluoridation agents are not simply water
treatment additives but sources of [TRANSLATION] the element fluoride considered as a
nutrient by Health Canada. Therefore, we would expect s. 4 of the Food and Drugs Act
to be applicable to all nutrients used to fortify food, including fluoride:
Food and Drugs Act, R.S. (1985), c. F-27, Part I, s. 4; 1993, c. 34, s. 72(F).
(http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/F-27/index.html):
Prohibited Sales of Food
4. (1) No person shall sell an article of food that:
(a) has in or on it any poisonous or harmful substance;
(b) is unfit for human consumption;
(c) consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, disgusting, rotten, decomposed or
diseased animal or vegetable substance;
(d) is adulterated;
(e) was manufactured, prepared, preserved, packaged or stored under unsanitary
conditions.
National Sanitation Foundation Standard 50
Fluorides as fluoridation agents are highly toxic, harmful substances that
accumulate in the environment (see Environment Canada) and, even when they do
meet applicable ANSI/NSF standards, they do not meet those of the Food and Drugs Act
in terms of toxicity and sanitary conditions of manufacture, preservation, transportation
or storage. To our knowledge, the applicable ANSI/NSF standards bear absolutely no
relation to the standards and regulations governing the production of food or drugs as set
out in the Food and Drugs Act. Moreover, according to the Food and Drug Regulations,
the only acceptable form of fluoride is sodium fluoride.
267
268
Given the judgment of the Supreme Court of Canada, it is our view that Health Canada
has no choice but to consider fluoride added to water a drug. It is not a simple drug but
one forcibly administered to communities, and the judgment clearly states that it
constitutes compulsory preventive medication of the inhabitants of the area. Most
seriously, Health Canada, the body responsible for ensuring the safety of Canadian drugs,
is promoting and endorsing the use of a drug that is literally illegal, for the following
reasons: it has not been licensed; it is not subjected to the requisite toxicology and
efficacy tests; distributed drug lots do not undergo the appropriate quality control tests;
good manufacturing practices are not followed; manufacturers have not obtained a
manufacturing licence; the drug is not manufactured, packaged, transported, or stored
under the required sanitary conditions; and fluoride is a highly toxic element, having a
toxicity approaching that of arsenic and lead and, therefore, cannot be considered safe. If
it is not safe, then Health Canada has the urgent duty to take action and withdraw the
product immediately. Yet, rather than taking immediate action to withdraw the
product, Health Canada appears to be trying to excuse itself by misrepresenting or
ignoring the legislation and officially offloading all its responsibilities onto a foundation
representing the water treatment additive industry. Health Canada has a duty to protect
the health of Canadians.
Duty of the Department of Justice Canada to Ensure Compliance with the
Legislation
It now appears to be up to the Department of Justice Canada to ensure that Health
Canada enforces the Food and Drugs Act as enacted with respect to fluoridation agents
and based on the Supreme Court of Canada judgment. The Department of Justice Canada
is also responsible for ensuring compliance with s. 7 of the Charter of Rights and
Freedoms as it relates to the protection of life, liberty and security of the person.
Fluoridation of drinking water, where it is applied, represents the administration of
compulsory preventive medication without the patients consent and is therefore in
breach of s. 7 of the Charter, which consecrates the inviolability of the person. Violation
of an individuals basic right to liberty and security of the person as a result of
fluoridation of his/her drinking water compels immediate action by the Department of
Justice Canada. The Department of Justice Canada should therefore immediately order
that fluoridation be discontinued. It should also order Health Canada to arrange for the
immediate withdrawal of the fluoridation agents, as the latter are in violation of the Food
and Drugs Act, and to declare those agents illegal, because they are not licensed. It is
entirely within Health Canadas authority and responsibility to apply the Food and Drugs
Act to fluoridation agents. In our view, the Department of Justice Canada also has the
duty to ensure compliance with environmental legislation prohibiting the release into the
environment of toxic substances such as fluorides at concentrations that may negatively
impact aquatic freshwater ecosystems, which are highly sensitive to fluorides.
Responsibility of the Department of Environment Canada with Respect to
Fluoridation
The Department of Environment Canada also has legal authority over this public health
measure since the latter entails the deposit of a substance that the Department considers
toxic for aquatic flora and fauna into Canadas rivers and Great Lakes. The fluoride
effluents deposited by cities that fluoridate their drinking water are 58 times higher than
the limits set in the Canadian Water Quality Guideline (CWQG) for the protection of
freshwater life (see citations in Petition OAG 221). Since the Department of Environment
Canada has a duty to protect aquatic flora and fauna, it must enforce the Canadian
Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) and the Fisheries Act (R.S., 1985, c. F14, ss. 34(1), 35(1) and 36-42), which implies the discontinuation of fluoridation
throughout Canada.
269
QUESTIONS
1. In response No. 1 to our Petition 299, Health Canada states that fluoride added to
water is not considered a drug or a natural health product but, in its opinion, a
nutrient used to fortify foods or water. However, in Metropolitan Toronto v.
Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569, dated 26 June 1957, the Supreme
Court of Canada found that fluoridation of drinking water constituted compulsory
preventive medication:
Its purpose and effect are to cause the inhabitants of the metropolitan area, whether or
not they wish to do so, to ingest daily small quantities of fluoride, in the expectation
which appears to be supported by the evidence that this will render great numbers of
them less susceptible to tooth decay. The water supply is made use of as a convenient
means of effecting this purpose. In pith and substance the by-law relates not to the
provision of a water supply but to the compulsory preventive medication of the
inhabitants of the area (Justice J. Cartwright, p. 580).
How can Health Canada reconcile the judgment of the Supreme Court of Canada that
fluoride added to water constitutes compulsory preventive medication with its
opinion that fluoride added to water is not considered a drug? The judgment of the
Supreme Court of Canada, which was not appealed, sets a judicial precedent having force
of law, in the opinion of numerous experts.
2. In the view of the Minister of Justice, does the judgment of the Supreme Court of
Canada in Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569,
dated 26 June 1957, that fluoridation of drinking water constituted compulsory
preventive medication, and which the Government of Canada never appealed
to the Supreme Court of Canada:
Its purpose and effect are to cause the inhabitants of the metropolitan area, whether or
not they wish to do so, to ingest daily small quantities of fluoride, in the expectation
which appears to be supported by the evidence that this will render great numbers of
them less susceptible to tooth decay. The water supply is made use of as a convenient
means of effecting this purpose. In pith and substance the by-law relates not to the
provision of a water supply but to the compulsory preventive medication of the
inhabitants of the area Justice J. Cartwright, p. 580.
take precedence over the opinion of Health Canada with respect to the nature of fluorides
added to drinking water in the fluoridation process, whose acknowledged purpose is to
prevent and treat dental cavities in Canadian communities, whose water thus provides a
medical treatment? Health Canada is of the opinion that fluorides added to water for this
purpose are not a drug but a nutritional supplement to fortify the water.
3. In the view of the Minister of Justice, does the judgment of the Supreme Court of
Canada in Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569,
dated 26 June 1957, that fluoridation of drinking water constituted compulsory
preventive medication, which the Government of Canada never appealed, set a
judicial precedent having force of law with respect to the medicinal nature of the
addition of fluorides to drinking water for the purpose of preventing and treating
dental cavities?
4. Given the judgment of the Supreme Court of Canada in Metropolitan Toronto v.
Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569, dated 26 June 1957, defining the
fluoridation of drinking water as compulsory preventive medication, and given
270
the fact that the Government of Canada never appealed the judgment to the
Supreme Court of Canada:
Its purpose and effect are to cause the inhabitants of the metropolitan area, whether or
not they wish to do so, to ingest daily small quantities of fluoride, in the expectation
which appears to be supported by the evidence that this will render great numbers of
them less susceptible to tooth decay. The water supply is made use of as a convenient
means of effecting this purpose. In pith and substance the by-law relates not to the
provision of a water supply but to the compulsory preventive medication of the
inhabitants of the area Justice J. Cartwright, p. 580.
is Health Canada compelled to follow the judgment of the Supreme Court of Canada and
treat fluoridation as the compulsory preventive medication of the inhabitants of
the area and, therefore, to consider fluoridation agents drugs?
5. How much time must pass before Health Canada acts to discontinue distribution
and order the recall of a drug, in this case fluoridation agents, that has not been
licensed by Health Canada, given the fact that the Supreme Court of Canada has
determined that fluoridation of drinking water constitutes compulsory
preventive medication?
6. What action can the Department of Justice Canada take against Health Canada if
the latter fails to discharge its responsibility to protect the health of Canadians in
allowing use of an unlicensed, untested, uncontrolled or unidentified drug, i.e.,
fluoridation agents, given the fact that the Supreme Court of Canada determined
in 1957 that fluoridation of drinking water constituted compulsory preventive
medication, that the judgment was never appealed, and that Health Canada
never took into account this crucial judgment which, in fact, defines fluoridation
agents as drugs, based on their purpose of preventing and treating tooth decay
(Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569, dated
26 June 1957)?
7. How much time must pass before the Department of Justice Canada takes action
against Health Canada which, despite its responsibility for drug safety, continues
to allow the distribution of a drug of highly dubious quality, in this case
fluoridation agents, which have been neither licensed by Health Canada nor
tested, controlled or identified, to discontinue distribution and order the recall of
the drug, if Health Canada fails to take immediate action to protect the health of
the millions of Canadians who are exposed to fluoridation of their drinking water,
given the fact that the Supreme Court of Canada determined in 1957 that
fluoridation constituted compulsory preventive medication (Metropolitan
Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569, dated 26 June 1957)?
8. Since, in the judgment of the Supreme Court of Canada, water fluoridation
constitutes compulsory preventive medication of the inhabitants of the
area through drinking water, and since the compulsory preventive
medication of the inhabitants of the area implies the administration of a
drug without the informed consent of the patients, and since such a practice is in
violation of s. 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, what immediate
action does the Department of Justice Canada plan to take to ensure that the
rights of all Canadians, such as the fundamental right to life, liberty and security
of the person granted under s. 7 of the Charter, are immediately respected?
Administration of a drug without the informed consent of a patient is a violation
of a fundamental right under the Charter and demands immediate action
(Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569, dated
26 June 1957).
9. What action has Health Canada taken with legal counsel to establish the status of
fluoridation agents, i.e., whether they are drugs, water fortification agents or
271
272
the Food and Drugs Act and the Food and Drug Regulations to avoid classifying
bottled water fortified with sodium fluoride at a concentration of 1 mg/L and
drinking water treated with sodium fluoride, sodium fluorosilicate, or
hexafluorosilicic acid at similar dosages as drugs?
18. In the opinion of Health Canada, is there any act or regulation that could prohibit
municipalities from adding fortification minerals such as vanadium, chromium or
selenium to their drinking water system and, if so, under what act or regulation
would fluoride be exempted when vanadium, chromium, and selenium were not?
19. In the opinion of Health Canada, is there any act or regulation that could prohibit
municipalities from adding the mineral lithium to their drinking water system and,
if so, under what act or regulation would fluoride be exempted when lithium was
not?
20. When and how does Health Canada plan to conduct an awareness campaign on
the importance of not using artificially fluoridated drinking water in the
preparation of infant formula, since the risk of dental fluorosis tends to be
greatest in this period of tooth formation, in order to fulfil its duty of protecting
the health of Canadians?
Questions to Health Canada, the Department of Justice, and the Department of
the Environment further to explanations provided in the matter.
1
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273
Messieurs,
This is in response to your environmental petition no. 299 C of December 2, 2010,
addressed to Mr. Scott Vaughan, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable
Development (CESD).
In your petition you raised questions about fluorides added to drinking water.
I am pleased to provide you with the enclosed Health Canada response to your petition.
I understand that the ministers of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and
Environment Canada will be responding separately to questions that come under the
purview of their respective departments.
I appreciate your interest in this important matter, and I hope that you will find this
information useful.
Sincerely,
[Original signed by Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health]
Leona Aglukkaq
Enclosure
c.c. Mr. Scott Vaughan, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
274
Health Canada (HC) is the federal department responsible for helping the people of
Canada maintain and improve their health.
The following points are provided as preliminary information:
Fluoride is considered a drug when it is offered for sale in a final dosage form,
used in large concentration and with a drug delivery system, and is labelled for
therapeutic use (or makes therapeutic claims). When added to water, at levels in
accordance with recommendations of expert advisory bodies such as the Institute
of Medicine, National Academies of Science, to meet a nutritional requirement, it
is considered a mineral nutrient.
Drinking water is regulated at the provincial and territorial level. The adoption and
enforcement of applicable statutes/regulations would fall within the mandate of
the individual provinces and territories. For further information, the individual
provincial and territorial government should be contacted directly.
Fluoride used in drinking water fluoridation is not considered a drug and therefore
is not captured under the FDA. Fluoride preparations, such as a dental rinse or
toothpaste, that include a therapeutic claim and are represented for sale in
Canada, are classified as Natural Health Products (NHPs) and are regulated under
the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR).
The suppliers of vitamins, minerals and amino acids used to fortify food or water
products (bottled water and prepackaged ice) that are subject to the Food and
Drug Regulations (FDR) do not require a licence to manufacture or distribute
NHPs or drugs from Health Canada. The NHPR and Natural Health Products
(Unprocessed Product Licence Applications) Regulations (NHP-UPLAR) apply only
to NHPs, not foods. Fluoride has not been added as a medicinal ingredient to any
NHPs other than toothpastes and gel, rinse and tablet dental health products
subject to the NHPR. Each of these products has been through a premarket
assessment of safety, efficacy and quality and received a product licence
authorizing its sale in Canada.
275
In answer #1 to our petition #299, Health Canada stated that the fluoride added
to water is not, in its view, a drug or a natural health product, but rather a
nutrient used for fortification. However, in Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill
(Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569, dated 1957-06-26, the Supreme Court of Canada
determined that the fluoridation of drinking water was compulsory preventive
medication:
Its purpose and effect are to cause the inhabitants of the metropolitan area,
whether or not they wish to do so, to ingest daily small quantities of fluoride, in
the expectation which appears to be supported by the evidence that this will
render great numbers of them less susceptible to tooth decay. The water supply
is made use of as a convenient means of effecting this purpose. In pith and
substance the by-law relates not to the provision of a water supply but to the
compulsory preventive medication of the inhabitants of the area.
Cartwright J, Page 580
How does Health Canada reconcile the Supreme Court of Canada ruling, which
states that fluoridation is compulsory preventive medication, with its opinion to
the effect that the fluoride added to water is not medication? The unchallenged
ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada is a judicial precedent that legally has
the force of law, in the view of many experts.
Response Q. 1:
This question is seeking a legal opinion. It is not appropriate for the Minister of Health to
provide private citizens with legal advice.
Question 2 (Q. 2):
In the view of the Minister of Justice, does the Supreme Court of Canada ruling
in Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569, dated 195706-26, which determined that the fluoridation of drinking water was compulsory
preventive medication and which the Government of Canada never appealed
before the Supreme Court of Canada:
Its purpose and effect are to cause the inhabitants of the metropolitan area,
whether or not they wish to do so, to ingest daily small quantities of fluoride, in
the expectation which appears to be supported by the evidence that this will
render great numbers of them less susceptible to tooth decay. The water supply
is made use of as a convenient means of effecting this purpose. In pith and
substance the by-law relates not to the provision of a water supply but to the
compulsory preventive medication of the inhabitants of the area.
Cartwright J, Page 580 have precedence over Health Canadas opinion with
regard to the nature of the fluorides added to drinking water in the fluoridation
process, whose admitted purpose is to prevent and treat tooth decay among the
inhabitants of communities whose water is thus medicated? Health Canada
considers these fluorides thus added to water not to be medication, but rather a
nutritional additive to fortify water.
Response (Q. 2):
Department of Justice will respond under separate cover.
276
277
What actions can be taken by the federal Department of Justice against Health
Canada if it does not fulfill its responsibility to protect the health of Canadians
by permitting the use of an unlicensed, untested, uncontrolled and
uncharacterized drug, namely, fluoridation agents, in light of the fact that the
Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1957 that the fluoridation of drinking water
was compulsory preventive medication, that this ruling has never been
challenged, and that Health Canada has never given consideration to this albeit
crucial ruling, which does, in fact, define fluoridation agents as drugs as
regards their ultimate purpose, which is to prevent and treat tooth decay?
(Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569, dated
1957-06-26).
Response (Q. 6):
Department of Justice will respond under separate cover.
Question 7 (Q. 7):
How much time is needed for the federal Department of Justice to take action
against Health Canada, which, despite its responsibility to ensure drug safety,
permits the distribution of doubtful quality drugs that have not been licensed by
Health Canada, and further are untested, uncontrolled and uncharacterized,
namely, fluoridation agents, and for the distribution of such drugs to be
discontinued and the drugs pulled from the market if Health Canada does not
act immediately towards protecting the health of millions of Canadians exposed
to the fluoridation of their drinking water and in light of the fact that the
Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1957 that fluoridation was compulsory
preventive medication? (Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957]
S.C.R. 569, dated 1957-06-26).
Response (Q. 7):
Department of Justice will respond under separate cover.
Question 8 (Q. 8):
Since the fluoridation of water, according to the Supreme Court of Canada
ruling, represents compulsory preventive medication of the inhabitants via
drinking water and compulsory preventive medication of the inhabitants
implies the administration of a drug without the informed consent of patients
and a practice in violation of section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms, what immediate actions does the federal Department of Justice
intend to take to ensure that the rights of all Canadians, such as everyones
fundamental right to the protection of life, liberty and security of their person,
as conferred by section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, are
upheld immediately? The administration of a drug without a patients informed
consent constitutes a violation of a fundamental right conferred by the Canadian
Charter of Rights and Freedoms and demands immediate action. (Metropolitan
Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569, dated 1957-06-26).
Response (Q. 8):
Department of Justice will respond under separate cover.
278
279
recommended therapeutic dosage for each age group and include the
equivalence in litres of water based on concentrations considered effective from
a nutritional standpoint).
Response (Q. 11):
Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are a comprehensive set of nutrient reference values
for healthy populations that can be used for assessing and planning diets. The DRIs were
established by Canadian and American scientists through a review process overseen by
the National Academy of Sciences, which is an independent, nongovernmental body.
The Adequate Intake (AI) is the recommended average daily nutrient intake level based
on observed or experimentally determined approximations or estimates of nutrient intake
by a group (or groups) of apparently healthy people who are assumed to be maintaining
an adequate nutritional state. The AI for fluoride is 4 mg/day for males over the age of
18 and 3 mg/day for females over the age of 13, including women who are pregnant and
lactating. The AI for children is 0.01 mg/day (infants 0-6 months), 0.5 mg/day (712 months), 0.7 mg/day (children 1-3 years), 1.0 mg/day (children 4-8 years),
2.0 mg/day (males 9-13 years), 3.0 mg/day (males 14-18 years), and 2.0 mg/day
(females 9-13 years).
The levels of fluoride that are found in oral supplements (e.g. chewable tablets or drops)
for the nutritional prevention of dental caries are explicitly labelled for use only in
children living in areas with little or no natural water fluoride concentration. The dosages
are established so that the fluoride intake is similar to that of children whose water is
fluoridated, e.g. 1.0 mg/day theoretical total fluoride.
In contrast to fluoridated water supplies which typically provide fluoride in a
concentration of approximately 1.0 mg/L, which is 1 ppm, up to a maximum of 1.5 ppm,
the dosage of fluoride in dental health products for prevention and therapeutic use is
much higher. The recommended range of fluoride concentrations in dentifrice gels and
pastes is from 850 to 1150 mg/kg (ppm), average 1000 ppm, minimum twice daily
treatment. Regarding different age groups, children under six years of age are
recommended to use only a pea-sized amount of dentifrice and parents are cautioned to
consult a health care practitioner before using in children younger than two years of age.
For fluoride treatment gels and rinses, the fluoride concentration ranges from 14 ppm to
970 ppm, with the most concentrated products not being recommended for use in
children younger than six years of age. Professional use (dentist only) fluoride treatment
products range in concentration from 27 to 12,400 ppm fluoride and are used only under
the direct supervision of the dentist who uses his or her professional judgement with
respect to the age of the patient, although high concentration rinses are not
recommended for use in children under six years of age.
Question 12 (Q. 12):
How does Health Canada explain that the nutritional dose of fluoride obtained
from water can easily be equal to, and often greater than, the dose considered
therapeutic as provided by fluoride supplements, which are considered drugs
and need to be licensed in order to be distributed, whereas fluoridation agents
do not require to be licensed? Both forms of treatment have the same objective,
that is, to reduce the incidence of tooth decay, both offer an equivalent daily
dose, both cause harmful effects to dental health by causing mottled teeth in up
to 75% of the population in fluoridated municipalities, and moderate to severe
cases in up to 11%.
280
281
(http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/applications/licen-prod/lnhpd-bdpsnheng.php).
Question 13 (Q. 13):
Since the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is an organization representing
the water treatment agents industry that is not accountable to any government
or any public health agency, since it is not responsible for demonstrating
compliance with respect to the federal requirements applicable to drugs, natural
health products or nutrients, and since Health Canada shirks that responsibility
by alleging that it considers fluoridation agents to be nutritional rather than
therapeutic, contrary to the Supreme Court of Canada ruling (Metropolitan
Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569, dated 1957-06-26), what
government or government department is accountable for ensuring the efficacy
and safety of the fluoridation agents used in drinking water in Canada and thus
protecting the health of Canadians?
Response (Q. 13):
This question is seeking a legal opinion. It is not appropriate for the Minister of Health to
provide private citizens with legal advice.
Question 14 (Q. 14):
Is Health Canada under the impression or does it let believe that the regulatory
requirements of NSF standard 60 include the testing needed to ensure the
safety and efficacy of the fluosilicates used to add fluoride as nutrients in
drinking water, when the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) takes no
accountability in that regard?
Response (Q. 14):
The application of NSF Standard 60 is voluntary, unless required under legislation or
regulations. As drinking water quality in Canada is regulated at the provincial and
territorial level, the adoption and enforcement of regulatory requirements would fall
within the mandate of the individual provincial and territorial governments. For further
information, the individual provincial and territorial government should be contacted
directly.
Question 15 (Q. 15):
What actions, studies and procedures have been led by Health Canada in the
past 10 years to assess all the impacts of fluoridation on fresh-water
ecosystems in Canada (with or without the collaboration of the federal
Department of the Environment) towards illustrating Health Canadas concern
for protecting the environment on which human health depends?
Response (Q. 15):
Health Canada has not been involved in any studies related to the impacts of fluoridation
on freshwater ecosystems.
Question 16 (Q. 16):
282
Of all the expenditures made by Health Canada for reviews, assessments and
promoting the public health measure that is the fluoridation of drinking water
since 2000 (i.e., in the past 10 years), what is the estimated percentage of
those expenditures on the environmental aspects of the fluoridation of drinking
water in relation to the release of fluorides via municipal effluents? (We would
appreciate an evaluation of the budget for all fluoridation-related expenditures
at Health Canada and the proportion relating to the evaluation of environmental
impactsknowing full well that Health Canada is not directly involved in
applying fluoridation programs, which fall within provincial and territorial
jurisdiction.)
Response (Q. 16):
Among the roles of Health Canada, one is to present its position on water fluoridation,
which is based on internal scientific reviews of original relevant scientific studies
(scientific studies as written by the authors) that are published in internationally
recognized peer-reviewed journals, as well as to promote effective, preventive public
health measures such as the appropriate use of fluoride. Health Canada has a budget for
public health activities relating to health promotion and disease prevention from which
oral health wellness initiatives are funded. Fluoride is just one part of these activities and
is not a specific budget line.
Question 17 (Q. 17):
Section C.01.021 of the Food and Drugs Regulations,C.R.C., c. 870, which
concerns the limits of drug dosage, classifies any product whose sodium fluoride
dosage is greater than 0.1 mg as a drug. By what misreading of the Food and
Drugs Act and the Food and Drugs Regulations does Health Canada manage not
to classify as a drug either bottled water fortified with sodium fluoride in a
concentration of 1 mg/1 or drinking water treated with sodium fluoride, sodium
fluosilicate or fluorosilicic acid in similar doses?
Response (Q. 17):
This question is seeking a legal opinion. It is not appropriate for the Minister of Health to
provide private citizens with legal advice.
Question 18 (Q. 18):
In Health Canadas view, is there a statute or regulation that would prohibit
municipalities from adding fortifying minerals such as vanadium, chromium or
selenium to the drinking water supply system and, if so, under what statute or
what regulation would fluoride benefit from an exemption any more than
vanadium, chromium or selenium?
Response (Q. 18):
This question is seeking a legal opinion. It is not appropriate for the Minister of Health to
provide private citizens with legal advice.
Question 19 (Q. 19):
283
284
the Office of the Auditor General as Environmental Petition No. 299-C, you contend that
fluorides added to drinking water are unregulated, unlicensed, uncontrolled, unethical
and illegal drugs.
I received a copy of your petition on December 22, 2010. My response addresses
questions 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8, which fall under the mandate of my department. The other
ministers addressed in this petition will respond separately to questions that fall under
their respective portfolios.
I appreciate your interest in the questions raised in the petition and I hope you will find
the attached information useful.
Yours sincerely,
[Original signed by Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada]
The Honourable Rob Nicholson
Enclosure: Response of the Department of Justice to Environmental Petition No. 299-C,
Pursuant to Section 22 of the Auditor General Act
c.c.: Mr. Scott Vaughan, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
The Honourable John Baird, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, P.C., M.P.
285
Question 3: In the view of the Minister of Justice, does the Supreme Court of
Canada ruling in Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569,
dated 1957 06 26, which determined that the fluoridation of drinking water
was compulsory preventive medication and which was never challenged by the
Government of Canada, constitute a legal precedent with the force of law as
regards the medicinal nature of the addition of fluorides to drinking water for
the purpose of preventing and treating tooth decay?
This question is a request for a legal opinion. It is beyond the mandate of the Minister of
Justice to provide private citizens with legal advice.
Question 6: What actions can be taken by the federal Department of Justice
against Health Canada if it does not fulfill its responsibility to protect the health
of Canadians by permitting the use of an unlicensed, untested, uncontrolled and
uncharacterized drug, namely, fluoridation agents, in light of the fact that the
Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1957 that the fluoridation of drinking water
was compulsory preventive medication, that this ruling has never been
challenged, and that Health Canada has never given consideration to this albeit
crucial ruling, which does, in fact, define fluoridation agents as drugs as
regards their ultimate purpose, which is to prevent and treat tooth decay?
(Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957] S.C.R. 569, dated
1957-06-26)
This question is a request for a legal opinion. It is beyond the mandate of the Minister of
Justice to provide private citizens with legal advice.
Question 7: How much time is needed for the federal Department of Justice to
take action against Health Canada, which, despite its responsibility to ensure
drug safety, permits the distribution of doubtful quality drugs that have not
been licensed by Health Canada, and further are untested, uncontrolled and
uncharacterized, namely, fluoridation agents, and for the distribution of such
drugs to be discontinued and the drugs pulled from the market if Health Canada
does not act immediately towards protecting the health of millions of Canadians
exposed to the fluoridation of their drinking water and in light of the fact that
the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1957 that fluoridation was compulsory
preventive medication? (Metropolitan Toronto v. Forest Hill (Village), [1957]
S.C.R. 569, dated 1957-06-26)
This question is a request for a legal opinion. It is beyond the mandate of the Minister of
Justice to provide private citizens with legal advice.
Question 8: Since the fluoridation of water, according to the Supreme Court of
Canada ruling, represents compulsory preventive medication of the
inhabitants via drinking water and compulsory preventive medication of the
inhabitants implies the administration of a drug without the informed consent
of patients and a practice in violation of section 7 of the Canadian Charter of
Rights and Freedoms, what immediate actions does the federal Department of
Justice intend to take to ensure that the rights of all Canadians, such as
everyones fundamental right to the protection of life, liberty and security of
their person, as conferred by section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms, are upheld immediately? The administration of a drug without a
patients informed consent constitutes a violation of a fundamental right
conferred by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and demands
286
287
ANNEXE B
288
289
ANNEXE C
RPONSE DES ORDRES PROFESSIONNELS DES
DEMANDES DACCS LINFORMATION
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
CSSS 016MA
C.P. Ptition
Fluoration de
leau potable
Avantages et
risques lis la
fluoration de
leau
AVANTAGES ET RISQUES
LIS LA FLUORATION DE LEAU
Mise jour du rapport publi en 1996
par le Sous-comit fdral-provincial sur leau potable
Prsent par :
David Locker
Auteurs
Le prsent examen de la documentation a t effectu par trois chercheurs de la
Community Dental Health Services Research Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, University of
Toronto.
Herenia Lawrence a rdig la section consacre aux mcanismes daction du fluorure dans
la rduction des caries.
Aleksandra Jokovic a prpar la section sur la sant osseuse, qui traite de lincidence du
fluorure sur lostoporose, les fractures et la teneur minrale osseuse, ainsi que la section
sur les apports en fluorure recommand et rel. Elle a galement dpouill la
documentation et tabli la bibliographie.
Le reste du rapport a t rdig par David Locker, qui lon doit galement lvaluation
critique et linterprtation des crits ainsi que lensemble des recommandations formules
dans le rapport.
iii
Introduction
Caries
Ostoporose
8
31
33
Toxicit aigu
Fluorose dentaire
Sant osseuse
33
33
43
Fluorose squelettique
Fractures et teneur minrale osseuse
Cancer
Dveloppement de lenfant
Fonction immunitaire
43
44
53
55
55
56
60
64
Recommandations
65
Bibliographie
66
ii
SOMMAIRE
Le prsent rapport constitue une mise jour du rapport sur la fluoration de leau produit
en 1996 par le Sous-comit fdral-provincial sur leau potable. Il repose sur un examen
de la documentation publie entre 1994 et 1999 concernant les avantages et les risques lis
la consommation deau potable fluore au niveau optimal. Le rapport se trouve donc
limit en raison de la porte relativement modeste de lexamen demand par la Direction
de la sant publique du ministre de la Sant de lOntario et la Bureau de sant des
Premires nations et des Inuit de Sant Canada.
Ostoporose
Les tudes portant sur lefficacit du fluorure dans le traitement de lostoporose, en
particulier au chapitre de la rduction des fractures ostoporotiques, ont donn lieu des
iii
constatations contradictoires. Cet tat de choses pourrait tre attribuable des diffrences
quant laction du fluorure dans diffrentes parties du squelette ou aux limites inhrentes
la conception des recherches.
Toxicit aigu
Le fluorure dose leve est un poison, mais la consommation deau potable fluore ne
peut entraner lingestion un niveau toxique. Il faut conserver les produits fluors comme
les dentifrices hors de porte des enfants, car ces derniers pourraient en ingrer des doses
toxiques.
Fluorose dentaire
Les tudes actuelles corroborent le point de vue selon lequel la fluorose dentaire a
augment la fois dans les collectivits o leau est fluore et dans les autres. Daprs des
tudes nord-amricaines, le taux daugmentation atteindrait de 20 75 % dans le cas des
premires, contre 12 45 % dans celui des secondes. Bien que cette affection se prsente
principalement sous des formes trs bnignes ou bnignes, la fluorose dentaire constitue
un sujet de proccupation dans la mesure o elle est apparente pour tout le monde et peut
avoir une incidence sur les personnes atteintes. On peut attribuer au fluorure de sources
diverses environ la moiti des cas de fluorose dans les populations denfants recevant une
eau fluore, mais les efforts dploys pour rduire lexposition ces sources pourraient se
rvler vains. Il faut tudier, dune part, lincidence relative des caries et de la fluorose
dentaire sur la qualit de vie et, dautre part, les valeurs de la collectivit concernant
lquilibre entre la rduction des caries et laugmentation de la fluorose dentaire associes
la fluoration de leau.
Sant osseuse
Le fluorure, qui est incorpor dans los, peut influer sur ses proprits biomcaniques. La
fluorose squelettique est une maladie invalidante associe une exposition prolonge des
doses gales ou suprieures 10 mg de fluorure par jour pendant au moins dix ans. Des
tudes de la teneur minrale osseuse nont rvl aucun changement compatible avec le
tableau clinique de la fluorose squelettique attribuable une eau dont la teneur en fluorure
est optimale pour la rduction des caries.
Fractures
De faon gnrale, les tudes portant sur le lien entre la fluoration de leau et les fractures
reposent sur une conception cologique. Deux des onze tudes publies avant 1994
faisaient tat dun effet protecteur, cinq ne montraient aucun lien et quatre indiquaient une
iv
augmentation du taux de fractures de la hanche. Dans ce dernier cas, le lien tait faible, le
risque relatif variant entre 1,1 et 1,4. Des quatre tudes publies entre 1994 et 1999, une
rvlait un effet protecteur peu important, deux ne montraient aucun lien et une laissait
entrevoir un risque accru (RR=1,3-1,4). Sur le plan de la sant publique, limportance
dune faible augmentation du taux de fractures de la hanche dans les populations ges
signifie quil faut mener davantage dtudes fondes sur une meilleure structure de
recherche.
Cancer
Les quelques tudes publies au cours de la priode vise par lanalyse ne remettent pas en
question les tudes antrieures, selon lesquelles rien ne permet de croire que lexposition
une eau fluore augmente le risque de cancer des os ou dautres tissus organiques. Une
tude cologique a bel et bien laiss entrevoir un lien avec le cancer de lutrus, mais les
limites de ce type dtudes quant au lien entre lexposition et les rsultats observs chez
les individus signifient quelles ne sont pas incompatibles avec les donnes drives
dtudes cas-tmoins plus systmatiques et scientifiquement crdibles.
Dveloppement de lenfant
Selon deux tudes menes rcemment en Chine, les enfants exposs un niveau lev de
fluorure auraient un quotient intellectuel infrieur celui des enfants exposs un faible
niveau. Toutefois, ces tudes comportent de graves lacunes et ne prsentent aucune
donne crdible montrant que le fluorure qui provient de leau ou de la pollution
industrielle nuit au dveloppement intellectuel des enfants.
Apports en fluorure rel et recommand au Canada
Compte tenu du manque de donnes actuelles adquates, les recommandations concernant
lapport quotidien optimal en fluorure taient fondes sur les donnes dose-rponse
publies dans les annes 40. Cest une concentration de fluorure se situant entre 0,8
1,2 ppm qui offre lapport optimal lorsquil ny a aucune autre source de fluorure,
lexception de la nourriture. Lapport maximal a t fond sur la consommation deau
prsentant une teneur en fluorure de 1,6 ppm, soit le niveau prcdant lapparition dune
fluorose bnigne. La valeur totale de lapport quotidien rel a t drive des quantits
prsentes dans leau, les aliments, le lait maternel, lair, le sol et le dentifrice. Au Canada,
lapport rel est suprieur lapport recommand pour les enfants nourris avec une
prparation lacte et ceux vivant dans les collectivits o leau est fluore. On doit
sefforcer de rduire lapport dans le groupe dge le plus vulnrable, soit celui de
sept mois quatre ans. Les enfants de ce groupe qui consomment la dose maximale
risquent de prsenter une fluorose dentaire bnigne et leur consommation est infrieure d
vi
INTRODUCTION
Le prsent rapport sinscrit dans le cadre dun contrat financ par la Direction de la sant
publique du ministre de la Sant de lOntario et la Bureau de sant des Premires nations
et des Inuit de Sant Canada, lequel vise plusieurs objectifs :
1. produire un rapport technique sur la fluoration de leau;
2. inclure dans ce rapport un examen de la documentation afin de mettre jour
linformation prsente dans le rapport publi en aot 1996 par le Sous-comit
fdral-provincial sur leau potable (rvis en 1997), connu sous le nom de Rapport
Patterson;
3. confirmer ou infirmer les recommandations formules dans le rapport mentionn dans
le deuxime objectif ci-dessus;
4. confirmer ou infirmer les hypothses rcentes concernant la scurit et la ncessit de
la fluoration de leau;
5. prsenter les constatations de ltude au cours dune journe de formation parraine
par la Direction de la sant publique, qui se tiendra Toronto au milieu ou la fin de
novembre 1999.
Le rapport de 1996 contenait deux recommandations.
1. La concentration maximale acceptable (CMA) de fluorure dans leau potable est
de 1,5 mg/L.
Cette recommandation, qui se rapporte au troisime objectif ci-dessus, tait fonde sur un
apport quotidien tolrable (AQT) de 122 microgrammes de fluorure par kilogramme de
poids corporel pour un enfant de 22 26 mois. La valeur de lAQT provenait dun rapport
produit sous contrat en 1994 pour Sant Canada. Le groupe des 22 26 mois correspond
la priode o le risque de fluorose dans les dents permanentes antrieures est le plus
lev. On considrait quun apport de 122 microgrammes de fluorure par kilogramme de
poids corporel ne risquait gure dentraner une fluorose bnigne grave.
2. Sil est souhaitable de fluorer leau potable dans le cadre des mesures de sant
publique pour la prvention des caries, une concentration de fluorure optimale de
0,8 1,0 mg/L devrait cependant tre maintenue.
Les auteurs du rapport nont pas cherch dterminer si la fluoration de leau entrane ou
non des avantages apprciables dans le contexte actuel, lorsque le taux de caries chez les
enfants est faible et que lapport en fluorure provient de nombreuses autres sources. Cette
question, qui est traite dans le prsent rapport, a toutefois une incidence sur le quatrime
objectif ci-dessus.
Dpouillement de la documentation
Nous avons rpertori les tudes concernant les avantages de la fluoration de leau et les
risques dentaires et non dentaires qui y sont associs en dpouillant la documentation
dentaire et mdicale publie entre janvier 1994 et novembre 1999. Nous avons procd
une recherche lectronique dans les bases de donnes Medline et Cancer Lit et dpouill le
Medical Index et lIndex to Dental Literature. La base de donnes Medline a t
dpouille pour plusieurs vedettes-matires mdicales (Medical Subject Headings
MeSH) : fluoridation, fluorides, dental caries, dental fluorosis, cancer/neoplasm, bone
mass/density/fracture, osteoporosis (fluoration; fluorure; carie; fluorose dentaire; cancer
ou tumeur; masse et teneur osseuses, fractures; ostoporose). Nous avons utilis ces
termes et leurs combinaisons pour la recherche par mot-cl. En adoptant une mthode
itrative, nous avons scrut la bibliographie des articles recenss et vrifi les renvois
pertinents. Par la suite, nous avons dpouill manuellement les numros des revues
suivantes qui avaient fait lobjet dun nombre lev de renvois : Community Dentistry and
Oral Epidemiology, Caries Research, Community Dental Health, Journal of Public
Health Dentistry, European Journal of Oral Sciences, Journal of Dental Research,
British Dental Journal, Advances in Dental Research et Paediatric Dentistry. Cest
partir des listes de renvois tires des articles obtenus que nous avons dcouvert les articles
publis avant 1994 qui ont t inclus dans lexamen. On trouvera la fin du prsent
rapport une bibliographie complte des articles recenss ou utiliss pour les besoins de
notre examen.
Nous avons eu accs par Internet et par dautres sources plusieurs rapports manant
dorganismes publics. Nous les avons dpouills pour y trouver des renvois que le
dpouillement lectronique et manuel navait pas permis de dcouvrir, par exemple :
Public Health Service Report on Fluoride Benefits and Risks, tats-Unis, Department of
Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, 1991.
The Effectiveness of Water Fluoridation, Australie, National Health Medical and Research
Council, Canberra, Australian Government Publishing Service, 1991.
Investigation of Inorganic Fluoride and its Effect on the Occurrence of Dental Caries
and Dental Fluorosis in Canada, rapport final produit en vertu du contrat no 3726,
prsent la Direction gnrale de la protection de la sant de Sant Canada, 1994.
The Lord Mayors Taskforce on Fluoridation Final Report, Brisbane City Council, 1997.
Expert Panel on Water Fluoridation Review, Ville de Calgary, 1998.
Nous avons limit le dpouillement la documentation de langue anglaise portant sur des
sujets humains. Compte tenu de la ncessit de procder lvaluation de textes intgraux,
les articles devaient tre en anglais. (Nous avons consign les articles publis dans une
langue autre que langlais dans le but destimer le biais dans le dpouillement de la
documentation.) Par ailleurs, nous navons pas tent de trouver des tudes non publies.
Nous avons procd, en aot 1999, au dpouillement de la documentation, puis nous
avons rgulirement mis jour notre examen jusqu la premire semaine de
novembre 1999.
Tous les articles recenss ont fait lobjet dune valuation prliminaire. Nous avons alors
exclu systmatiquement les tudes portant sur des animaux; les tudes des effets de la
consommation deau potable prsentant une concentration de fluorure suprieure celle
considre comme optimale pour la prvention des caries (de 0,7 1,2 ppm); les exposs
de cas; les synthses, les rsums; les ditoriaux; et les lettres figurant au courrier des
lecteurs. Les articles restants ont alors t regroups selon le sujet ou lincidence sur la
sant, puis ils ont t attribus lun des trois chercheurs. Nous avons valu chaque
document afin de dterminer la structure de la recherche et en avons extrait les donnes
ncessaires pour les besoins de lexamen. Compte tenu des critres dexclusion et des
dlais serrs impartis pour le dpouillement de la documentation, les articles examins
pour les besoins du prsent rapport portaient uniquement sur les sujets suivants :
mcanismes daction anticarieuse du fluorure
avantages lis la fluoration de leau
- caries
- ostoporose
risques pour la sant lis la fluoration de leau
- toxicit aigu
- fluorose dentaire
- fluorose squelettique
- fractures
- teneur minrale osseuse
- cancer
- dveloppement de lenfant
apports en fluorure rel et recommand au Canada
concentration optimale de fluorure dans leau
concentration maximale acceptable
Nous avons exclu de la prsente mise jour les recherches portant sur dautres risques
ventuels pour la sant lis la fluoration de leau, car aucun article publi entre 1994 et
1999 ne respectait les critres dinclusion.
Le prsent rapport repose sur le grand principe selon lequel les mesures de sant publique
dans le domaine dentaire, en particulier celles qui visent la population dans son ensemble,
doivent 1) contribuer de faon probante la qualit de vie des personnes vises et 2) ne
pas exposer ces personnes des risques disproportionns par rapport aux avantages
procurs au chapitre de lamlioration de la qualit de vie.
concentration leve dans lmail au dbut de la formation des dents (Fejerskov et coll.,
1981; Arends et coll., 1984; Larsen et Jensen, 1985; Silverstone et coll., 1988; ten Cate,
1997; Featherstone, 1999). Les dents exposes une eau potable prsentant une
concentration de fluorure optimale ou forte renferment davantage de fluorure que celles
qui sont exposes une eau potable dont la concentration de fluorure est faible ou nulle
(Takeuchi et coll., 1996; Mestriner Jr. et coll., 1996; Cutress et coll., 1996). Toutefois,
des tudes in vitro ont rvl que le fluorure incorpor dans les minraux de lmail durant
la formation des dents nindique pas toujours la vulnrabilit relative de lmail lattaque
par les acides (Kidd et coll., 1980). De mme, il est peu probable que le fluorure incorpor
dans la dentine joue un rle important au chapitre de la protection contre lattaque par les
acides (Samarawickrama et Speirs, 1993). Daprs ces tudes, leffet cariostatique du
fluorure dans les zones o la fluoration est optimale pourrait bien tre attribuable son
effet * topique + plutt que * systmique +. En outre, lorsquon examine lincidence du
fluorure sur la reminralisation des lsions, il semble que de fortes doses de fluorure
administres pendant une courte priode entranent sur la couche superficielle une
prcipitation qui ralentit vritablement la diffusion de calcium et de phosphate dans les
parties plus profondes de la lsion (Featherstone et ten Cate, 1988). La prcipitation de
fortes doses de fluorure la surface de la lsion pourrait expliquer les diffrences
marques dans la porosit de la surface observes entre les lsions * actives + et les lsions
* interrompues + (Thylstrup et coll., 1983; Silverstone et coll., 1988).
Lanalyse chimique des zones dmail dminralis ou de * taches blanches + a rvl
quelles renferment beaucoup plus de fluorure que lmail sain environnant (Hallsworth et
coll., 1971; Weatherall et coll., 1977). Il est reconnu que lon peut stopper lvolution des
lsions carieuses la suite de lexposition au fluorure aprs lruption des dents, mais
quune reminralisation complte in vivo est alors improbable en raison de la prcipitation
du fluorure sur la surface de lmail (Savage, 1983; Larsen et Fejerskov, 1989). En outre,
les zones de caries interrompues rsistent davantage la poursuite de la dminralisation
que lmail sain, car la couche superficielle de fluorure protge gnralement lmail
contre les attaques carieuses ultrieures (Silverstone, 1977; Koulourides et Cameron,
1980; Weatherell et coll., 1984).
Dans les zones fluores, les lsions carieuses prcoces sont couvertes par une couche
superficielle riche en fluorure. On croit que cette couche fait office de substrat o les ions
fluorure sont librs des pores de la couche superficielle la phase liquide lintrieur de
la lsion dminralise durant les pisodes dattaques carieuses (Arends et coll., 1984). Si
elle peut tre corrobore, cette hypothse confirmerait le fait que le fluorure doit tre
prsent dans les fluides buccaux au cours des annes o les dents sont le plus vulnrables
aux caries (Murray, 1991). Or, cest aprs lruption quelles y sont particulirement
vulnrables, car lmail na pas atteint sa pleine maturit (Evans et Darvell, 1995). Aprs
lruption, il faut attendre deux ou trois ans environ pour que lmail devienne plus
rsistant aux caries. Ce phnomne, qui se produit dordinaire entre 12 et 15 ans,
dtermine souvent les traitements dentaires dont la personne aura besoin par la suite
(Murray, 1987).
Les observations faisant tat dune incidence nettement infrieure des surfaces de dent
caries et obtures chez des jeunes (de 12 16 ans) exposs une eau potable fluore par
comparaison avec ceux vivant dans des rgions o leau nest pas fluore sont compatibles
avec ce mcanisme aprs lruption (Lawrence et coll., 1997). Chez les adultes de 65 ans
ou plus ayant rsid pendant au moins 30 40 ans dans une collectivit o leau potable
tait fluore, lincidence des caries coronaires ou radiculaires tait beaucoup plus faible
que chez ceux ayant rsid toute leur vie dans une collectivit offrant de leau potable non
fluore (Hunt et coll., 1989; Brustman, 1986). Un mcanisme agissant avant lruption des
dents ne peut toutefois tre cart dans ces tudes, car lapport en fluorure par la dentine
du cment et de la racine des dents permanentes dans les rgions o leau est fluore varie
selon la concentration de fluorure dans leau potable (Kato et coll., 1997).
En procdant une nouvelle analyse des donnes de ltude sur la fluoration de leau qui
comparait des sujets ns Tiel, aprs lintroduction du programme de fluoration, avec
ceux ns Culemborg, o leau potable ntait pas fluore, Groeneveld (1985) a obtenu
des donnes confirmant lhypothse de leffet anticarieux aprs lruption des dents
(Backer Dirks et coll., 1961; Backer Dirks, 1961). Lorsquon excluait de lanalyse les
lsions de lmail, le taux de rduction de lincidence des caries sen trouvait accru.
Puisque les lsions de la dentine taient plus nombreuses dans la rgion o leau ntait
pas fluore, lauteur en est arriv la conclusion que la progression tait plus rapide dans
la rgion o leau ntait pas fluore. Autrement dit, une comparaison du nombre de
lsions, y compris dans lmail, ne permettait pas dobserver leffet de la fluoration de
leau avant lruption des dents.
Daprs ce que nous savons des mcanismes cariostatiques du fluorure, les programmes
de prvention devraient faire appel des traitements au fluorure qui fournissent
frquemment de faibles doses dions fluorure libres pour augmenter la concentration locale
dans la salive, la plaque et le fluide parodontal, de manire faciliter la libration des ions
dans la lsion et leur prcipitation sous forme de fluoroapatite ou de fluorohydroxyapatite
pendant les priodes dattaque par les acides (ten Cate and Arends, 1977). La fluoration
de leau contribue davantage que dautres types de vecteurs maintenir dans la salive une
concentration de fluorure permettant de rduire la dminralisation et daugmenter la
reminralisation de lmail (Lewis et coll., 1994). Cest pourquoi nombre de
professionnels faisant autorit affirment que la fluoration de leau demeure la technologie
de choix sur le plan de lefficacit, de la distribution, de lquit, de la conformit et des
cots.
Sommaire
On pensait lorigine que le fluorure exerait principalement son action en sincorporant
lmail, dont il rduisait ainsi la solubilit, mais tout indique que cet effet observ avant
lruption des dents est mineur. Les donnes tmoignant dun effet aprs lruption,
particulirement une inhibition de la dminralisation et une augmentation de la
reminralisation, sont beaucoup plus probantes.
10
Tableau 1 : Diffrences dans les comptes caod, caos ou cos : Collectivits o leau tait fluore ou non
Auteur et
anne
Evans et
coll., 1995
Provart et
Carmichael,
l995
Thomas et
Jones, 1995
Thomas et
coll., 1995
Evans et
coll., 1996
Slade et
coll., 1996a
Pays
R.-U.
R.-U.
Galles
Galles
R.-U.
Australie
(Queensland)
Conception
ge
Deux
collectivits
cologique
Deux
collectivits
Deux
collectivits
Deux
collectivits
Deux
collectivits
5
5
5
10
Fluoration
F
NF
F*
NF
Prc. >0
caod
39 %
55 %
40 %
55 %
1,33
2,41
1,2
2,1
30 %
34 %
cart
Rduction
(%)
caos/
cos
2,80
5,77
cart
Rduction
(%)
2,97
51 %
1,08
45 %
0,9
43 %
0,4
33 %
0,47
21 %
1,46
64 %
1,57
57 %
1,17
3,65
2,48
68 %
0,87
59 %
0,85
2,18
1,33
61 %
F**
NF
F***
NF
F****
NF
F*
NF
31 %
62 %
0,8
1,2
1,81
2,28
0,80
2,2,26
1,17
2,74
F**
NF
23 %
38 %
0,59
1,46
F
NF
38 %
42 %
1,35
2,98
1,63
55 %
F
NF
49 %
57 %
2,61
4,99
2,38
48 %
F
NF
42 %
55 %
2,03
3,97
1,94
49 %
11
Auteur et
anne
Slade et
coll., 1995
Pays
Conception
ge
Australie
Transversale
Libye
Cortes et
coll., 1996
Jones et
coll., 1997a
Brsil
R.-U.
Heller et
.-U.
coll., 1997
Dini et coll., Brsil
1998a
Transversale
Deux
collectivits
Chili
Plusieurs
collectivits
cart
Rduction
(%)
caos
cart
Rduction
(%)
0,4
13 %
F
NF
3,3^
5,2
1,9
37 %
10
F
NF
2,4^
4,2
1,8
43 %
F*****
NF
F
NF
F*
NF
3,35
4,49
1,14
25 %
6-12
5
5-10
3-4
5-6
Villa et
coll., 1998a
caod
2,8^
3,2
Hawew et
coll., 1996
rc. >0
F
NF
(Australie
mridionale)
Deux
collectivits
Deux
collectivits
cologique
Fluoration
39 %
62 %
1,07
2,32
1,5
2,1
1,46
2,78
F**
NF
F
NF
F#
NF
0,8
1,41
32 %
58 %
1,1
2,4
F#
NF
F
NF
57 %
89 %
41 %
75 %
2,5
5,3
1,56
3,67
12
1,25
54 %
0,6
29 %
1,32
48 %
0,61
43 %
1,3
54 %
2,8
53 %
2,11
57 %
Auteur et
anne
Jones et
Pays
Conception
ge
R.-U.
cologique
Worthington,
1999
Riley et coll.,
1999
Adair et
coll., 1999
R.-U.
cologique
.-U.
Transversale
5
3e-5e
anne
Fluoration
Prc. >0
caod
cart
Rduction
(%)
F
NF
1,41
2,36
1,02
43 %
F
NF
F^^
NF
0,87
1,80
0,93
52 %
aos
4,81
5,81
cart
1,0
Rduction
(%)
17 %
Les chiffres en caractres gras indiquent des diffrences dclares statistiquement significatives.
* Groupes trs dfavoriss ou classe sociale infrieure (IV et V).
** Groupes peu dfavoriss ou classe sociale suprieure (I et II).
*** F Enfants ayant vcu 35 % de leur vie dans une rgion o leau tait fluore; NF Enfants ayant vcu moins de 10 % de leur vie
dans une rgion o leau tait fluore.
**** F Enfants ayant vcu au plus 35 % de leur vie dans une rgion o leau tait fluore; NF Enfants ayant vcu dans une rgion
o leau ntait pas fluore.
***** F=1,8 mg/L; NF=0,8 mg/L.
# F Collectivit o leau tait fluore depuis 1963; NF Collectivit o leau tait fluore un an avant ltude.
^ Valeur estime daprs des graphiques.
13
Conception
ge
NouvelleZlande
Plusieurs
collectivits
14
Galles
Deux
collectivits
14
Deux
collectivits
7-14
Pays
.-U.
7-10
Clark et
coll., 1995
Slade et
coll., 1996a
Canada
Australie
(Queensland)
Deux
collectivits
Deux
collectivits
1114
6-14
Fluoration
F
PF
NF
F
NF
Prc. >0
75 %
82 %
83 %
66 %
77 %
CAOD
2,33
3,36
4,52
F
NF
3,34
3,68
F
NF
2,99
3,01
F
NF
F
NF
3,85
4,73
cart
1,03
2,19
Rduction
(%)
31 %
48 %
CAOS
2,97
4,42
6,19
2,9*
4,3
cart
Rduction
(%)
1,45
3,22
30 %
48 %
1,4
33 %
9%
4,35
5,34
1,19
22 %
0,02
1%
4,03
4,77
0,74
16 %
0,88
19 %
1,95
28 %
0,88
35 %
2,03
3,62
1,61
44 %
0,06
60 %
0,34
4,81
6,76
1,65
2,53
1014
F
NF
N
NF
4%
4%
0,04
0,10
F
NF
24 %
26 %
0,41
0,51
0,10
20 %
12
F
NF
36 %
54 %
0,94
1,80
0,86
40 %
14
Auteur et
anne
Slade et
coll.,
1995
Pays
Australie
Conception
ge
<Fluoration
Transversale
12
F
NF
1,0^
1,2
0,2
16 %
N
NF
F**
NF
2,7^
2,7
0,0
0%
(Australie
mridionale)
15
Hawew et
coll., 1996
Libye
Mestriner
et coll.,
1996
Brsil
Deux
collectivits
12
7
Deux
collectivits
10
12
Lawrence
et
Sheiham,
1997
Heller et
coll., 1997
Dini et
coll.,
1998
Deux
collectivits
1216
.-U.
Transversale
5-17
Brsil
Deux
collectivits
1112
Brsil
Prc. >0
34 %
50 %
CAOD
cart
Rduction
(%)
CAOS
cart
Rduction
(%)
0,87
1,17
0,30
26 %
F
NF
0,40
1,19
0,79
66 %
F
NF
1,60
3,68
2,08
57 %
F
NF
F
NF
2,80
5,98
3,18
53 %
89 %
95 %
8,7
15,4
6,7
44 %
F
NF
F
NF****
45 %
47 %
69 %
79 %
2,53
3,08
0,55
18 %
2,3
2,8
15
0,5
18 %
Auteur et
anne
Grembowski
et coll.,
1997
Sepp et
coll.,
1998
Conception
Pays
.-U.
Finlande
Transversale
Deux
collectivits
ge
Fluoration
2034
F##
NF
18,0
27,2
9,2
34 %
12
F
NF
1,88
2,99
1,11
37 %
F
NF
F
NF
F
NF
F(p)
NF
4,00
5,62
1,62
29 %
1,28
1,55
0,27
17 %
1,35
0,80
- 0,55
-69 %
1,9
2,6
3,7
0,7
1,8
17 %
49 %
2,81
3,07
0,26
8%
15
Brett, 1998
Kumar et
coll., 1998
Villa et
coll., 1998a
NouvelleZlande
Deux
collectivits
1213
.-U.
Deux
collectivits
7-14
Chili
Plusieurs
collectivits
12
15
Selwitz et
coll., 1998
.-U.
Adair et
coll., 1999
.-U.
Plusieurs
collectivits
(EC)
Transversale
8-16
6e-8e
anne
Prc. >0
54 %
53 %
50 %
50 %
CAOD
1,04
1,60
1,24
1,39
cart
Rduction
(%)
0,56
35 %
0,15
11 %
F(np)
NF
F
NF
58 %
77 %
1,31
3,10
1,79
58 %
F
NF
F
NF
NF
68 %
85 %
48 %
60 %
75 %
2,60
5,06
2,46
49 %
F*****
NF
16
CAOS
cart
Rduction
(%)
EC chantillon de commodit.
Fluoration : F Eau fluore; PF Eau prcdemment fluore; NF Eau non fluore.
* Valeur rajuste pour tenir compte des diffrences de statut socioconomique.
** F = 1,8 mg/L; NF = 0,8 mg/L.
*** Fluoration optimale pendant 16 mois seulement.
**** F Collectivit o leau tait fluore depuis 1963; NF Collectivit o leau tait fluore un an avant ltude.
***** F Eau municipale fluore; NF Eau municipale non fluore. Toutes les coles frquentes par les sujets recevaient une eau
municipale fluore (concentration de fluorure variable).
^ Valeur estime daprs des graphiques.
# Donne de rfrence tire dune tude prospective sur la progression des caries.
## F Sujets exposs pendant 50 100 % de leur vie une eau fluore; NF Sujets non exposs une eau fluore.
(p) Enfants pauvres; (np) : Enfants non pauvres.
17
Mthodes de recherche
Lorsquon examine lefficacit de la fluoration de leau, il convient de se poser trois
questions :
Nombre
dtudes
18
4
1
3
Description de la conception
Comparaison du taux de caries dans une
collectivit o leau tait fluore et une
collectivit o elle ne ltait pas.
Comparaison du taux de caries dans deux
cinq collectivits o leau tait fluore
diverses concentrations.
tudes portant sur plusieurs groupes; mesure
globale de lexposition et des rsultats.
tude transversale ne tenant pas compte de
leffet des variables confusionnelles.
tudes transversales dont la mthode
analytique comportait des lments dtudes
de cohorte ou dtudes cas-tmoins et tenait
compte de leffet des variables
confusionnelles.
Dans certains cas, les problmes rduiront lcart entre les collectivits o leau tait
fluore et celles o elle ne ltait pas; dans dautres, ils laccentueront. Ainsi, Treasure et
Dever (1994) ont observ une diffrence de 3,02 dans le compte CAOS moyen entre des
enfants de Nouvelle-Zlande gs de 14 ans, selon quils vivaient dans une collectivit o
leau tait fluore ou non, mais la diffrence passait 3,22 lorsquon incluait uniquement
les sujets y ayant rsid toute leur vie. Kumar et coll. (1998) ont tudi des sujets de 7
14 ans ayant rsid toute leur vie Newburgh, o leau tait fluore, et Kingston, dans
ltat de New York, o elle ne ltait pas. Ces collectivits ont t retenues en 1945, en
raison de leurs similitudes, pour lune des tudes sur la fluoration de leau des collectivits.
Au fil du temps, ces collectivits ont chang : celle o leau tait fluore a vu sa
population sappauvrir; le nombre de personnes ayant fait des tudes collgiales a chut, le
pourcentage de Blancs a diminu et le chmage a augment. Ces variables confusionnelles
19
peuvent expliquer que le compte CAOS moyen normalis selon lge en 1995 se chiffrait
1,7 dans la collectivit o leau tait fluore et 1,5 dans lautre.
En outre, peu dtudes ont repos sur des mesures pidmiologiques types de la force des
associations, comme les probabilits relatives, et la plupart nont pas fait tat de la
signification statistique des diffrences dans les moyennes et les proportions quelles
documentaient.
Leffet de halo posait problme dans toutes les tudes sur lefficacit de la fluoration de
leau. Il sagit de toute la gamme dapports en fluorure entre les collectivits o leau tait
fluore et celles o elle ne ltait pas, attribuables aux boissons et aliments produits dans
les collectivits o leau tait fluore. Puisquil est impossible de tenir compte de cet
lment, Lewis et Banting (1994) ont fait valoir que lon ne peut dterminer lefficacit de
la fluoration de leau. Un moyen dviter ou dattnuer ce problme consiste tudier des
rgions o seulement une faible proportion de la population reoit une eau fluore. Cest
le cas dans ltude ralise par Slade et coll. (1996a) dans le Queensland, en Australie, o
seulement 5 % de la population consommait une eau fluore la concentration optimale.
Les tudes menes au Royaume-Uni sont galement moins vulnrables leffet de halo,
car seulement 10 % de la population vit dans des rgions o leau municipale est fluore
la concentration optimale.
En gnral, les donnes recueillies grce ces tudes rcentes sur lefficacit de la
fluoration de leau sont de pitre qualit. Nanmoins, malgr les lacunes sur le plan de la
conception, les imperfections mthodologiques et la publication dtudes ne montrant
aucune diffrence significative entre le taux de caries dans les collectivits o leau tait
fluore et celles o elle ne ltait pas, tout indique que la fluoration de leau est associe
dans de nombreux endroits une rduction du taux de caries. Dailleurs, les quelques
tudes reposant sur des mthodes plus rigoureuses viennent corroborer ces rsultats.
Toutefois, il faut examiner les questions concernant la force des associations et lampleur
de leffet.
Ampleur de leffet
Lampleur de la diffrence au chapitre de la prvalence des caries entre la population
expose une eau fluore et celle expose une eau non fluore peut tre mesure de
quatre faons :
1.
2.
3.
4.
20
Puisque la carie est une affection qui se manifeste plusieurs emplacements, les
diffrences dans la prvalence estimative peuvent tre trompeuses. Ainsi, Treasure et
Dever (1994) nont observ aucune diffrence dans la prvalence des caries dans les
collectivits o leau tait fluore, dans celles o elle lavait t prcdemment et dans
celles o elle ne ltait pas, mais ils ont constat une diffrence significative dans les
comptes CAOD et CAOS moyens. Comme les moyennes peuvent tre trompeuses dans
les populations o une proportion leve dindividus nont aucune carie, les mesures
fondes sur les moyennes sont galement imparfaites (Burt et Eklund, 1999), plus forte
raison quant il sagit dune rduction exprime sous forme de pourcentage. Ainsi, une
rduction de 50 % serait digne de mention si elle tmoignait dun recul dans le compte
CAOS moyen de 12 6. Cependant, une moyenne ramene de 0,5 0,25 serait dune
valeur discutable sur le plan clinique. Malheureusement, les rductions en pourcentage
sont, par tradition, la principale sinon la seule faon dvaluer lampleur de leffet de la
fluoration de leau. La mthode la plus approprie pour valuer lefficacit consiste
comparer la distribution. Toutefois, on utilise rarement cette mthode dans la
documentation actuelle. Cest pourquoi les carts fournissent lindication la plus utile en
dpit du fait quils sont drivs de valeurs moyennes.
Comme en tmoignent les donnes des tableaux 1 et 2, il est difficile de donner une vue
densemble de la fluoration de leau du fait que lefficacit peut varier considrablement
dun pays lautre et lintrieur dun pays selon que lon value les dents temporaires ou
permanentes et selon lge des individus et leur statut socioconomique. Pour faciliter la
lecture des donnes, les tableaux 4 et 5 ci-aprs rsument les donnes selon les pays dans
lesquels les tudes ont t ralises. Lventail des carts et des rductions en pourcentage
dans les comptes caod/s et CAOD/S moyens est prsent pour chaque pays. Il faut tout de
mme faire preuve de discernement face ces tableaux. titre dexemple, les 11 carts
estimatifs dans le compte caod moyen entre les populations du Royaume-Uni exposes
une eau fluore et celles non exposes une eau fluore vont de 0,4 1,57. Toutefois,
lcart tait infrieur 1 dans six cas et lgrement suprieur 1 dans deux autres cas
(1,02 et 1,08).
Le tableau 4 montre que lcart variait entre 0,4 et 2,8 pour les comptes caod moyens et
entre 0,4 et 2,97 pour les comptes caos moyens. Par ailleurs, le tableau 5 montre quil se
situait entre 0,10 et 3,18 pour les comptes CAOD moyens et entre -0,55 et 6,7 pour les
comptes CAOS moyens. Les valeurs les plus leves, cest--dire les diffrences de trois
ou plus, proviennent des tudes ralises en Nouvelle-Zlande et en Amrique du Sud. Il
est noter que nombre des diffrences signales par ces tudes ntaient pas
statistiquement significatives ou quelles nont t soumises aucun test de signification
(voir les tableaux 1 et 2), si bien que lon ne connat pas leur signification statistique.
21
Tableau 4 : Plage des carts dans les moyennes et des rductions en pourcentage
selon le pays pour les dents temporaires
caod
Pays
R.-U.
.-U.
Australie
Libye
Brsil/Chili
Nbre
Plage des
carts
caos
11
0,4-1,57
Plage des
rductions
(%)
17-64 %
1
4
1,25
0,6-2,8
54 %
29-53 %
Nbre
3
2
6
Plage des
carts
1,33-2,97
1,0-1,14
0,4-2,38
Plage des
rductions
(%)
51-68 %
17-25 %
13-55 %
Tableau 5 : Plage des carts dans les moyennes et des rductions en pourcentage
selon le pays pour les dents permanentes
CAOD
Pays
R.-U.
.-U.
Canada
Nouvelle-Zlande
Australie
Libye
Brsil/Chili
Nbre
Plage des
carts
CAOS
Plage des
rductions
(%)
0,34
9%
0,15-2,19 11-48 %
1
6
0,30
0,5-3,18
26 %
18-58 %
1,4
-0,55-1,19
0,88-1,61
1,45-3,22
0-0,86
Plage des
rductions
(%)
33 %
-69-49 %
35-44 %
30-48 %
0-40 %
6,7
44 %
22
du compte caos des enfants de 5 10 ans de chaque tat. Lestimation des paramtres
donne penser que les enfants dAustralie mridionale non exposs une eau fluore
avaient en moyenne un compte caos plus lev de 1,8 par rapport aux enfants qui avaient
t exposs une eau fluore toute leur vie. Dans le Queensland, ces enfants avaient en
moyenne un compte caos 2,3 fois plus lev. Les faibles valeurs du coefficient de
dtermination multiple pour le modle indiquaient que ces deux variables expliquaient
respectivement 3,4 et 2,5 % de la variation du compte caos de lge de 5 10 ans.
Les modles examinant lassociation entre le compte CAOS et lexposition une eau
fluore chez des enfants de 6 12 ou 15 ans tenaient compte de leffet confusionnel de
lge, du revenu et du niveau de scolarit des parents et de ladministration de
supplments de fluorure. Selon les estimations de paramtres, les enfants dAustralie
mridionale non exposs une eau fluore avaient un compte CAOS moyen plus lev de
0,12 par rapport aux enfants exposs pendant toute leur vie, tandis que ceux du
Queensland non exposs une eau fluore avaient un compte CAOS moyen plus lev de
0,30 par rapport leurs homologues exposs. Les valeurs du coefficient de dtermination
multiple demeuraient faibles, soit 0,169 et 0,102 respectivement.
Pour leur part, Heller et coll. (1997) ont utilis des donnes de lenqute nationale mene
en 1986-1987 auprs des lves des tats-Unis (1986/87 National Survey of US
Schoolchildren) pour examiner lassociation entre la fluoration de leau et les comptes
cos et CAOS. La concentration de fluorure dans leau des coles servait dindicateur de
lexposition au fluorure contenu dans leau. Seuls les enfants ayant toujours rsid au
mme endroit taient inclus dans ltude. Daprs les modles de rgression tenant compte
de leffet de lge et de lexposition dautres sources de fluorure, le compte cos moyen
diminuait de 1,08 pour chaque augmentation de 1 ppm de la concentration de fluorure;
pour le modle se rapportant au compte CAOS, la diminution correspondante tait de
0,59. Les valeurs du coefficient de dtermination multiple stablissaient 0,110 et 0,258
respectivement. Il sagit de la seule tude fournir des donnes sur la distribution des
comptes cos et CAOS. Les donnes ne montrent que de lgres diffrences entre les
enfants exposs pendant toute leur vie une eau fluore selon que la concentration de
fluorure tait infrieure 0,3 ppm ou quelle se situait entre 0,7 et 1,2 ppm. Ainsi, 15 %
des premiers avaient un compte cos moyen de 11 ou plus, comparativement 13,2 % dans
le cas des seconds. Pour le compte CAOS, les proportions taient respectivement de 7,5 et
5,8 %.
Les donnes tires de ces deux tudes figurent parmi les plus probantes montrant que la
fluoration de leau permet de rduire les caries. Elles indiquent toutefois que leffet est
plus prononc sur les dents temporaires que sur les dents permanentes, que la rduction
des caries est relativement faible en chiffres absolus, particulirement dans les dents
permanentes, et que la fluoration de leau ne permet gure dexpliquer lcart dans la
prvalence des caries, que ce soit dans les dents temporaires ou permanentes.
23
tudes canadiennes
Au cours de la priode vise par lexamen, une seule tude canadienne sur lefficacit de la
fluoration de leau a t publie (Clark et coll., 1995). Cette tude examinait le taux de
caries chez des enfants de 6 14 ans ayant rsid toute leur vie dans une collectivit o
leau tait fluore (1,2 ppm de fluorure) comparativement des enfants du mme ge
ayant rsid toute leur vie dans une collectivit o elle ne ltait pas (0,1 ppm de fluorure).
Le compte CAOS tait de 1,65 pour les premiers et de 2,53 pour les seconds. La
diffrence de 0,88 dans les surfaces pargnes reprsentait une rduction de 35 %, mais
elle ntait pas statistiquement significative. Lorsquon se limitait aux enfants de 10
14 ans, les valeurs moyennes atteignaient 2,03 et 3,62, soit une diffrence statistiquement
significative. Cependant, une analyse de rgression multiple a montr que lge et le niveau
de scolarit des parents taient dimportants prdicteurs du compte CAOS, alors que la
fluoration ou la non-fluoration de leau nen tait pas un.
Il est prfrable danalyser ces rsultats dans le contexte dtudes antrieures portant sur
des populations canadiennes et publies avant la priode de 1994 1999 retenue pour
notre examen. Une tude mene la fin des annes 80 comparait des enfants de louest du
Canada gs de 12 ans en moyenne, qui rsidaient dans une collectivit o leau tait
fluore (1,08 ppm de fluorure) ou dans une collectivit o elle ne ltait pas (0,23 ppm de
fluorure) (Clovis et coll., 1988). En comparant tous les enfants ou uniquement les enfants
ayant rsid pendant au moins cinq ans dans leur collectivit respective, les chercheurs
nont observ aucune diffrence statistiquement significative dans le compte CAOD ou
CAOS. Ismail et coll. (1993) nont observ aucune diffrence significative dans le compte
CAOS entre des enfants de cinquime et de sixime anne de Nouvelle-cosse selon quils
vivaient dans une collectivit o leau tait fluore ou non. Une analyse de rgression
tenant compte de leffet de lutilisation de dentifrice fluor dans la petite enfance et du
niveau de scolarit des parents a montr que lexposition une eau fluore ne contribue
pas aux diffrences dans la prvalence des caries. Une tude mene au Qubec (Ismail et
coll., 1990) a rvl des diffrences significatives dans le compte CAOS moyen dlves
dcoles publiques gs de 15 17 ans rsidant Trois-Rivires (9,76), o leau tait
fluore, et Sherbrooke (12,77), o elle ne ltait pas. Les chercheurs nont observ
aucune diffrence dans le cas des enfants de 11 14 ans ou des lves frquentant une
cole prive. Les probabilits relatives non rajustes donnent penser que le type dcole
frquente, lutilisation de comprims de fluorure, lge et le sexe avaient une plus grande
incidence sur le taux de caries que la fluoration de leau. Ensemble, ces tudes ne
fournissent gure de donnes systmatiques montrant que la fluoration de leau procure un
avantage apprciable aux enfants canadiens en ce qui concerne la prvalence des caries.
Effets diffrentiels selon le statut socioconomique
Leffet de la fluoration de leau sur les enfants des groupes socioconomiques suprieurs
et infrieurs fait lobjet dun dbat constant. Certaines tudes ont montr que la fluoration
exerce un plus grand effet chez les groupes de statut social infrieur que chez ceux de
statut suprieur, tandis que dautres nont rvl aucun effet diffrentiel. Lexamen de
24
neuf tudes sur la question na pas permis de rgler le dbat. Dune part, les tudes
ntablissent pas de distinction nette entre les interactions multiplicatives ou additives
(Slade et coll., 1996b). Dautre part, lincapacit de dtecter les interactions
multiplicatives semble lie la conception de ltude. Quatre tudes cologiques
corrlationnelles font tat dinteractions significatives du statut socioconomique et de la
fluoration ou de la non-fluoration (Provart et Carmichael, 1995; Jones et coll., 1997a;
Jones et Worthington, 1999; Riley et coll., 1999) et une seule nen a pas fait tat (Ellwood
et OMullane, 1995). Les tudes reposant sur dautres conceptions nont rvl aucun
effet multiplicatif (Treasure et Dever, 1994; Evans et coll., 1996; Slade et coll., 1996b),
mais elles ont montr que le taux de caries tait le plus lev parmi les enfants des groupes
socioconomiques infrieurs rsidant dans une collectivit o leau ntait pas fluore. En
outre, lcart dans les comptes caod/s ou CAOD/S entre les populations vivant dans une
collectivit o leau tait fluore et celles vivant dans une collectivit o elle ne ltait pas
est toujours plus lev pour les enfants de statut socioconomique infrieur que pour ceux
de statut suprieur (tableau 6).
Tableau 6 : cart entre les comptes caod/s ou CAOD/S pour les enfants rsidant
dans une collectivit o leau tait fluore et ceux rsidant dans une collectivit o
elle ne ltait pas, selon le statut socioconomique
Auteur et
anne
Treasure et
Dever, 1994
Pays
Compte
Statut socioconomique
cart
NouvelleZlande
CAOD
Suprieur
Infrieur
Suprieur
Infrieur
Suprieur
Infrieur
1,20
3,07
1,04
5,40
0,33
0,90
Suprieur
Infrieur
Suprieur
Infrieur
Suprieur
Infrieur
Suprieur
Infrieur
Suprieur
Infrieur
0,87
1,57
1,33
2,48
2,18
3,50
0,29
0,35
0,55
0,27
CAOS
Provart et
Carmichael,
1995
Evans et coll.,
1996
R.-U.
caod
R.-U.
caod
caos
Slade et coll.,
1996b
Queensland
caos
CAOS
Kumar et coll.,
1998
.-U.
CAOS
Autrement dit, la diffrence dans le taux de caries entre les enfants des groupes
socioconomiques suprieurs et infrieurs est plus faible dans les collectivits o leau
tait fluore que dans les autres. Cet tat de choses laisse entrevoir une interaction
supplmentaire de la fluoration de leau et du statut socioconomique (Slade et coll.,
25
1996b). Toutefois, lampleur de cet effet est plus prononc dans le cas des dents
temporaires et elle est gnralement faible.
Interruption de la fluoration de leau
Trois articles examinaient le taux de caries dans les dents temporaires ou permanentes
aprs linterruption de la fluoration de leau. Puisque ces tudes sont fondes sur des
enqutes transversales passages rpts, la variation dchantillonnage pourrait expliquer
en partie les diffrences observes. En outre, il sagissait dans les trois cas de
comparaisons gographiques simples dans lesquelles on navait pas cherch tenir compte
de leffet des facteurs confusionnels ventuels.
Seulement une des trois tudes faisait tat dune augmentation du taux de caries par suite
de linterruption de la fluoration (tableau 7). Le compte caod moyen chez les enfants
dAngelsey gs de cinq ans est pass de 0,8 en 1987, dernire anne o leau tait
fluore, 2,01 en 1993 (Thomas et coll., 1995). Toutefois, ces valeurs ont aussi augment
chez les enfants rsidant dans la partie continentale du pays de Galles qui navaient pas t
exposs une eau fluore. Il est impossible de mesurer pleinement laugmentation dans
cette population, car on ne dispose daucune donne pour la dernire anne dobservation.
Une tude de deux villes dAllemagne o des changements avaient t apports au
chapitre de la fluoration a rvl que le taux de caries chez les adolescents a diminu entre
1987 et 1995 Cheminitz, o leau tait fluore jusquen 1987, et Plauen, o la
fluoration avait cess en 1984 (Kunzel et Fischer, 1997). De mme, le taux de caries chez
les adolescents a diminu Kuopio entre 1992, dernire anne o leau tait fluore, et
1995 (Sepp et coll., 1998). On a observ une diminution plus marque Jyvaskyla, o
leau ntait pas fluore, si bien que lavantage relatif de Kuopio en ce qui a trait au taux
de caries avait t limin en 1995.
Tableau 7 : Donnes tires dtudes sur linterruption de la fluoration
Compte caod moyen lge de 5 ans Angelsey et dans la partie continentale du pays de
Galles (Thomas et coll., 1995)
1987-1988
1989-1990
1991-1992
1993
Angelsey
Eau fluore jusquen 1987
0,80
1,26
1,44
2,01
26
Plauen
12
15
1987
F
2,55
4,87
1991
NF
2,48
4,44
1995
NF
1,87
3,78
12
15
NF
2,42
5,64
NF
2,54
4,47
NF
1,98
3,47
1995
12
15
1,62
3,19
1,63
3,91
27
1992), lincidence des caries coronaires et radiculaires est importante, en particulier chez
les personnes ges. Troisimement, puisque les caries constituent un phnomne qui
saccumule tout au long de la vie, lcart entre les individus rsidant dans une collectivit
o leau est fluore et ceux rsidant dans une collectivit o elle ne lest pas devrait se
creuser avec lge. Quatrimement, tant donn que leffet du fluorure est en grande partie
de nature topique, il y a lieu de croire que les adultes en bnficieraient tout autant sinon
plus que les enfants sur la plan de la rduction de lincidence des caries.
Une seule tude portant sur des adultes a t publie entre 1994 et 1999 (Grembowski et
coll., 1997). Il sagit de lune des rares tudes qui estimaient lexposition une eau fluore
au moyen des antcdents personnels relatifs la rsidence. Un article antrieur, qui
prsentait une analyse plus dtaille des donnes, avait montr que les adultes gs de 20
34 ans non exposs une eau fluore prsentaient un compte COS coronaire moyen de
27,9 (Grembowski et coll., 1992), soit nettement plus que la moyenne de 15,7 pour les
sujets exposs une eau fluore pendant la plus grande partie de leur vie. Si lon tient
compte de leffet dune vaste gamme de variables relies la prvalence des caries chez
les adultes, chaque anne dexposition une eau fluore rduit le compte COS de
0,29 surface et le compte CAOS de 0,35 surface.
Ces donnes confirment les rsultats dtudes cologiques antrieures sur chantillon non
contrl menes sur des adultes par Stamm et coll. (1990), indiquant que la prvalence des
caries coronaires et radiculaires est moins leve chez les personnes ayant rsid toute leur
vie dans une collectivit o leau tait fluore naturellement que chez ceux ayant rsid
toute leur vie dans une collectivit o leau ne ltait pas. Elles confirment galement les
rsultats des tudes ralises par Wiktorsson et coll. (1992), selon lesquels le compte COS
coronaire des sujets ayant rsid toute leur vie dans une collectivit o leau tait fluore
la concentration optimale tait moins lev que celui des sujets ayant rsid toute leur vie
dans une collectivit o la concentration de fluorure dans leau tait insuffisante. Lune
des rares tudes prospectives (Hunt et coll., 1989) de lincidence des caries coronaires et
radiculaires a permis de recueillir les donnes les plus probantes concernant leffet
protecteur de la fluoration de leau chez les adultes gs de 65 ans ou plus. Par
comparaison avec les individus ayant rsid toute leur vie dans une collectivit o leau
tait fluore, le risque relatif de formation de nouvelles caries coronaires au cours dune
priode dobservation de 18 mois se chiffrait 0,80 ou moins pour ceux ayant rsid
pendant 30 ans ou plus dans une collectivit o leau tait fluore. Le risque de caries
radiculaires tait de 0,73 ou moins.
Importance de leffet
Peu darticles examins traitaient de limportance clinique ou conomique de la rduction
du taux de caries observ. En outre, les articles ne sattachent pas dfinir une diffrence
importante sur le plan clinique dans la prvalence des caries au niveau individuel ou
collectif.
28
29
faut mener des recherches concernant la qualit de vie sur le plan de la sant buccodentaire des enfants et des adultes prsentant divers degrs de prvalence des caries, quant
la douleur, la capacit de mastication et lestime de soi.
30
Sommaire
Compte tenu des lacunes de la plupart des tudes actuelles sur le plan de la conception et
de la mthode, il convient de faire preuve de discernement quant aux donnes des tudes
rcentes. Tout indique que la fluoration rduit la prvalence des caries. Si lampleur de son
effet demeure incertaine dans une certaine mesure, il est peu probable quil soit lev en
chiffres absolus. Bien que certaines donnes semblent indiquer que les enfants des groupes
socioconomiques infrieurs en bnficient le plus, ces enfants ne constituent quune faible
proportion de la population totale denfants. Daprs les quelques tudes portant sur le
taux de caries dans les collectivits o on a cess de fluorer leau, cette mesure naurait
entran aucune augmentation importante des caries.
Le taux de caries est maintenant si faible dans la plupart des populations denfants que les
recherches ultrieures devraient mettre davantage laccent sur les adultes, notamment les
personnes ges, afin de mieux documenter les avantages pour ce segment de la
population quant la rduction de lincidence des caries coronaires et radiculaires. En
outre, les tudes doivent aller au-del des indices fonds sur la maladie et documenter les
amliorations au chapitre de la qualit de vie des individus exposs la concentration
optimale de fluorure. En raison de labsence de telles donnes, on ne peut valuer en dtail
les avantages de la fluoration de leau. long terme, la crdibilit dun programme de
sant publique consacr la fluoration de leau sen trouve mine.
OSTOPOROSE
tant donn que des quantits de fluorure excessives accroissent la densit osseuse, on a
mis lhypothse que lexposition de fortes concentrations de fluorure pourrait tre
bnfique pour les personnes atteintes dostoporose.
Des tudes cliniques contrles ou non contrles ont clairement montr quune dose de
fluorure variant de 11 14 mg/jour permet daccrotre la masse osseuse trabculaire dans
la colonne vertbrale. Bien que certaines tudes aient fait tat dune rduction du taux de
fractures vertbrales par suite dun traitement au fluorure (Pak et coll., 1994), son
efficacit cet gard est controverse car les rsultats de la recherche ne sont pas
uniformes. Les avantages ventuels pour lossature de la colonne vertbrale ne semblent
pas sappliquer dautres parties du squelette constitues principalement dos cortical.
Une tude fait mme tat dune augmentation du taux de fractures corticales par suite
dun traitement fortes doses de fluorure (Riggs et coll., 1994). Toutefois, leffet du
fluorure sur la masse osseuse corticale et le taux de fractures non vertbrales na pas t
clairement tabli (Kleerekoper, 1998; Lau, 1998; Reginster, 1998; Seeman, 1997;
Kleerekoper, 1994).
Plusieurs raisons (Kleerekoper, 1998; Balena, 1998; Reginster, 1998; Seeman, 1997) ont
t avances pour expliquer le manque duniformit des rsultats manant de cette srie de
recherches :
31
32
FLUOROSE DENTAIRE
Lexpression * fluorose dentaire + dsigne une srie de dfauts de lmail associs
lhypoplasie ou lhypominralisation de lmail dentaire et de la dentine rsultant de
lingestion excessive de fluorure au cours de la priode critique de formation des dents. Ce
dfaut varie de stries peine perceptibles dans lmail une rosion marque et une
coloration subsquente. Limportance du dommage esthtique dpend donc de la gravit
de la fluorose, qui nest toutefois quune cause parmi plusieurs lorigine dun large
ventail de dfauts touchant lmail des dents. Plusieurs indices ont t labors pour
dcrire ltendue et la gravit de la fluorose (voir ci-dessous), mais un seul, lindice des
dfectuosits dans la formation de lmail (IDEF,1992), tient compte de la gamme
complte des dfauts de lmail dentaire. Lutilisation dindices diffrents rend difficiles les
comparaisons entre les tudes concernant la prvalence des formes bnignes graves de
fluorose.
33
Des tudes rcentes portent croire que la prvalence et la gravit de la fluorose dentaire
se sont accrues, tant dans les collectivits o leau tait fluore que dans les autres, mais
que cest dans ce dernier cas quon observe laugmentation la plus considrable (Lewis et
Banting, 1994; Clark, 1994). Daprs un examen par Clark (1994) des tudes
nord-amricaines publies avant 1994, la prvalence varie de 35 60 % dans les
collectivits o leau tait fluore et de 20 45 % dans les autres. Cette augmentation a
t attribue la consommation de fluorure de sources autres que le rseau municipal de
distribution deau (Lewis et Banting, 1994). Bien que les cas se limitent en grande partie
ce quil est convenu dappeler des formes trs bnignes ou bnignes de fluorose dentaire,
leur augmentation nen reste pas moins proccupante. En effet, les enfants gs de 10 ans
ou plus atteints de ces formes bnignes de fluorose peuvent en prendre conscience, et
lapparence de leurs dents peut ds lors tre pour eux une cause dembarras, de gne et
dinsatisfaction (Spencer et coll., 1996). Ces travaux confirment et tayent des tudes
prcdentes selon lesquelles tout le monde peut dceler la fluorose, et tant les
professionnels que les gens ordinaires considrent que les formes les plus graves ont des
consquences ngatives pour les enfants (Riordan, 1993; Clark, 1993; Hawley et coll.,
1996). Si lon examine les descriptions des formes trs bnignes et bnignes de lIndice de
fluorose de Dean (tableau 8), on ne peut nullement garantir quelles sont sans importance
pour les personnes atteintes. Ces termes ont t choisis dans les annes 30, alors quon se
proccupait beaucoup moins de lapparence qu lheure actuelle et quon y tait moins
sensible. Par consquent, il y aurait peut-tre lieu de modifier ces jugements professionnels
la lumire des proccupations de la population actuelle. Ce qui est sr, cest quil y a lieu
de reconsidrer lhypothse voulant que les formes trs bnignes ou bnignes de fluorose
dentaire soient acceptables, laquelle sous-tend la plupart des ides actuelles sur la
fluoration.
Tableau 8 : Critres de lIndice de fluorose de Dean
Formes :
Trs bnigne
Bnigne
Critres :
Petites taches opaques de couleur blanc crayeux parpilles
irrgulirement sur les dents, mais ne reprsentant pas 25 % de la
surface. Cette forme de fluorose est souvent observe sur des dents
ne prsentant pas plus de 1 2 mm environ dopacit blanche la
pointe du sommet des prmolaires ou des secondes molaires.
Les taches opaques dans lmail des dents sont plus tendues mais
elles ne touchent pas 50 % de la surface des dents.
34
Pays
Groupe
dge
RTV
Fluoration
Fluorose*
Fluorose
bnigne ou
grave**
(%)
Jackson et
coll., 1995
Grimaldo et
coll., 1995
Heller et coll.,
1997
Karthikeyan et
coll., 1996
Kumar et
coll.,1998
Villa et coll.,
1998a
.-U.
7-14
Oui
Mexique
11-13
Oui
.-U.
7-17
Oui
8-15
Non
prcis
.-U.
7-14
Oui
Chili
12
Non
prcis
38,8 %
14,5 %
64,2 %
50,0 %
29,9 %
13,5 %
30,1 %
0,0 %
19,6 %
11,7 %
51,3 %
3,0 %
0%
0%
27,0 %
25,0 %
1,3 %
0,5 %
Inde
F
NF
F
NF
F
NF
F
NF
F
NF
F
NF
35
0,7 %
0,3 %
Adair et coll.,
1999
.-U.
3e-5e
anne
6e-8e
anne
Non
prcis
F
NF
F
NF
45,9 %
21,4 %
56,8 %
52,6 %
* Score de 1 ou plus; ** score de 3/4 selon lIFC; RTV = tude limite aux personnes
ayant toujours vcu dans la collectivit.
Pays
Groupe
dge
RTV
Fluoration
Fluorose*
Fluorose
bnigne ou
grave**
(%)
Clark et coll.,
1994
Brothwell et
Limeback,
1999
Jackson et
coll., 1999
Canada
6-14
Oui
Canada
2e anne
Non
F
NF
F
NF
76,0 %
45,0 %
31,3 %
22,5 %
11,0 %
1,0 %
18,8 %
4,8 %
.-U.
7-14
Oui
F
NF
65,0 %
32,0 %
17,0 %
6,0 %
* Score de 1 ou plus; ** score de 2 ou plus; RTV = tude limite aux personnes ayant
toujours vcu dans la collectivit.
Pays
Groupe
dge
RTV
Fluoration
Fluorose*
Wiktorsson et
coll., 1994
Elwood et
OMullane,
1995
Ellwood et
OMullane,
1996
Heintze et
coll., 1998
Sude
31-43
Oui
R.-U. et
Irlande
14
Oui
F
NF
F
NF
8,8 %
0,0 %
62,0 %
36,0 %
3,0 %
0,0 %
R.-U.
14
Oui
F
NF
54,0 %
36,0 %
3,0 %
0,0 %
Brsil
5-24
Non
prcis
F
NF
13,3 %
1,7 %
36
Fluorose
bnigne ou
grave**
(%)
Sampaio et
coll., 1999
Bardsen et
coll., 1999
Brsil
6-11
Oui
Norvge
5-18
Oui
F
NF
F
NF
61,1 %
30,5 %
79,0 %
14,0 %
0,0 %
3,0 %
8,0 %
0,0 %
* Score de 1 ou plus; ** score de 4 ou plus; RTV = tude limite aux personnes ayant
toujours vcu dans la collectivit.
La mthode classique dvaluation du taux de fluorose dentaire imputable la fluoration de
leau consiste utiliser les pourcentages de risque relatif et de risque attribuable (Lewis et
Banting, 1994). Le risque relatif dans les tudes nord-amricaines et europennes varie
entre 1,5 et 2,7, sauf dans le cas dune tude norvgienne o il slve 5,4. Les
pourcentages de risque attribuable mesurent la proportion de fluorose chez les personnes
exposes une eau fluore, que lon peut attribuer la consommation de cette eau plutt
qu dautres sources de fluorure. Ce risque varie entre 40 et 63 % dans les tudes nordamricaines comparativement 33 82 % dans les tudes europennes. Ces tudes portent
croire quenviron la moiti des cas de fluorose dentaire observs dans les populations
denfants actuelles rsulte de leau fluore alors que lautre moiti est attribuable dautres
sources de fluorure. Toutefois, dans certaines rgions, leffet de halo a peut-tre eu une
incidence sur ces estimations trs approximatives (Lewis et Banting, 1994). Les estimations
du taux de fluorose dentaire attribuable la fluoration de leau sont lgrement plus leves
que celles issues des tudes publies avant 1994, mais il faut faire preuve de circonspection
quand on tablit une comparaison entre les priodes.
Deux tudes canadiennes mritent quon sy attarde. En Colombie-Britannique, Clark et
coll. (1994) ont utilis lIFSD pour comparer les taux de fluorose chez des personnes ayant
toujours vcu soit dans une collectivit o leau tait fluore, soit dans une collectivit o
elle ne ltait pas. Parmi les chantillons denfants de 6 14 ans, la prvalence de la
fluorose (IFSD > 1) tait de 75 % dans la collectivit o leau tait fluore et de 45 % dans
lautre (risque relatif = 1,7; pourcentage de risque attribuable = 41 %). Brothwell et
Limeback (1999) ont examin des lves de 2e anne vivant dans une rgion rurale de
lOntario o leau ntait pas fluore, dont environ 10 % vivaient dans des foyers o leau
tait naturellement fluore raison de 0,70 mg/L ou plus. Pour le score de 1 selon lIFSD
(31 % contre 25 %), ils nont observ aucun cart significatif dans la prvalence de la
fluorose chez ces lves, que leau du foyer soit fluore ou non. Ils ont toutefois observ
un cart significatif dans les proportions de score de 2 ou plus selon lIFSD (18,8 contre
4,8 %, respectivement; risque relatif = 3,9; pourcentage de risque attribuable = 77 %).
Cette dernire tude porte croire que la fluoration de leau peut jouer un rle plus vident
dans les cas de fluorose bnigne grave plutt que dans les cas de fluorose en gnral. Il
na pas t possible dexplorer cette hypothse partir des donnes des autres tudes
examines.
Plusieurs tudes rcentes ont port sur les risques associs lemploi discrtionnaire de
fluorure, tant dans les collectivits o leau tait fluore que dans les autres (tableau 12).
Des treize articles publis de 1994 1999, six dcrivent des tudes cas-tmoins et sept des
tudes transversales. La majorit ont t menes dans des collectivits o leau tait fluore
37
ou non, de sorte quon ne peut dgager leffet relatif de leau fluore par rapport celui
dautres sources de fluorure. En outre, deux tudes, soit une tude sur le rle du dentifrice
fluor dans la gense de la fluorose dentaire (Warren et Levy, 1999) et une mta-analyse de
lutilisation de supplments de fluorure dans les rgions o leau ntait pas fluore, ont t
publies (Ismail et Bandekar,1999).
Les principaux facteurs de risque qui ressortent des tudes cas-tmoins et des tudes
transversales sont lutilisation de prparations pour nourrissons, lutilisation de supplments
de fluorure et le brossage avec un dentifrice fluor ds le plus jeune ge. Les deux tudes
confirment le rle tiologique du dentifrice fluor et des supplments de fluorure en ce qui
a trait la fluorose dentaire. La force des effets indpendants de ces trois types
dexposition, value au moyen de probabilits relatives rajustes, varie dune tude
lautre. Lampleur de leffet varie galement selon que ltude a t mene dans une
collectivit o leau tait fluore ou non. Toutefois, les carts dans la faon dont on dfinit
et mesure lexposition ces sources de fluorure dorigines diverses empchent des
comparaisons directes entre les tudes.
38
Auteur
et anne
Pays
Conception Groupe
dge
Fluoration
Indice
Facteurs de risque
Probabilit
relative
Pendrys
et coll.,
1994
.-U.
C-T
(Pop.)
IRF
Cat. I
3,34
12-16
IRF
Cat. II
Clark et
coll.,
1994
Canada
S k o towski et
coll.,
1995
.-U.
Lalumandier
et
.-U.
Transversale
C-T
(Clin.)
C-T
(Clin.)
6-14
8-17
5-19
Indt.
IFSD
Indt.
IFSD
IFSD
Rozier
NF
39
7,16
2,80
11,47
23,74
2,63
19,28
9,86
0,9
0,6
1,9
1,2
4,0
2,7
3,1
3,0
6,5
Auteur et
anne
Pendrys
et coll.,
1996
Pays
Conception
.-U.
C-T
(Pop.)
Groupe
dge
Fluoration
Indice
Facteurs de risques
Probabilit
relative
10-13
NF
IRF
Cat. I
2,25
2,56
IRF
Cat. II
Clark et
Berkovitz,
1997
Canada
Transversale
2e-9e
anne
Indt.
Probl.
esth.
Wang et
coll.,
1997
Pendrys
et coll.,
1998
Norvge
Transversale
NF
ITF
.-U.
C-T
(Pop.)
10-14
IRF
Cat. I
IRF
Cat. II
Villa et
coll.,
1998b
Chili
Mascarenhas et
Burt,
1998
Inde
Brothwell
et
Limeback,
1999
Canada
C-T
(Pop.)
Transversale
Transversale
12
7-8
IFC
NF
ITF
NF
IFSD
40
1,62
3,31
7,97
4,23
1,86
4,28
3,913,1
7,27,7
2,74,0
2,44
1,84
6,35
5,95
10,77
8,37
10,83
20,44
4,15
0,86
1,81
1,51
2,91
0,71
1,93
2,73
Auteur et
anne
Pays
Conception
Groupe
dge
Fluoration
Indice
Facteurs de risque
Probabilit
relative
Kumar et
Swango, 1999
.-U.
Transversale
7-14
Indt.
IFC
Fluoration seule
Fluoration +
brossage tt ou
comprims
Comprims fluors +
brossage tt
Brossage tt
Comprims fluors
2,5
3,3
Probabilit relative : Les chiffres en caractres gras sont des estimations rajustes selon
plusieurs variables.
C-T : tude cas-tmoins. (Pop.) : tude mene dans la population. (Clin.) : tude clinique.
IRF : Indice de risque de fluorose; IFC : Indice de fluorose dans la collectivit; IFSD :
Indice de fluorose de la surface des dents; ITF : Indice de Thylstrup et Fejerskov.
Bien que la fluoration de leau, les prparations pour nourrissons, les supplments de
fluorure et les dentifrices fluors constituent des facteurs de risque pour la fluorose
dentaire, les efforts dploys pour rduire lexposition des enfants au fluorure au cours des
annes de lamlognse ont mis laccent sur les sources discrtionnaires. Plusieurs auteurs
(Spencer et coll., 1996) ont recommand diffrentes mesures, notamment la rduction du
niveau de fluorure dans les prparations pour nourrissons, la modification des mthodes de
fabrication des prparations pour viter lutilisation deau fluore, la rduction de
ladministration de supplments de fluorure, la mise en march de dentifrices faiblement
fluors et une conformit accrue aux pratiques appropries de brossage des dents ds la
petite enfance. Mais, comme elles obligent transformer les mthodes et les
comportements des entreprises et des particuliers, leurs chances de succs sont, au mieux,
douteuses. On a souvent fait valoir que lun des avantages de la fluoration de leau
municipale, qui est galement lun des principaux lments lorigine de son efficacit,
tient au fait que cette pratique ne repose pas sur la conformit des organisations ou des
particuliers aux recommandations sanitaires.
Manifestement, la faon la plus simple de rduire la prvalence de la fluorose dans les
populations denfants consiste cesser la fluoration de leau municipale. Le bien-fond de
cette solution dpend de lquilibre des avantages et des risques relatifs aux caries et la
fluorose dentaire. Cet quilibre est difficile valuer lorsque le dbat se situe sur le plan des
maladies. La proccupation ultime dans ce cas devrait tre doptimiser les rsultats
relativement la qualit de vie. Toutefois, on ne possde aucune donne concernant les
effets sur la sant et le bien-tre de la diminution relativement modeste du taux de carie
41
4,0
2,0
2,9
chez les enfants et les adolescents obtenue actuellement par la fluoration de leau. De
mme, les donnes sur les consquences ngatives pour la sant du niveau actuel de
fluorose chez les enfants et les adolescents sont rares. Ces donnes sont de la plus haute
ncessit pour tayer les dcisions sur les avantages et les risques pour la sant dentaire de
la modification de lexposition aux diffrentes sources de fluorure. En labsence des
donnes requises, on ne saurait dterminer la valeur pour les particuliers et les collectivits
dune diminution de la prvalence et de la gravit des caries dentaires et dun accroissement
de la prvalence et de la gravit de la fluorose. Il faut mener des recherches mesurant la
qualit de vie des enfants, des adolescents et des adultes en ce qui a trait la sant buccodentaire, puisque ce sont eux qui sont concerns divers degrs par les caries et la fluorose
dentaires.
Sommaire
Des tudes actuelles corroborent le point de vue selon lequel la fluorose dentaire a
augment, tant dans les collectivits o leau est fluore que dans les autres. Daprs les
tudes nord-amricaines, le taux daugmentation serait de lordre de 20 75 % dans le cas
des premires et de 12 45 % dans celui des seconds. Mme si cette affection se prsente
principalement sous des formes trs bnignes ou bnignes, elle constitue un sujet de
proccupation dans la mesure o elle est apparente aux yeux de tous et peut avoir une
incidence sur les personnes atteintes. Bien que la moiti des cas de fluorose chez les
populations denfants actuelles vivant dans une collectivit o leau est fluore puisse tre
attribue au fluorure de sources discrtionnaires, les efforts dploys pour rduire
lexposition ces sources pourraient ne pas porter fruit. Des tudes simposent, dune part,
sur lincidence relative des caries et de la fluorose dentaire sur la qualit de vie et, dautre
part, sur les valeurs de la collectivit concernant lquilibre entre la rduction des caries et
laugmentation de la fluorose dentaire associes la fluoration de leau.
42
SANT OSSEUSE
Le fluorure agit sur le squelette de trois faons. Premirement, il sintgre aux tissus
osseux en remplaant le groupe hydroxyle de lhydroxyapatite pour former la fluorapatite
(Kleerekoper, 1998). Cette dernire tant plus rsistante la rsorption ostoclastique, son
accumulation peut entraner une altration du cycle de remodelage osseux et, par le fait
mme, altrer les proprits biomcaniques des os puisque le remodelage fait partie
intgrante de la sant squelettique. La mesure dans laquelle la fluorapatite sincorpore
lhydroxyapatite dpend de la dose de fluorure et de la dure dexposition. On a dcouvert
que le fluorure est absorb plus rapidement par les os en croissance quaprs le pic de la
masse osseuse. Deuximement, dans les concentrations sriques, plus leves, le fluorure
est un anabolisant osseux, car il augmente la masse osseuse spongieuse (Kleerekoper,
1998; Lau, 1998; Kleerekoper, 1994). Il semble que, pour que le fluorure exerce son effet
anabolisant sur les os, la dose seuil doit se situer entre 11 et 14 mg/jour. Cet effet est
linaire dans le temps pendant au moins six ans, et peut-tre mme pendant dix ans ou plus.
Troisimement, selon la dose administre, le fluorure peut compromettre la minralisation
de la substance ostode nouvellement synthtise et avoir, par consquent, une incidence
sur les proprits biomcaniques des os (Kleerekoper, 1998; Fejerskov, 1996).
Fluorose squelettique
Un apport lev de fluorure pendant des priodes prolonges entrane une ostosclrose
systmique qui porte le nom de * fluorose squelettique + ou * ostofluorose +. Cet tat est
caractris par a) un paississement de los cortical et spongieux avec des signes
dhypominralisation et de dfauts de minralisation, b) la formation dexcroissances
osseuses linsertion des tendons et c) lossification des membranes et ligaments
interosseux. Ces changements sont plus prononcs dans le squelette central, mais on les
observe aussi dans les os crniens et priphriques (Fejerskov, 1996). Les signes cliniques
comprennent tant une augmentation de la masse osseuse asymptomatique la radiographie
quune fluorose squelettique dformante entranant des dformations et des dysfonctions
articulaires et spinales, une atrophie musculaire et des anomalies neurologiques causes par
la compression de la moelle pinire (Whitford, 1996; Kleerekoper, 1996). Dautres
symptmes cliniques pouvant indiquer les effets toxiques de lexposition chronique au
fluorure ont t observs dans la fluorose squelettique. Il sagit, entre autres, de symptmes
gastro-intestinaux dont les plus courants sont une douleur abdominale associe une
gastrite atrophique chronique (Dasarathy, 1996), une diminution du niveau de testostrone
srique laissant entrevoir la possibilit dun effet indsirable sur la spermatogense
(Susheela, 1996) et un accroissement des valeurs des marqueurs de ractions
inflammatoires (haptoglobine et protine C ractive) (Susheela, 1994).
Selon la plupart des estimations, la fluorose squelettique dformante est associe une
exposition prolonge au fluorure raison dau moins 10 mg/jour pendant au moins dix ans,
en loccurrence une exposition endmique (consommation deau potable naturellement
fluore) ou industrielle (exposition de la poussire cryolite) (Fejerskov, 1996; Whitford,
43
1996). Outre la dose et la dure de lexposition au fluorure, divers autres facteurs influent
sur lvolution de la fluorose squelettique. Les plus courants sont lge, lactivit physique,
la cintique du remodelage osseux, la nutrition et linsuffisance rnale (Kleerekoper, 1996).
Les tudes pidmiologiques de la teneur minrale osseuse nont pas rvl de
changements susceptibles de provoquer une fluorose squelettique par suite de la
consommation deau potable fluore une concentration juge optimale pour la prvention
des caries.
Fractures et teneur minrale osseuse
Ce quon sait actuellement des modes daction du fluorure sur les tissus osseux et les effets
long terme de lexposition une concentration leve de fluorure dans leau potable et
dans lair soulve des inquitudes quant au rapport entre lexposition une eau fluore
pour la prvention des caries et la sant osseuse. Lincertitude concernant lefficacit du
traitement au fluorure de lostoporose pour prvenir les fractures constitue galement une
proccupation. Ce traitement modifie-t-il le pic de la masse osseuse et la densit osseuse?
Altre-t-il les proprits biomcaniques de lappareil squelettique? A-t-il une incidence sur
le risque de fractures? Les personnes ges vivant dans des collectivits o leau est fluore
accumulent-elles le fluorure des doses toxiques? Quel est son effet sur la prvalence de
lostoporose? Quel est son effet sur lostoporose diagnostique?
Ces questions sont importantes puisquon sait que dans nos socits occidentales un grand
nombre de personnes consomment de leau fluore et que la population ge de plus de
65 ans (la plus vulnrable lostoporose) ne cesse daugmenter. Ainsi, on estime quaux
tats-Unis, o plus de 144 millions de personnes consomment leau potable des
municipalits, le risque vie de fractures de la hanche pour les femmes blanches vivant
jusqu lge de 80 ans est de 15 % (Jacqmin-Gadda, 1998). En Australie, pour la
population ge de 60 ans ayant une esprance de vie moyenne, le risque rsiduel vie de
fractures causes par lostoporose est de 56 % pour les femmes et de 29 % pour les
hommes (Jones, 1999). Par consquent, toute intervention est importante mme si elle na
quun effet modeste sur le risque de fractures, car elle peut entraner, lchelle de la
population, un changement marqu dans le nombre de fractures.
Aux concentrations destines prvenir les caries, leau fluore assure un apport moyen en
fluorure denviron 1,8 mg/jour (Jones, 1999; Phipps, 1998). Cest une petite fraction de la
dose minimale de fluorure ayant un effet anabolisant dmontr sur los spongieux, et un
apport de cet ordre pendant 30 ans serait infrieur celui utilis dans les tudes cliniques
portant sur lostoporose (Allolio, 1999). On estime que la consommation de 250 mL de
cette eau induit une concentration de fluorure de pointe de 8,75 ng/mL, qui est infrieure
la valeur minimale suggre de 95 ng/mL pour la stimulation de lactivit ostoblastique.
Mme la consommation de 1 000 mL natteindrait pas les niveaux ostoanabolisants
(Allolio, 1999).
Il ne semble pas plausible que la fluoration de leau reprsente un risque pour la sant
osseuse. Toutefois, des facteurs autres que lexposition discontinue et totale peuvent
44
dterminer les effets sur les os dune exposition de longue dure ou vie de telles
concentrations de fluorure. Ces facteurs comprennent laccumulation progressive du
fluorure dans lappareil squelettique sous forme de fluorapatite, dont la capacit de
rsorption infrieure celle de lhydroxyapatite altre le cycle de remodelage, ce qui peut
altrer les proprits biomcaniques; lexposition pendant plus de 30 ans; des variations
individuelles importantes, dont la rsorption de lestomac; et linsuffisance rnale (dont le
risque crot avec lge), laquelle peut entraner un accroissement de la rtention de fluorure
dans les os. Par consquent, bien que les concentrations de fluorure srique induites par
leau potable traite pour prvenir les caries natteignent pas forcment la limite
ostoanabolisante, une accumulation de fluorure long terme (>30 ans) dans les os
pourrait conduire une teneur en fluorure ayant une incidence ngative sur leur solidit.
La relation entre lexposition au fluorure ajout leau potable pour prvenir les caries
(0,7-1,2 mg/L) et la sant osseuse fait lobjet dtudes depuis lintroduction des
programmes de fluoration de leau. Les tudes portant sur la question, que nous avons
retenues aprs lvaluation prliminaire des crits recenss par la recherche bibliographique,
sont prsentes aux tableaux 13 15. Les tudes qui remontent plus de cinq ans reposent
sur une conception cologique, alors que certaines tudes publies au cours des cinq
dernires annes comportent la fois des lments propres la conception cologique
(mesure de lexposition au fluorure) et des mesures individuelles de la teneur minrale
osseuse et des fractures ainsi que des variables confusionnelles connues propres aux tudes
transversales et aux tudes de cohortes prospectives ou rtrospectives. Des deux
indicateurs de la sant osseuse, soit la teneur minrale osseuse et lincidence des fractures,
cest cette dernire qui a t tudie le plus frquemment.
Les tudes des fractures varient selon la conception de la recherche, les mthodes utilises
pour mesurer lexposition une eau fluore (concentration et dure), la dtermination de la
population vulnrable et les mthodes de reprage des cas de fractures (dfinition et
validation des cas, priode de suivi). Les fractures analyses varient galement, la fracture
de la hanche tant la plus souvent tudie (tableau 13).
Les tudes publies avant 1994 font tat de rsultats contradictoires, puisque deux dentre
elles indiquent un effet protecteur, cinq ne relvent aucune corrlation significative et
quatre montrent que lexposition une eau potable fluore accrot le risque de fracture de
la hanche. Ces quatre dernires tudes font tat dun risque relatif de lordre de 1,1 1,4
pour les femmes et de 1,2 1,3 pour les hommes. Lorsquun effet protecteur a t
constat, le risque relatif se situe entre 0,6 0,7 pour les femmes et 0,4 0,8 pour les
hommes. Parmi les tudes publies aprs 1994, une fait tat dun effet protecteur avec un
risque relatif de 0,44, une autre indique que la consommation deau potable fluore a accru
le risque de fracture de la hanche, selon un risque relatif de 1,3 pour les hommes et de 1,4
pour les femmes, et deux ne rvlent aucune corrlation. Ainsi, Jacqmin-Gadda (1998)
nobserve aucune relation dose-effet entre les fractures autodclares touchant dautres
sites que la hanche, dans un chantillon alatoire de personnes ges de 65 ans ou plus, et
des concentrations de fluorure dans leau potable de lordre de 0,05 1,83 mg/L. De
mme, on nobserve aucune relation dose-effet entre des concentrations de fluorure dans
45
leau de puits et les congs de lhpital par suite dune fracture de la hanche dans une
population rurale finlandaise ge de 50 ans et plus (Kurttio, 1999). Les concentrations de
fluorure, values daprs une banque de donnes nationale, variaient entre 0,05 et 2,4
mg/L, et 99 % des chiffres estimatifs taient infrieurs 0,63 mg/L.
Cinq tudes publies entre 1994 et 1999 portent sur lexposition une eau fluore et la
teneur minrale osseuse. Les principales caractristiques de ces tudes et leurs conclusions
sont prsentes aux tableaux 14 et 15.
Krger (1994) a tudi la teneur minrale de los axial par absorptiomtrie biphotonique
rayons X (DXA) dans un chantillon alatoire de femmes en priode de primnopause
ges de 47 59 ans. Les effets de lexposition, pendant plus de 10 ans, une eau potable
ayant une teneur en fluorure de 1 1,2 mg/L et ceux de lexposition, pendant moins de
10 ans, une eau potable renfermant moins de 0,3 mg/L ou 1 1,2 mg/L de fluorure ont
t compars. La teneur minrale osseuse de la colonne vertbrale tait nettement plus
leve dans le groupe ayant consomm de leau fluore que dans lautre, mais la teneur
minrale osseuse du col fmoral tait semblable chez les deux groupes. Une fois les facteurs
confusionnels ventuels pris en compte, notamment lge, le poids, lapport en calcium, la
consommation dalcool, la prise dstrognes, la mnopause, lactivit physique, les
diffrences se sont accrues et ont atteint une importance statistique pour le col fmoral. Ces
rsultats portent croire que lexposition au fluorure pendant une priode prolonge
raison de 1 1,2 mg/L dans leau potable a eu un lger effet sur la teneur minrale osseuse.
Toutefois, il ne sagit encore que dune hypothse puisque le groupe consommant une eau
fluore vivait en ville alors que lautre groupe vivait plutt en milieu rural, de sorte que les
diffrences peuvent dcouler de facteurs confusionnels inconnus. Comme lindiquent les
auteurs, leffet dune teneur minrale osseuse accrue sur le risque de fractures ne pourra
tre dtermin que dans une tude de suivi.
46
Tableau 13 : tudes portant sur les fractures et lexposition une eau potable
fluore
Auteur
Conception de
ltude
Reprage de la
population
vulnrable
Korns,
1969
Comparaison
cologique
Recensement
Madans,
1983
Comparaison
cologique
Simonen,
1985
Comparaison
cologique
Arnala,
1986
Comparaison
cologique
Danielson,
1992
Comparaison
cologique
Validation
des cas
Dure de
lexposition
(nbre dannes)
Association
VP ou
indice de
corrlation
95 %
Cong de
lhpital
2-22
AA
Rpondants une
enqute sur la sant
Cong de
lhpital
AA
Cong de
lhpital
7-17
RR(m)=0,4
RR(f)=0,6
Cong de
lhpital
13-23
AA
Cong de
lhpital
19-25
RR(m)=1,3
RR(f)=1,4
1,41-1,81
1,08-1,46
Cong de
lhpital
RR(m)=0,8
RR(f)=0,6
0,37-1,66
0,46-0,48
Cong de
lhpital
14-20
AA
Cong de
lhpital
r=0,41
p=0,009
Cong de
lhpital
10
r=0,03
p=0,0009
Cong de
lhpital
AA
Cong de
lhpital
10
RR(m)=1,2
RR(f)=1,1
<0,001
<0,05
Recensement
Recensement
Jacobsen,
1992
SuarezAlmazor,
1993
Cooper,
1990 et
1991
Jacobsen,
1990
Goggin,
1965
Jacobsen,
1993
Recensement
Comparaison
cologique
Recensement
Comparaison
cologique
Corrlation
Recensement
Corrlation
Tendance
temporelle
Tendance
temporelle
47
1,13-1,22
1,06-1,10
Tableau 13 (suite)
Cauley,
1995
tude de
cohorte
prospective
avec mesure
du fluorure
cologique
Lehman,
1998
Comparaison
cologique
JacqminGadda,
1998
tude de
cohorte
prospective
avec mesure
du fluorure
cologique
Kurttio,
1999
tude de
cohorte
rtrospective
avec mesure
du fluorure
cologique
chantillon de
commodit
(rsidants de la
collectivit)
Autodclaration
et
rayons X
RR(m)=1,3
RR(f)=1,4
<0,0001
<0,0001
Cong de
lhpital
RR=0,04
0,10-1,86
chantillon de
commodit
(rsidants de la
collectivit)
Autodclaration
AA
Recensement
Cong de
lhpital
15
AA
AA = aucune association
confusionnelles connues ayant un effet sur les os, sauf labsorption de calcium, qui tait
nettement plus leve dans le groupe consommant une eau non fluore et aurait pu fausser
les conclusions en faveur de labsence dassociation. Les taux dincidence annuels de
fractures de la hanche traumatiques de faible nergie chez les patients gs de 60 ans ou
plus rectifis selon lge et dtermins partir des donnes sur les congs de lhpital
taient nettement moins levs dans la collectivit approvisionne en eau fluore. Pour les
femmes, le risque relatif tait de 0,79 contre 0,81 pour les hommes.
49
Krger,
1994
Conception de
ltude
chantillon
Eau fluore
Eau non
fluore
0,03
Emplac.
de los
Colonne
Dure
dexposition
(annes)
tude
transversale
cologique avec
mesure de
lexposition au
fluorure
Rsidantes de la
collectivit ges
de 47 49 ans
choisies de faon
alatoire
1-1,2
Cauley,
1995
tude
transversale
cologique avec
mesure de
lexposition au
fluorure
chantillon de
commodit de
rsidantes de la
collectivit ges
de 65 ans ou plus
1,01!0,21
0,15!0,10
Colonne
lombaire
Col
fmoral
Radius
13
(moyenne)
Lehman,
1998
tude
transversale
cologique avec
mesure de
lexposition au
fluorure
chantillon de
commodit
demploys de
lhpital gs de
20 69 ans
0,77-1,20
0,08-0,36
Colonne :
L2-4
Col
fmoral
>10
(25,2!7,3)
Arnold,
1997
tude
transversale
cologique avec
mesure de
lexposition au
fluorure
chantillon de
commodit
dtudiantes de
luniversit ges
de 18 25 ans
0,9-1,25
0,12-1,15
Colonne
vertbrale
Fmur
proximal
vie
(21,3!1,6)
Phipps,
1998
tude
transversale
cologique avec
mesure de
lexposition au
fluorure
chantillon de
commodit de
rsidantes de la
collectivit ges
de 60 ans et plus
0,7
0,03
Colonne
lombaire
Fmur
proximal
Avant-bras
20
vertbrale :
>10
(25,9!6,4)
L2-4
Col
fmoral
50
Emplacement de los
Krger
Exposition au fluorure
Oui
Non
(n=2253)
(n=969)
V.P.
1,123
1,121
1,138
1,151
0,026
0,001
0,927
0,930
0,928
0,940
ns
0,004
Exposition 0 anne
(n=1243)
Exposition>20 ans
(n=192)
0,842**
0,640**
0,849**
0,658**
ns
ns
Hommes :
1,045!0,171*
(n=41)
Hommes :
0,997!0,129*
(n=98)
0,08
Femmes :
1,046!0,117*
(n=201)
Femmes :
1,055!0,112*
(n=215)
0,47
Hommes :
0,876!0,120*
Hommes :
0,820!0,101*
0,008
Femmes :
0,809!0,102*
Femmes :
0,814!0,100*
0,65
1,028!0,12
0,986!0,7
<0,05
0,951!0,14
0,936!0,09
ns
Hommes :
(n=112)
1,070*
Hommes :
(n=112)
1,057*
Femmes :
(n=137)
0,892*
Femmes :
(n=112)
0,894*
Hommes :
0,924*
Hommes :
0,913*
Femmes :
0,747*
Femmes :
0,747*
Col fmoral :
Non rajust
rajust*
Cauley
Colonne lombaire
Col fmoral
Col fmoral
Arnold
Colonne lombaire
Phipps
Fmur proximal
Rajust en fonction des variables confusionnelles ayant une incidence sur les os; ** rajust en fonction de lge; ns =
non significatif.
51
Arnold (1997) a constat une teneur minrale osseuse moyenne nettement suprieure dans
la colonne lombaire totale antrieure-postrieure, mais il na observ aucune diffrence
dans la teneur minrale osseuse du fmur proximal entre une population dtudiantes de
luniversit ges de 18 25 ans, selon quelles avaient rsid toute leur vie Saskatoon
(de 1,0 1,25 mg F/L) ou Regina (de 0,12 0,15 mg F/L). Selon les autodclarations
concernant le mode de vie, les antcdents mdicaux et les habitudes alimentaires
susceptibles dexpliquer cet cart, les deux groupes taient similaires de sorte que les
conclusions peuvent indiquer que le fluorure a un effet sur le pic de la densit osseuse.
Toutefois, il ne sagit que dune hypothse puisque labsorption de fluorure na pas t
dtermine et quon na pas valu leffet de halo. En tenant compte des variables connues
agissant sur le tissu osseux, Phipps (1998) a dcouvert, dans une tude portant sur des
adultes gs de 60 ans ou plus, que lexposition de longue dure (au moins 20 ans) une
eau fluore une concentration considre comme optimale pour la prvention des caries
na pas eu dincidence sur la teneur minrale osseuse de la colonne lombaire, du fmur
proximal ou de lavant-bras. Ltude ne prcisait pas si les sujets avaient t exposs une
eau fluore au cours de la formation des os.
Sommaire
Les conclusions auxquelles chacune de ces tudes est parvenue sont limites parce quelles
sappuient sur une mesure cologique de lexposition au fluorure. Les associations mises
en vidence dans les tudes partir de donnes globales peuvent tre diffrentes des
associations mesures daprs des donnes recueillies sur chaque sujet. Mme lorsque les
donnes sur la rsidence sont dtermines pour chaque sujet, la mesure de lexposition au
fluorure peut encore tre fausse, car la fluoration de leau municipale ne signifie pas
ncessairement que tous les rsidants sont exposs au mme degr. Or, les carts entre les
individus dans la consommation deau peuvent tre tels que les habitants de collectivits
diffrentes prsentent parfois une absorption de fluorure similaire. En outre, les tudes
cologiques ne permettent pas de tenir compte des facteurs confusionnels potentiels ni des
facteurs modifiants. Dans les tudes de conception hybride, cette difficult a t surmonte
jusqu un certain point grce la collecte de donnes sur les variables connues comme
tant confusionnelles pour chaque sujet. Par consquent, lassociation observe dans une
tude cologique est toujours tnue. Nanmoins, la cohrence des lments probants entre
les tudes devrait donner plus de crdibilit aux risques ou aux avantages que les donnes
cologiques laissent supposer. Puisque les rsultats des tudes cologiques sur la
fluoration de leau et la fracture de la hanche sont loin dtre uniformes, la possibilit
dune relation de cause effet ne peut tre tablie. Par consquent, les tudes menes
jusqu ce jour ne prouvent pas de faon premptoire et systmatique un effet nocif sur les
os.
Toutefois, compte tenu des implications pour la sant publique dune incidence ngative
ventuelle, il faut mener dautres tudes reposant sur une mthode plus approprie. Il
convient de procder des tudes de cohortes prospectives comportant une validation
52
53
Sommaire
Les quelques tudes publies au cours de la priode vise par lexamen ne remettent pas
en question les tudes antrieures selon lesquelles rien ne permet de croire que
lexposition une eau fluore augmente le taux de cancer des os ou dautres tissus
organiques. Une tude cologique a bel et bien laiss entrevoir un lien avec le cancer de
lutrus, mais les limites de ce type dtudes quant aux liens entre lexposition et les
rsultats observs chez les sujets signifient quelles ninfirment pas les conclusions
dtudes cas-tmoins plus systmatiques et scientifiquement crdibles.
54
DVELOPPEMENT DE LENFANT
Les tudes antrieures sur le dveloppement de lenfant dans les collectivits o leau tait
fluore et dans celles o elle ne ltait pas mettaient laccent sur la sant physique. Aucun
cart na t rpertori en ce qui a trait aux processus physiologiques, la chimie du sang,
la vue, loue ou tout autre paramtre de la sant.
Des tudes plus rcentes ont port sur le dveloppement intellectuel. Deux tudes menes
en Chine font tat dcarts dans le quotient intellectuel entre les enfants exposs
diffrentes concentrations de fluorure. Bien que les deux tudes ne rpondent pas aux
critres dinclusion, nous les avons examines pour illustrer les lacunes de la recherche. La
premire (Zhao et coll., 1996) comparait le quotient intellectuel des enfants dun village
o leau potable contenait 4 ppm de fluorure avec celui des enfants dun autre village o la
concentration de fluorure tait de 0,9 ppm. Le quotient intellectuel moyen des enfants de
lchantillon alatoire tait de 105 dans le premier village et de 98 dans le second, ce qui
reprsente un cart statistiquement significatif. Dans les deux villages, les enfants des
parents les plus instruits avaient un quotient intellectuel plus lev. Toutefois, les auteurs
nont pas analys les scores moyens de quotient intellectuel rajusts selon leffet
confusionnel de linstruction des parents. Ils nont pas non plus pris en compte leffet
dautres facteurs confusionnels possibles. La seconde tude comparait le quotient
intellectuel denfants de quatre rgions atteints de formes de fluorose dentaire. La source
du fluorure ntait pas leau mais la suie du charbon utilis comme combustible. Les scores
selon lindice de fluorose dentaire varient entre 0,4 et 3,0, ce dernier chiffre tant celui des
rgions o leau tait fluore une concentration denviron 8 ppm. On a observ
dimportants carts dans le quotient intellectuel des enfants vivant dans des rgions o il
ny avait pas de fluorose et ceux o la fluorose tait grave (90 contre 80 respectivement).
On ne sait pas trs bien si lchantillon denfants examins dans chaque rgion a t choisi
de faon alatoire, ni si les auteurs se sont efforcs de tenir compte des facteurs
confusionnels possibles ou des effets dautres polluants prsents dans la suie du charbon.
FONCTION IMMUNITAIRE
Aucune tude concernant lincidence de la fluoration de leau sur la fonction immunitaire
na t publie entre 1994 et 1999. Toutefois, une synthse des articles publis avant 1992
(Challacombe, 1996) et reposant sur lexamen dtudes consacres au fluorure et la
rponse immunitaire ne fait tat daucun lment propre corroborer lhypothse selon
laquelle le fluorure rduirait limmunit.
55
56
57
Groupe dge
Jusqu 6 mois
de 7 mois 4 ans
Apport en fluorure
recommand
(F
Fg/kg p.c./jour)
3-71
(99)
de 12 19 ans
56-81
(105)
32-45
(58)
24-33
20 ans et plus
32-41
de 5 11 ans
58
Sommaire
Compte tenu de labsence de donnes actuelles adquates, les recommandations
concernant lapport quotidien optimal en fluorure sont fondes sur les donnes doserponse publies dans les annes 40. Cest une concentration de fluorure se situant entre
0,8 et 1,2 ppm qui constitue lapport optimal, lorsquil ny a aucune autre source de
fluorure, lexception de la nourriture. Lapport maximal est fond sur la consommation
dune eau prsentant une teneur en fluorure de 1,6 ppm, soit la concentration prcdant
lapparition dune fluorose modre. La valeur totale de lapport quotidien rel est drive
des quantits prsentes dans leau, les aliments, le lait maternel, lair, le sol et le dentifrice.
Au Canada, lapport rel est suprieur lapport recommand pour les enfants nourris
avec une prparation lacte et ceux vivant dans les collectivits o leau est fluore. On
doit sefforcer de rduire lapport dans le groupe dge le plus vulnrable, soit celui de
7 mois 4 ans, car les enfants de ce groupe qui consomment la dose maximale risquent de
prsenter une fluorose dentaire modre.
59
0,6
0,8
1,2
4,2
3,2
2,8
8,0 %
25,0 %
30,0 %
60
Les donnes dose-rponse plus rcentes sont extrmement limites. Heller et coll. (1997)
ont explor le rapport entre la concentration de fluorure dans leau municipale, les caries
et la fluorose dentaire chez les sujets ayant particip lenqute nationale amricaine sur
les caries mene en 1986-1987 auprs des enfants dge scolaire (tableau 18).
Tableau 18 : Compte CAOD moyen et pourcentage de sujets atteints de fluorose
dentaire des concentrations diffrentes de fluorure dans leau (Heller et coll.,
1997). Valeurs estimes partir des graphiques.
Concentration de fluorure
(ppm)
Compte cos
moyen
Compte CAOD
moyen
0
0,1
0,2
0,3
0,4
0,5
0,6
0,7
0,8
0,9
1
1,1
1,2
1,3
1,4
1,5
1,6+
3,9
4,8
5,5
4,6
4,8
3,9
3,1
3
3,2
3,5
3,3
3,2
3,9
2,5
2,2
3
2,9
3,2
3
2,8
3
2,4
3,1
2,2
2,3
2,7
2,3
2,9
2,3
2,3
1,6
2,7
1,3
3,4
Pourcent. de
sujets
atteints de
fluorose
13
13
11
21
13
10
28
27
25
38
31
20
29
39
47
56
55
Dans les graphiques, aucune des sries de donnes ne montre la courbe caractristique
vidente dans les donnes de ltude Dean portant sur 21 villes. On nobserve pas, par
exemple, de dclins abrupts dans le taux de caries dans la plage de 0,1 0,5 ppm. En
outre, le rapport nest pas trs marqu. Le compte cos moyen des enfants exposs une
concentration de fluorure de 0,5 1,2 ppm tombe dans la plage de 3,0 3,9, alors que le
compte CAOD moyen des enfants exposs une concentration de 0,1 1,2 ppm tombe
entre la plage trs troite de 2,3 3,1. Le dplacement de ces courbes fluoration de leaucaries vers la gauche reflte probablement lincidence dune exposition du fluorure
provenant dune autre source que leau municipale. Lorsquon les adapte des courbes de
rgression linaire, ces donnes dose-rponse indiquent des augmentations mineures de
lordre de 0,5 0,25 dans le compte cos moyen et le compte CAOD, mesure que la
concentration de fluorure dcline de 1 0,5 ppm. Toutefois, les mmes donnes indiquent
une augmentation marque de la prvalence de la fluorose 0,6 ppm ou plus. Heller et
coll. (1997) concluent quun compromis acceptable entre les caries et la fluorose dentaire
se situe autour de 0,7 ppm, sans toutefois expliquer de quelle faon ils en arrivent cette
norme. Nanmoins, ltude prcise que les normes labores il y a 30 ou 40 ans doivent
61
Ismail (1995), une plage de 0,5 1,2 ppm est plus approprie car on peut ladapter aux
besoins locaux. Toutefois, compte tenu de laccs dautres sources de fluorure, il est de
plus en plus improbable que la concentration lextrmit suprieure de cette plage soit
ncessaire pour les populations nord-amricaines actuelles. De mme, toujours selon
Ismail (1995), comme le fluorure est accessible partir de plusieurs sources, labsence de
fluoration de leau ne signifie pas que la population nest pas expose un niveau de
fluorure efficace pour la rduction des caries. Il y aurait plutt lieu de rserver la
fluoration de leau aux rgions o la prvalence des caries atteint un niveau inacceptable.
Cette opinion corrobore lobservation rcente de Rozier (1994), selon laquelle plusieurs
professionnels commencent faire valoir que les collectivits nont pas toutes besoin
dune eau fluore. En outre, tant donn que mme des formes bnignes de fluorose
dentaire pourraient bien devenir un problme de sant publique, lapport en fluorure au
cours de la priode de fragilit devrait tre maintenu au minimum. Une concentration de
0,5 0,6 ppm pourrait bien tre suffisante pour rduire de faon significative les caries et
prvenir le dveloppement de la fluorose dentaire chez de nombreuses personnes. Le but
des mesures de sant publique comme la fluoration de leau devrait tre non pas de rduire
les caries, mais bien doptimiser le rapport entre la sant bucco-dentaire et la qualit de vie
de la population dans son ensemble. Cet objectif contraint non seulement faire des
compromis entre les caries et la fluorose dentaire, mais galement prendre en
considration le soi-disant lment dquit sociale inhrent aux programmes de
fluoration. Par consquent, il importe de trouver un quilibre judicieux entre les intrts de
la majorit et ceux des minorits si lon veut quune intervention sociale denvergure
comme la fluoration de leau soit acceptable sur les plans thique et politique.
Sommaire
Les normes concernant la concentration optimale de fluorure dans leau municipale ont t
labores daprs des donnes pidmiologiques recueillies il y a plus de 50 ans. Cette
concentration a t tablie 1,0 ppm, en grande partie de manire arbitraire, pour obtenir
la rduction maximale des caries et la prvalence minimale de la fluorose. Il ressort dun
nouvel examen des donnes dose-rponse quune concentration d peine 0,6 ppm
permettrait de rduire dans une proportion similaire la prvalence des caries. On manque
de donnes rcentes sur la relation dose-rponse entre la concentration de fluorure dans
leau municipale, les caries et la fluorose dentaire. Certains soutiennent quil faut laborer
de nouvelles lignes directrices plus souples tenant compte de lvolution de la prvalence
des caries, de laccs dautres sources de fluorure et des proccupations actuelles
concernant les effets de la fluorose sur le plan esthtique. Une concentration d peine
0,5 ppm pourrait se rvler optimale dans certaines collectivits. La fluorose dentaire na
pas t considre comme un problme de sant publique par le pass, mais cela risque de
changer.
63
64
RECOMMANDATIONS
Bien que tout porte croire que la fluoration de leau demeure bnfique sur le plan de la
rduction de la prvalence des caries, lcart entre les collectivits o leau est fluore et
celles o elle ne lest pas est faible en chiffres absolus, en particulier dans les collectivits
o la prvalence des caries est peu leve. Dans ces collectivits, il convient dexaminer
attentivement lquilibre entre la rduction des caries et laccroissement de la fluorose
dentaire.
Les donnes sur les relations dose-rponse entre la fluoration de leau et le taux de caries
sont parses. Toutefois, celles dont nous disposons nous autorisent penser que la
fluoration de leau une concentration de 0,5 0,6 ppm permettrait de rduire les caries
tout en freinant fortement la fluorose dentaire. Il conviendrait dadopter des lignes
directrices souples de faon tenir compte des collectivits o la prvalence des caries est
diffrente, et o les valeurs relatives lquilibre entre les avantages et les risques pour la
sant dentaire le sont galement.
Si lon maintient la concentration maximale acceptable 1,5 mg/L, il faut sefforcer de
rduire lexposition dautres sources de fluorure dans les collectivits se situant
lextrmit suprieure de la plage.
Les principales rserves mettre concernant la recherche actuelle sur lefficacit de la
fluoration de leau ont trait au fait quelle ne tient pas compte des adultes, notamment des
personnes ges, et ne considre pas non plus les rsultats sur le plan de la qualit de vie.
La fluoration de leau tant une stratgie qui vise lensemble de la population, il est
important de confirmer les avantages quelle lui procure, dont la rduction de la maladie et
lamlioration de la qualit de vie sur le plan de la sant bucco-dentaire.
Il convient dentreprendre dautres tudes pour dterminer quel moment et quelle
concentration la fluorose dentaire a des rpercussions ngatives sur les personnes atteintes
de cette affection, et les compromis que la population en gnral accepte de faire
relativement la rduction des caries et laugmentation de la fluorose dentaire.
65
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ROJAS-SANCHEZ, F., S.A. KELLY, K.M. DRAKE, G.J. ECKERT et coll. * Fluoride intake
from foods, beverages and dentifrice by young children in communities with
negligibly and optimally fluoridated water: a pilot study +, Community Dentistry and
Oral Epidemology, no 27 (1999), p. 288-297.
ROZIER, R.G.. * Epidemiologic indices for measuring the clinical manifestations of dental
fluorosis: overview and critique +, Advances in Dental Research, vol. 8, no 1
(juin 1994), p. 39-55.
ROZIER, R.G. * The effectiveness of community water fluoridation: beyond dummy
variables for fluoride exposure +, Journal of Public Health Dentistry, vol. 55, no 4
(automne 1995), p. 195.
ROZIER, R.G. * A new era for community water fluoridation? Achievements after one-half
century and challenges ahead +, Journal of Public Health Dentistry, vol. 55, no 1
(hiver 1995), p. 3-5.
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no 4 (dcembre 1996), p. 184-191.
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and Oral Epidemiology, no 22 (1994), p. 226-230.
TURNER, C., I. OWAN, E.J. BRIZEDINE et coll. * High fluoride intakes cause osteomalacia and
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TURNER, S.D., J.T. CHAN et E. LI. * Impact of imported beverages on fluoridated and
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84
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p. 382-393.
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85
ZHAO, L.B., et coll. * Effect of a high fluoride water supply on childrens intelligence +,
Fluoride, no 29 (1996), p. 190-192.
86
CSSS 016MB
C.P. Ptition
Fluoration de
leau potable
SUBMISSION
FLUORIDATION
IS IT REALLY NEEDED
PRESENTED
BY
DR POONAM MAHAJAN, DDS
EXPERT IN PUBLIC HEALTH
FOR THE
FRONT COMMUN POUR UNE EAU SAINE
AVRIL 2013
Fluoride is considered as pivot of preventive dentistry, mainly because of its cariostatic efficacy.
But fluoride does not have only beneficial effect, it also have some serious incurable side
effects not only on teeth but whole body which cannot be ignored.
The most common side effect noticed is dental fluorosis which occurs as a result of fluoride
overdose and results in tooth discoloration a condition called mottled enamel.
In artificially fluoridated regions, dental fluorosis is now much more prevalent and severe
than the initial proponents of fluoridation predicted. The University of Yorks Fluoridation
Review [8] estimates that up to 48% of children in fluoridated areas have some form of dental
fluorosis.
The University of Yorks Fluoridation Review [1] estimates that up to 48% of children in
fluoridated areas have some form of dental fluorosis.
In addition to dental fluorosis there is also a large and growing body of research on a
fluoride-induced bone disease called skeletal fluorosis. This disease is observed on x-rays as
increased bone density, structural damage to bones, and calcification of joints and ligaments.
In severe cases, some patients cannot even straighten their arms or even walk upright.
The health effects of fluoride were reviewed by Moulton in 1942 [2] prior to the Grand Rapids
intervention and regularly ever since by numerous organizations and individuals. More
recently IPCS (International program on chemical safety) [3] have carried out a detailed
review of fluoride and the potential for impacts on health. Studies and reviews have
concentrated not only on bone fractures, skeletal fluorosis, cancers and birth defects but
also cover many other disorders claimed to be caused, or aggravated, by fluoridation. [4-10]
There is clear evidence from India and China that skeletal fluorosis and an increased risk of
bone fractures occur as a result of long-term excessive exposure to fluoride (total intakes of
14 mg fluoride per day), and evidence suggestive of an increased risk of bone effects at total
intakes above about 6 mg fluoride per day. [3] Most people assume that these severe
manifestations of skeletal fluorosis occur at much higher fluoride levels than the 1 ppm. To
the contrary, clinically significant cases of skeletal fluorosis have been reported in at least 9
papers from 5 countries when natural fluoride concentrations are below 4 ppm and are
mostly below 2.5 ppm. [11] A few cases are even reported in India and China at fluoride
concentrations slightly below 1 ppm. In India and China naturally occurring fluoride is
regarded as a chronic poison and the main issue is how to remove it from drinking water as
effectively and cheaply as possible. In particular, a recent epidemiological study, which
examined the aged in six naturally fluoridated Chinese villages, hip fracture rates doubled at
1.5 ppm, and tripled at 4.3 ppm, when compared to the fracture rates at 1 ppm fluoride. [12]
In Mexico, a linear correlation between the severity of dental fluorosis and the incidence of
bone fractures in children has been observed.[13] Guifan Sun (School of Public Health, China
Medical University, Shenyang) in his inaugural address stressed on active research of fluoride
and improvement of the health condition of people all over the world because fluoride has a
statistically significant association with a wide range of adverse effects. These include not
only dental and skeletal and dental fluorosis bit also increased risk of bone fractures,
decreased thyroid function, lowered IQ, arthritic-like condition, and possibly, osteosarcoma.
On 9 August 2007, the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) statement signed by over 600
professionals stated that it is time for advanced nations and fluoridating countries to
recognize that fluoridation is outdated and has serious risks that far outweigh any minor
benefits, violates sound medical ethics and denies freedom of choice. [14]
Some worrying results have also been published on the biological effects of fluorides, based
on laboratory and animal experiments. It is well known to biochemists that, contrary to one
of the pro fluoridation myths, fluoride is highly active biologically, forming a strong hydrogen
bond with the groups found in proteins and nucleic acids.[15] In vitro experiments
demonstrated that fluoride inhibits enzymes, and induces chromosome aberrations [16] and
genetic mutations. [7] Professor Anna Strunecka of Charles University in the Czech Republic
has shown in laboratory experiments that fluoride in the presence of aluminum disrupts Gproteins. [18] G proteins take part in a wide variety of biological signaling systems, helping to
control almost all important life processes. Furthermore, pharmacologists estimate that up
to 60% of all medicines used today exert their effects through a G-protein signaling pathway.
Animal experiments reveal that fluoride increases the uptake of aluminum into the brain at 1
ppm in the drinking water. It has been suggested that aluminum fluoride (AlF3) complexes
might induce alterations in homeostasis, metabolism, growth and differentiation in living
organisms. Thus, the malfunctioning of G-proteins could be a causal factor in many human
diseases, including Alzheimers disease, asthma, memory disturbance, migraine and mental
disorders. [19] Dr Z. Machoy, from the Pomeranian Academy of Medicine, Poland, points out
that AlF3 activates several guanine nucleotides, mimicking the actions of some
neurotransmitters and hormones. His group has performed computer modeling of how AlF3
attacks the biologically important GDP nucleotide.[20]
Dr NJ Chinoy from Gujarat University, India, has found that higher doses of fluoride cause
reproductive problems.[21] Research on aged human cadavers by Dr Jennifer Luke at
University of Surrey has shown that fluoride concentrates in the pineal gland. [22]
Furthermore, in animal studies, It has been shown that this concentration is associated with
the earlier onset of puberty. As a mechanism hypothesis has been made that the increased
fluoride concentration leads to the reduced production of melatonin (because fluoride is
known to inhibit the enzymes needed to produce it) and that this in turn leads to an
accelerated sexual maturation. This work dovetails with studies which have shown that girls
in the US one of the world's most heavily fluoridated countries are reaching puberty
earlier and earlier.[23]According to Dr. John R. Marier, of the Division of Biological Sciences at
the Canadian National Research Council, Ottawa, Fluoride (in vitamins or water) interferes
with magnesium metabolism in the body. This is significant because fluoride toxicity is
increased when magnesium levels are low. Magnesium deficiency is widespread in the U.S.,
especially among children and teenagers, reaching the 99th percentile among young women.
[24]
A major cross-sectional survey of 84 cities in the USA by JA Brunelle and JP Carlos at the
National Institute of Dental Research found that children aged 5 to 17, who had lived their
whole lives in fluoridated cities, had on average only 0.6 fewer decayed, missing and filled
tooth surfaces (DMFS) per child than those in unfluoridated cities. [25] In Australia a survey
by Professor John Spencer from University of Adelaide (1996) found an average reduction of
only 0.12 to 0.3 DMFS per child.[ 26] Since the total number of permanent tooth surfaces in a
child's mouth is 128, the US and Australian reductions are less than one half and one quarter
of one percent of tooth surfaces, respectively.
Fluoride is also not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).California is
28% fluoridated; Hawaii is 9% fluoridated. These states are tied for the lowest rate of tooth
loss in the USA. On the other hand, Kentucky is 100% fluoridated and has the highest
toothless population of older adults. [24]
Also the Role of vested interests in promoting the use of fluoride in dentistry cannot be
underestimated. Several fluoride researchers have published accounts of attempts by dental,
medical and public health authorities to intimidate them and to suppress their work.[7]
Behind the dental and medical associations, who promote fluoridation, are powerful
corporate GFFGG interests like- the sugary food industry (e.g. sugar, soft drinks, processed
breakfast cereals and sweets)that benefits from the notion that there is a magic bullet that
stops tooth decay, whatever junk food our children eat; the phosphate fertilizer industry
that sells its waste silico-fluoride to be put in drinking water instead of paying for its safe
disposal; and the aluminum industry, which had an image problem with the atmospheric
fluoride pollution it produces, and funded some of the early research in naturally fluoridated
regions of the USA that appeared to show that fluoride was good for teeth.
Some governments support fluoridation because they consider it to be a cheaper way of
addressing tooth decay than running effective dental services for school-children and older
people, and politically safer than tackling the promotion of sugary foods that are the main
cause of tooth decay.
Conclusion
Fluoride because of its anti caries action was considered pivot of preventive dentistry. It was
considered as double edge sword as the excess amount was responsible for dental as well as
skeletal fluorosis, which is incurable. But its benefits as anticaries element were so much
endorsed that it over shadowed its serious side effects. But with changing scenario attention
is now being drawn on potentially permanent damaging effect of fluoride. This review of
literature on fluoride research reveals a situation where people in fluoridated communities
are required to ingest a harmful and ineffective medication with uncontrolled dose. The
medication actually doesnt need to be swallowed, since it acts directly on tooth surfaces.
The benefit of fluoridation is at best a reduction in tooth decay in only a fraction of one tooth
surface per child. It is time for advanced nations and fluoridating countries to recognize that
fluoridation is outdated and has serious risks that far outweigh any minor benefits, violates
sound medical ethics and denies freedom of choice. With the advancement of recent
methods for caries prevention role of fluoride in preventive dentistry needs to be
readdressed.
References
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25. Brunelle, JA & Carlos JP, , Recent trends in dental caries in U.S. children and the effect of water
fluoridation, Journal of Dental Research1990; 69 :723-727.
26. Spencer AJ, Slade GD & Davies M, Water fluoridation in Australia, Community Dental
Health 1996;13: 27-37.
2013
Introduction.
Synthetic industrial fluoride
compounds lack calcium and are listed toxic
substances (Buck, 1, Gleason, 2, Blakiston, 3, Merck,
4). Calcium fluoride is found in nature and is not
labeled a toxic because of its comparatively high
lethal oral acute dose in mammals (LD50 = 3,750
mg/kg). The fluoride compounds sodium fluoride and
fluosilicic acid, added into municipal water for
human ingestion purposes, are synthesized artificially
by industrial reaction and have been used as
rodenticides, insecticides and pediculicides, with
acute oral lethal doses in experimental animals
comparable to arsenic and lead (Merck, 4) (NaF and
H2SiF6 LD50 = 125 mg/kg) due to the fluoride at 6090 mg/kg.
Waters in the U.S. can contain natural calcium
fluoride along with other calcium and magnesium
salts (U.S. CDC, 5) but pure pristine fresh drinking
water does not contain fluoride. Fluoride has been
believed by some to be useful for teeth based on an
initial correlation with natural calcium fluoride in
drinking water. But the chief ingredient in normal
teeth enamel is hydroxyapatite that contains calcium
phosphate, not fluoride. After many decades of
adding industrial fluoride compounds into public
water supplies in the U.S. and those countries that
have agreed to this policy, the principal effect of
ingested fluoride on teeth is to form abnormal
permanent enamel fluorosis during development and
to abnormally incorporate into underlying dentin
bone. Fluorosis, unsightly at best, afflicts 5 million
U.S. teenagers aged 12-15 as of 2004. Fluoride
incorporates abnormally chiefly into bone.
The consequences of adding fluoride lacking
calcium into public water supplies include adverse
effects on man, animals and the environment.
Although fluorine leads all elements in
electronegativity and is thus reactive and not found in
Figure 2. Fluoride protonation depends on prevailing acidity following the equilibrium reaction F - + H+ HF.
A. All measurements were made with a LaMotte Instruments fluoride ion specific electrode (calibrated with a 1.00 ppm
fluoride standard solution in distilled deionized water at room temperature). Readings for the 1.2 ppm true concentration
solution progressively decrease as pH decreases. Acidity was adjusted with dilute acetic acid. Stomach acid pH normally varies
from 1.5-3 (Teitz, 41 p. 1072) where fluoride is mostly protonated as hydrofluoric acid HF.
B. The observed values agree with F- levels calculated theoretically from the Henderson Hasselbach equation [F-]/[HF] = 10(pH
pKa)
over the pH range here, utilizing the known Ka for HF. HF decreases (diamonds) while F- increases (squares) from pH 1
to 8. At pH 3.14 (= pKa = -log 7.2 x 10-4), HF is half dissociated.
sodium (ppm)
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Year
Figure 3. Data are from public published water quality reports from the Metropolitan Water District, Los Angeles for sodium
as a function of year. The curves increase progressively after 2007 when industrial fluosilicic acid with caustic soda injections
began. Every 24 tons of industrial fluosilicic acid requires 14 tons of sodium hydroxide to maintain pH at 8.4 (two H + ions from
H2SiF6 requires two sodium ions). Sodium at 116 ppm has been found to decrease yields and affect vegetable and fruit quality.
Sodium is released into the Colorado River by scores of industries lining the river. The EPA Salt Abatement Program limits
releases from companies to one ton daily each, but with so many sites has led to this level. The EPA secondary standard for
TDS (500 ppm) is exceeded but is not enforced--plants can tolerate natural TDS from 800-1000 ppm. No MCL standards have
been developed by EPA for sodium, since fresh water has historically been low in sodium. Sodium in blood is 3,000 ppm but is
0-10 ppm in pristine fresh drinking water with a national average at 15 ppm.
Acknowledgements. The author is thankful for discussions long ago on toxic fluoride calcium chelators with the
late, world-reknown calcium physiologist Dr. C. Baird Hastings and colleague Dr. Andrew A. Benson. Benson
discovered the carbon dioxide fixation product in plant photosynthesis and continues work at the Scripps Institution
of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego. Peoples of the world are grateful to God for drinking water
that is fresh, pristine, and naturally pure for its known physiologic purpose.
References.
1. Buck, R.M. (1964) The Grim Truth about Fluoridation, G.P. Putnam & Son, NY.
2. Gleason, M., ed. (1969) Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products, Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, 3rd ed.
3. Blakiston, J.B., Blakistons Medical Dictionary (1960) 3rd ed.
4. Merck Index (1976), Merck, Inc., Rahway, NJ.
5. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2003),
Fluorine, Hydrogen Fluoride and Fluorides, Department of Health Services, p. 86.
6.Davidsohn, I. and Wells, B. (1962) Clinical Diagnosis by Laboratory Methods, 13th edition, W.B. Saunders,
Philadelphia, PA.
7.Lide, D.R., ed. (2008) The Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 88th edition, Chemical Rubber Co., Cleveland,
OH.
8. Gessner, B., Beller, M., Middaugh, J. and Whitford, G. (1994), Acute Fluoride Poisoning from a Public Water
System, New England Journal of Medicine, 330. p. 95.
9. Wang F., Zhang, D., and Wang, R. (1998) Toxic effects of fluoride on beating myocardial cells cultured in vitro,
Fluoride 31(1) pp. 26-32.
10.National Research Council (2006) Fluoride in Drinking Water, A Scientific Review of EPAs Standards,
National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C.
11.Moore, W.J. (1965) Physical Chemistry, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
12.Sauerheber, R., Gordon, L.M. (1982) Calcium and Membrane Stability in: The Role of Calcium in Biological
Systems, Volume II, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, FL, Anghileri, L., Tuffet-Anghileri, M., eds.
13.Whitford, G.M., Sampaio, F.C., Pinto, C.S., Maria, A.G., Cardoso, V., Buzalaf, M. (2008) Pharmacokinetics of
ingested fluoride: Lack of effect of chemical compound, Archives of Oral Biology, 53 10371041.
14. Yuxin, L, Berenji, G., Shaba, W, Tafti, B., Yevdayev, E., Dadparvar, S. (2012) Association of vascular fluoride
uptake with vascular calcification and coronary artery disease, Nuclear Medicine Communications, Volume
http://www.nsf.org/business/water_distribution/pdf/NSF_Fact_Sheet.pdf
38.Graham, J.R. and Morin, P. (1999) Highlights in North American Litigation during the Twentieth Century
CSSS 016MC
C.P. Ptition
Fluoration de
leau potable
Report for
The Government of Ireland
The European Commission and World Health Organisation
Prepared By
Declan Waugh BSc. CEnv. MCIWEM. MIEMA. MCIWM
March 2013
OF EUROPE
mandates
that Community policy on the environment must
contribute to the preservation,
protection and improvement of the
quality of the environment,
the protection of human health and
the prudent and rational utilisation of natural
resources based on the
PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE.
Contents
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................................. 1
Summary of Main Findings of the NRC Report (2006) ..................................................................................... 2
Executive Summary of Health Review Findings .................................................................................................... 3
Social Inequalities, Disease Burdens and Mortality ...................................................................................... 12
Understanding the Variation in disease and Mortality ............................................................................... 14
Fluoride intake ............................................................................................................................................................. 19
Fluoride Intolerance ............................................................................................................................................... 23
Chronic Disease Prevention in Babies .............................................................................................................. 26
Fluoride intake of Babies ..................................................................................................................................... 28
Fluoride as a Developmental Endocrine Disruptor ....................................................................................... 30
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome ......................................................................................................................... 32
Fluoride as a Developmental Neurotoxin ........................................................................................................ 34
Fluoride ingestion and teeth in Infants ........................................................................................................... 34
Dental Fluorosis ...................................................................................................................................................... 35
Fluoride intake of Adults.......................................................................................................................................... 36
Water fluoridation and Dental Health of Adults ........................................................................................... 40
Endocrine System ....................................................................................................................................................... 41
Pineal Gland Key Findings of the Scientific Committee ................................................................................. 42
Parathyroid Gland Key Findings of the NRC Scientific Committee.............................................................. 42
Thyroid Function Key Findings of the NRC Scientific Committee ................................................................ 43
Other Endocrine Organs Key Findings of the NRC Scientific Committee ................................................. 43
Fluoride Intake and Thyroid Function .............................................................................................................. 44
Iodine deficiencies in the Irish Population ...................................................................................................... 45
Fluoride and Iodine................................................................................................................................................ 46
Incidence of Thyroid Disorders .......................................................................................................................... 46
Other conditions associated with thyroid problems .................................................................................... 48
Thyroid hormone and other organ systems .................................................................................................. 49
Immune System Key Findings of the NRC Scientific Committee.................................................................. 49
Common Immune Disorders in Ireland................................................................................................................. 50
Blood disorders and Immune mechanisms ..................................................................................................... 52
Sarcoidosis an inflammatory autoimmune disease ...................................................................................... 53
Osteosarcoma.......................................................................................................................................................... 99
NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination the University of York, Systematic Review
of Public Water Fluoridation, September 2000........................................................................................ 120
Hampshire County Council, United Kingdom. 2008 ............................................................................... 121
European Commission Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER)
Critical review of any new evidence on the hazard profile, health effects, and human
exposure to fluoride and the fluoridating agents of drinking water, May 2010 ........................... 122
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
INTRODUCTION
The impetus for this report came from a recently released U.S. National Research
Council (NRC) report which reviewed toxicologic, epidemiologic and clinical data on
fluoride and exposure data on orally ingested fluoride from drinking water and
other sources and which examined the adverse effects on various organs systems,
and genotoxic and carcinogenic potential of fluoride on human health. A growing
body of research is calling attention to this problem. As a follow-up to the 2006
NRC report and my previous report on Human Toxicity, Environmental Impact and
Legal Implications of Water Fluoridation (2012); this study highlights the key findings
of the NRC scientific committee under specific headings and examines the health
disadvantages for the population of Ireland from increased dietary exposure to
fluorides by comparison to disease incidence/burden in non-fluoridated Northern
Ireland and Europe.
The results clearly document that higher mortality and inferior health is evident for
the population in the Republic of Ireland compared to non-fluoridated Northern
Ireland. The findings clearly support the published findings of the NRC scientific
committee and conclusively demonstrate that fluoridation of drinking water has
significantly increased the dietary fluoride exposure of the entire population in
Ireland to unsafe levels that have contributed directly and indirectly to numerous
adverse health effects on the population. Ultimately this has culminated in
significantly higher disease burdens and mortality and inferior health compared to
their counterparts in Northern Ireland or other non-fluoridated EU countries. Overall
the Republic of Ireland fares worse in the prevalence of disease and morbidity for a
wide range of disease categories compared with Northern Ireland the UK or the EU
region. The report also highlights similar disease burdens in the few other countries
that continue to practice fluoridation especially in North America, Australia and New
Zealand. The NRC report (2006) highlighted the potential contribution that fluoride
exposure may have for many if not all of these diseases.
This report identifies that water fluoridation chemicals have been classified as low
dose Endocrine Disruptors (EDCs) in current peer reviewed scientific publications and
examines how EDCs impact on overall human health in general. The gravity of the
findings in this report raises urgent and fundamental questions about the safety of
artificial fluoridation of drinking water. Given the strength of the findings and
seriousness of the evidence presented in this report continuation of such a policy,
in light of the information contained, would represent gross culpable negligence and
a crime against humanity. With so much at stake and when the evidence of harm is
so overwhelming, public health authorities simply have no choice but to act in the
public interest and discontinue artificial fluoridation as a matter of urgency.
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Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
2|Page
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
3|Page
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
dental fluorosis,
and often fatal diseases such as osteosarcoma, leukaemia or other disease outlined
in this report.
As with exposure to any chemical these agencies have a duty of care to ensure
that information needed for health and environmental assessment of fluoridation
chemicals was available prior to commencement of fluoridation as well as providing
detailed information on the total dietary exposure of the Irish population.
Any such risk assessment should have included information on acute toxicity,
irritation, hypersensitivity corrosivity, sensitisation, repeated dose toxicity,
mutagenicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and toxicity for reproduction. Investigations
should have been undertaken on the toxicokinetics of the chemical substance used
and its derivative compounds including silicofluorides and aluminofluorides
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In addition the
legislation for fluoridation in Ireland requires for on-going human health data to be
monitored yet no epidemiological studies have ever been undertaken by the public
health authorities in Ireland examining the impact of fluoridation on public health
since this policy was first implemented almost fifty years ago.
This report examines approximately 28 disease categories and the prevalence or
incidence of disease burden for both fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities
all living on the same island of Ireland from published and available data sources.
The variation in disease burdens between the RoI and Northern Ireland (NI) was
calculated for each of the categories with a persistent and significant increase
documented for the population across all diseases for persons living in the RoI,
compared to non-fluoridated NI or other EU member states.
This report shows how premature death and health inequalities are far greater for
all ages in the ROI compared to NI or other European countries.
In each of the disease categories a highly significant increased burden of disease
has been recorded for Southern Ireland with the most pronounced variation being
early onset dementia (450%) followed by sudden infant death syndrome (300%),
sarcoidosis (250%), congenital hypothyroidism (220%),
syndrome (83%), depression (78%), rheumatoid arthritis (60%) diabetes (60%) and
cancer where significant increased risk for a wide range of cancers are to be found
in ROI compared to non-fluoridated NI and Europe.
Overall cancers incidence was significantly higher in fluoridated RoI compared to
non-fluoridated NI. The World Health Organisation has also reported that the overall
incidence of cancer per 100,000 in the RoI is 85% above the European region
average, 43% above the EU average and 38% above the UK incidence. It is
important to highlight that over 6million citizens in the UK (<10%) also consume
artificially fluoridated drinking water.
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exposure) from all sources is increasing to such an extent that everyone with
chronic medical symptoms has to consider fluoride as a probable cause, even
before nutrient imbalance. The enormity of the disparity between disease burdens
in the RoI compared to NI when examined in light of the documented effects of
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Based on the observations in the NRC report (2006) regarding fluoride and cancer7
it is not surprising that the All Ireland Cancer Atlas (2011) clearly demonstrates
significantly increased cancer prevalence in the RoI compared to NI.
The NRC (2006) scientific committee observed: fluoride has the potential to cause
variation in the risk of some common cancers.. the most consistent geographical
distribution of cancer risk was seen for three cancers (pancreas, brain/central
nervous system and leukaemia) which showed an increasing gradient of risk from
northeast to south-west. The report documents that the risk for bladder cancer
was up to 14% higher in the ROI, leukaemia up to 23%, Pancreatic cancer up to
22%, skin cancer up to 18%, prostate cancer 29%, oesophageal cancer up to 8%,
brain cancer up to 20% and cancer of the cervix and uterus up to 11% higher
compared to Northern Ireland. A previous report by the National Cancer Registry
Ireland and Northern Ireland documented that the incidence of chronic
lymphoblastic leukaemia was 53.5% higher for males and 53.1% higher for females
in the RoI compared to Northern Ireland.9
The lack of inclusion of fluoride as a risk factor is even more remarkable as
systemic inflammation, immune dysfunction and immune cancers such as lymphoma
and leukaemia in humans have been associated with EDC exposures.10 It is also
known that hormone related cancers such as prostate, pancreatic and uterus may
be directly related to endocrine disruptor (EDCs) at low level doses.11,12
The All-Ireland study by Balanda and Wilde13 documented significantly increased
mortality from these diseases in the RoI compared to NI. It is equally astonishing
that although skeletal fluorosis has been studied intensely in other countries for
more than 50 years, no research at all has been done in the ROI to determine how
many people are afflicted with the earlier stages of the disease, particularly the
preclinical stages such as arthritis and musculoskeletal pain.14,15,16,17 Because some of
the clinical symptoms mimic arthritis, the first two clinical phases of skeletal
fluorosis could be easily misdiagnosed. 18,19,20 The late Dr. George Waldbott stated
that the symptoms and severity of fluoride poisoning depend on an individual's age,
nutritional status, environment, kidney function and susceptibility to allergies, and he
also suggested most physicians know almost nothing about chronic fluoride
poisoning and therefore they don't look for it.21
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Deaths from drug dependence, alcohol abuse and mental disorders are over 1500%
higher in the lower income groups in the RoI, the mortality rates are significantly
higher than for a similar sub-group of the population in NI.
Deaths from tuberculosis, congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities
are over 1000% higher in lower income groups in the RoI, followed by death from
ulcers of stomach and disease of the musculoskeletal system at over 800%
increased mortality. The RoI has the highest incidence of mortality from deaths from
congenital disorders in the EU Region.
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The most common serious congenital disorders are heart defects, neural tube
defects and Downs syndrome.23 According to the WHO It is estimated that about
94% of serious birth defects occur in middle- and low-income countries, where
mothers are more susceptible to macronutrient and micronutrient malnutrition and
may have increased exposure to any agent or factor that induces or increases the
incidence of abnormal prenatal development.
To my knowledge no study has ever been undertaken to examine if fluoride
exposure combined with nutritional status may be a contributory factor to the
alarming levels of congenital defects in fluoridated compared to non-fluoridated
countries. As is evident from Figure 6 both New Zealand and Australia also have
higher mortality from congenital defects compared to the EU region.
While variations in the classification of occupational classes may exist between NI
and the RoI, it is accepted that the descriptions of the two highest and the two
lowest occupational classes are similar.24 Even allowing for differences in data
gathering the increased mortality among the lower income groups in RoI compared
to NI is very significant
In almost every disease category the difference in mortality rate in RoI between low
income and high income is significantly higher in some instances over 1000%
compared to NI. For all causes of death the mortality ratio for lower income groups
to higher income groups is over 100% higher in the RoI compared to NI.
These are important facts to observe as distinguished medical physicians and
scientists have found that lower income groups with poorer nutritional status are
much more susceptible to fluoride toxicity and will have a higher burden of disease
and mortality as a consequence of fluoridation of drinking water. 25,26
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The report identifies the main areas of human health impacted by endocrine
disrupting chemicals as outlined below.
The Vandenberg et al review states that the effects of hormones and EDCs are
dependent on dose, and importantly, low (physiological) doses can be more
effective at altering some endpoints compared with high (toxicological) doses. The
study notes that low doses of EDCs are capable of altering organ morphology,
physiology, and reproductive development. The review notes that that exposure to
EDCs can influence the prostate, which may help explain the fact that Ireland has
the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world. It is acknowledged that direct
acting EDCs interfere with some step in the mechanism of action of the normal
hormone, for example by binding to the steroid hormone receptor or by altering
subsequent downstream events in signal transduction. Indirect acting EDCs alter the
rates of synthesis, secretion, transport, uptake, metabolism or clearance of the
steroid hormone.28
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Obesity is also correlated with type 2 diabetes, and chemicals that have
been shown to cause obesity in animal models also result in altered glucose
tolerance and reduced insulin resistance.
Limited epidemiological data exist to support the notion that EDC exposure
during pregnancy can affect weight gain in infants and children. Limited
epidemiological data show that adult exposures to some EDCs are associated
with type 2 diabetes.
It is clear that EDCs can play a role in the development of immune-related
disorders and are at least partially responsible for their rise in recent years.
Systemic inflammation, immune dysfunction and immune cancers such as
lymphoma and leukaemia in humans have been associated with EDC
exposures.
A wide variety of developmental problems and common adult diseases and
disorders are well-known to be caused by abnormal endocrine function. For
example, diabetes is the result of a defect or defects in insulin action.
Endocrine disruptors interfere in some way with hormone action, and in
doing so can produce adverse effects on human health.
Fat development and weight gain is a good example of complex physiological
systems that are influenced by endocrine disruptors. There are a number of
endocrine disruptors that have been shown to affect weight gain, insulin
sensitivity and glucose tolerance indicating a potentially important role for
endocrine disruptors in the development of obesity type 2 diabetes and
metabolic syndrome.
The elements of the endocrine system that control weight gain and
metabolism/energy expenditure include the adipose tissue, pancreas, GI tract,
liver, skeletal muscle, bone and brain, and endocrine disruptors could
specifically and directly affect each of these tissues by interfering with their
various hormone systems.
There is now data suggesting that exposure to some endocrine disrupting
chemicals during pregnancy can lead to altered cholesterol metabolism,
weight gain and type 2 diabetes in the offspring later in life.
There is evidence that the obesity risk may begin early in life, during
pregnancy, and in early childhood and that rapid weight gain, in the first few
months of life, is associated with obesity later in life.
Because obesity is an endocrine-related disease/dysfunction, it is potentially
sensitive to endocrine disrupting chemicals.
In humans, there is growing epidemiological evidence that adult exposures to
EDCs may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes
The effects of exposure to endocrine disruptors during development will
remain throughout life, due to their effects on programming of cell
differentiation and tissue development, resulting in a tissue that has a
different predisposition for disease in adulthood to that of a non-exposed
tissue.
Sensitivity to endocrine disruption is highest during tissue development;
developmental effects will occur at lower doses than are required for effects
in adults.
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Many immune disorders are deeply rooted in the endocrine system and,
therefore, inappropriate activation or inactivation of select endocrine
pathways may aberrantly disturb the balance of the immune response.
EDCs have been linked with disorders of metabolism, energy balance, thyroid
function and reproduction, as well as an increased risk of endocrine cancers.
The immune system plays an important role in osteoporosis, which often
arises from estrogen deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism. It is
possible that exposure to EDCs may influence the development of osteopenia
and osteoporosis.
The developing and neonatal immune response is easily affected by EDCs,
and disruption during critical windows of development may have detrimental
long-term consequences.
Developmental immunotoxicity (DIT) caused by EDC exposure may be one
early-life immune insult that could cause lifelong effects on immunity and the
overall health of exposed individuals.
33,34
In laboratory experiments,
exposure to siloxane has been shown to cause uterine tumours and harm to the
reproductive and immune systems. Importantly they are also known to influence
neurotransmitters in the nervous system.35
It is also important to reference a more recent scientific peer reviewed report
(2009) which found that fluoride exposure impairs glucose tolerance via decreased
insulin expression and oxidative stress.36 It should also be noted that glucose
intolerance is often a gateway to developing type 2 diabetes according to the
International Diabetes Federation and that thyroid disorders remain the most
frequent autoimmune disorders associated with type 1 diabetes.
What this report has identified is that the impact of low dose EDCs such as water
fluoridation chemicals are particularly insidious and are often overshadowed by
coexisting health problems, or the symptoms are incorrectly attributed to aging or
some other cause. Causal inference is not done directly from the epidemiological
study results; instead, it is done via combining information from the epidemiological
observations with findings from the detailed studies of pathways and animals.
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This study clearly demonstrates that there is sufficient evidence to conclude from a
wide range of human health endpoints that fluoridation of public water supplies
clearly has resulted in increased fluoride exposure of the population in the RoI with
wide ranging adverse effects on health. This evidence will be examined in greater
detail in the following sections.
Fluoride intake
According to the EFSA while the intake of fluoride from water can be estimated with
some certainty, an estimation of fluoride intake from other sources will vary
significantly based on individual habits and health status. For example, exposure to
fluoride from pharmaceutical drugs, consumption of tea or other fluoridated
beverages such as fruit drinks, beer or stout produced using fluoridated water,
smoking and consumption of processed foods or fish. The EFSA found that there is
no reason to suppose that fluoride available from food, including fluoridated salt
and beverages, and other sources has a different effect on maturing enamel than
fluoride from water and that there is no real threshold value for a fluoride intake
which is not associated with the occurrence of dental fluorosis in the population.37
The 2006 Report of the National Research Council of the National Academy of
Sciences designated kidney patients, diabetics, athletes, seniors and babies as
'susceptible sub-populations' that are especially vulnerable to harm from ingested
fluorides.
Furthermore the United States Public health Service has warned that: segments of
the population are unusually susceptible to the toxic effects of fluoride. They
include "postmenopausal women and elderly men, pregnant woman and their
foetuses, people with deficiencies of calcium, magnesium and/or vitamin C, and
people with cardiovascular and kidney problems."38
The EFSA also noted39 that within Europe The total daily intake of fluoride from all
sources can range from the low intake of 0.5 mg/day from solid foods, milk,
beverages and low-fluoride water reported for Germany when no fluoridated salt is
used, no fluoride containing dentifrice is used and no supplements are taken, to
the moderate amount of 1.2 mg/day reported for the United Kingdom If fluoridated
salt would be used 0.5-0.75 mg fluoride would be added, if fluoridated water was
drunk (1 mg/L) and used for the preparation of food and tea (1-2 L of water/day;
500 mL of tea with a fluoride concentration of 5 mg/L) 3.5 to 4.0 mg fluoride
would be added. The sum could be 6.0 mg fluoride per day, without fluoride from
toothpaste taken into account. The EFSA noted that even more extreme scenarios
are possible as is clearly evident in Ireland with the Irish Population being the
highest consumers of tea within the EU. The ESFA further observed that fluoride
exposure will result from pharmaceutical medications many of which contain fluoride
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and recommended that More reliable data on total daily fluoride intake and the
In the EU, hydrofluoric acid is classified in acute toxicity category 1 (which stands
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found that bottle fed infants had an 80% increase in their risk of developing
diarrhea. 48
A study by W Oddy et al. in fluoridated Western Australia found that predominant
breast feeding for at least six months and partial breast feeding for up to one year
may reduce the prevalence and subsequent morbidity of respiratory illness and
infection in infancy. 49
A study by Dewey KC et al. in the U.S observed that the increase in morbidity
associated with bottle feeding in infants is of sufficient magnitude to be of public
health significance. 50
A study by Cushing AH et al. in the U.S. confirmed that bottle feeding significantly
increased the incidence and duration of respiratory illness during the first 6 months
of life. 51
Scariati PD et al. in another U.S study demonstrated that infants who were
exclusively formula-fed had a 70% increase in their risk of developing an ear
infection when compared with exclusively breastfed infants. 52
Levine OS et al. in a U.S study found that bottle feeding was associated with a
increased likelihood of invasive pneumococcal disease.
Invasive pneumococcal
disease includes bacterial infection of the blood, meningitis and pneumonia. 53
Davis, M.K. examined the incidence of childhood cancers in bottle fed infants
compared to breast fed babies in fluoridated Denver Colorado and concluded in a
study published in the Lancet that bottled fed infants are at an increased risk of
developing cancer before age 15. The risk of artificially fed children was 1-8 times
that of long-term breastfed children. The study concluded that this increased risk
was largely due to an increased incidence of lymphoma. 54
It has also been reported that bottle fed infants compared to exclusively breastfed
during their first three months of life had a 34% higher risk of developing diabetes
than those who were not breastfed. Children given cow's milk-based formula in their
first three months were 52% more likely to develop insulin-dependent diabetes
mellitus than those not given cow's milk formula.55
A recent U.S. study concluded that bottle fed infants had an increased incidence of
infectious morbidity, including gastroenteritis, and pneumonia, as well as elevated
risks of childhood obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, leukemia, and sudden infant
death syndrome (SIDS). 56
A similar study in the peer reviewed U.S journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
concluded that formula feeding is associated with adverse health outcomes for
infants, ranging from infectious morbidity to chronic disease. 57
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It is astonishing however that none of the studies noted above ever considered to
include exposure to fluoride as a confounding factor in their investigations.
A current major ongoing research project in University College Cork is investigating
children from before birth (3000 plus infants) and subsequent development
examining prenatal and postnatal development, the incidence and prevalence of
food allergy, eczema and disease in early childhood and the incidence and effect
of maternal and infant vitamin D status on health and growth. 58 My own infant child
is participating in this study and despite peer reviewed published scientific studies
demonstrating intolerance among the population to fluoride including eczema (a fact
accepted by the NRC scientific committee), exposure to fluoride is not even
examined in the long list of questions that parents are required to complete as part
of this study. I have sought for two simply questions to be included in this study
(do you use tap water for bottle feeding and are you on a private well, community
water scheme or public water supply-the latter being fluoridated) in order to control
for such confounding factors but my request was denied.
While the increased risk of chronic disease and mortality for bottle fed infants is
now accepted internationally, to my knowledge no study has ever been undertaking
in any country that practices artificial fluoridation to examine the chronic fluoride
overexposure of bottle fed infants and its potential contribution to childhood illness
and morbidity.
One can in such instances only compare the incidence of SIDs in fluoridated and
non-fluoridated countries, as has been undertaken in this report to determine if
there exists a greater incidence of SIDS in fluoridated countries.
As noted earlier in Figure 1 the incidence of SIDs in non-fluoridated Northern
Ireland was found to be 300% less than fluoridated RoI.
Fluoride Intolerance
The NRC scientific Committee (2006) found that The possibility that a small
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
Netherlands using double blind clinical methodologies documented that that certain
individuals are intolerant to fluoride and reproducibly developed gastrointestinal
symptoms with pains in the epigastric area and in the bowels; nausea; vomiting;
diarrhea alternating with constipation; and symptoms attributable to the
neuromuscular system, namely headaches, paresthesias, muscular fibrillation, pains
in arms and legs, and arthritis in the spinal column as well as skin disorders such
as (urticaria), inflammation oral cavity (stomatitis), visual disturbances and excessive
thirst (polydipsia).59 The findings of this public health study ultimately resulted in
cessation of water fluoridation in the Netherlands in 1973.
A study conducted in Finland60 similarly reported that the significant decrease in
certain medical ailments post cessation of fluoridation would favor the view that a
Feltmann and Kosel61 undertook a 14 year study of prenatal and post natal
ingestion of fluorides which was published in the Journal of Dental medicine in
1961. This extensive study found that a percentages of patients reacted adversely
to fluoride exposure. These reactions, particularly affected gravid women (late
pregnancy) and in children of all ages affecting their dermatologic, gastro-intestinal
and neurological systems. Eczema, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, epigastric distress,
emesis and headaches all occurred with the use of fluoride and disappeared upon
the use of placebo tablets, only to reoccur when fluoride was unknowingly given to
the patient.
The clinical syndrome has been presented in several other publications which has
been attributed to total fluoride intake from water62,63,64 and food.65,66
The NRC scientific committee considered that it may be possible that certain
individuals may be hypersensitive to fluoride and noted the lack of detailed public
health epidemiological studies undertaken to investigate this phenomenon or how
fluoride in drinking water can affect immune responses.
The link between chemical intolerance disease prevalence and comorbidity was
recently heighted in a major study by Katerndahl et al.67 where they found that
between 13% and 33% of people in various populations report considering
themselves to be unusually sensitive to certain common environmental chemicals.
Symptoms were typically multisystem, that is, affecting cognitive, affective,
musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and cardiovascular systems.
Apart from the debate over causality, chemical intolerance to fluoride holds
particular relevance to health burdens and morbidity present in Ireland today.
Patients who are chemically intolerant use health care services at increased rates
(making an average of 23.3 visits to a medical professional per year).68 In addition,
chemical intolerance is associated with poor quality of life and functional
impairments leading to loss of employment and socioeconomic hardships.69, 70, 71 It is
also associated with more medication prescriptions,72 greater use of physicians and
hospitals after exposures,73 and more visits to environmental specialists.74
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Previous studies show that persons meeting various criteria for MCS or the less
severe, more common chemical intolerance also have increased rates of certain
medical and psychiatric conditions. Comorbid diagnoses include heart problems,75
bronchitis,76 asthma,77 pneumonia,78 rhinitis,79, 80 sinusitis,81 hypothyroidism and other
autoimmune diseases,82, 83 irritable bowel syndrome,84 migraine,85 fibromyalgia,86, 87, 88, 89
and chronic fatigue syndrome.90, 91, 92, 93
Other studies report associations with panic disorder,94, 95 major depression,96, 97, 98
and childhood hyperactivity.99, 100 A substantial subset of affected individuals also
report multiple food intolerances,101,102,103 and several studies have demonstrated
food triggers in a subset of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD), migraine, and epilepsy,104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109 as well as adults with
schizophrenia.110,111
Apart from etiology, elevated levels of subjective mental distress (e.g., somatization,
anxiety, depression) are a major factor in increasing health care use across
diagnoses in the general population.112, 113 Persons with chemical intolerance score
higher on scales measuring somatization, anxiety, and depression.114,115
The researchers concluded, that the evidence suggests that chemical intolerance
may be an important yet unrecognized contributor to the clinical presentation and
use patterns of patients in primary care.117
Overall these findings, taken in the context of the alarmingly increased disease
prevalence (Figure 1) and morbidity (Figure 3) in the ROI compared to nonfluoridated Northern Ireland, are very significant.
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consequences on the physiological system. Skeletal and dental toxicity was most
common because of fluorides, however soft tissues could also be affected with
damage by fluoride. Care and precaution should be advocated in growing children
consuming fluoride containing drinking water in order to minimize fluoride related
disabilities
In this context is clearly evident that the Department of health and the Irish Expert
Body on Fluoride and Health have been negligent in not protecting the most
vulnerable in our society from chronic overexposure to fluoride at their most
sensitive period of development. It is equally disturbing that they have not warned
parents of the dangers of overexposure from using fluoridated tap water in making
formula feed.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised122 that there is increasing
evidence that chronic disease risks begin in fetal life and continue into old age.
Adult chronic disease, therefore, reflects cumulative differential lifetime exposures,
none more so than chronic overexposure for fluorides from fetal development
through childhood. The WHO acknowledge that the weight of current evidence
indicates adverse effects of formula milk on cardiovascular disease risk factors; this
is consistent with the observations of increased mortality among older adults who
were fed formula as infants. This risk is clearly compounded by the addition of
silicofluorides to drinking water as previously addressed in my report Human
Similarly, the WHO have acknowledge that the risk for several chronic diseases of
childhood and adolescence (e.g. type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, some childhood
cancers, inflammatory bowel disease) have also been associated with infant feeding
on breast-milk substitutes and short-term breastfeeding. These risks are also clearly
compounded by the addition of silicofluorides to drinking water as previously
addressed in my report Human Toxicity, Environmental Impact and Legal Implications
of Water Fluoridation. This will be addressed later in this report under the heading
endocrine disruptors.
The WHO reported123 that a recent review by the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) in Lyon, France, concluded that there was clear evidence of a
relationship between onset of obesity (both early and later) and cancer risk25. Other
risk factors are continually being recognized or proposed. These include the role of
high levels of homocysteine as noted by the WHO. These risks are clearly
compounded by the addition of silicofluorides to drinking water as scientific studies
have found fluoride to be an inhibitor of homocysteine metabolism, resulting in
increased levels of homocysteine in the body. These concerns were addressed in
detail in my previous report Human Toxicity, Environmental Impact and Legal
Implications of Water Fluoridation but no comment on any of the specific health
concerns raised was recorded by the Irish Expert Body or Minister for Health.
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The prevalence for bottle feeding is higher in Ireland with up to 97% of infants fed
powered formula at 6 months of age. This is to be expected as Ireland has the
lowest prevalence of breast feeding in the world.
In Europe parent and infant carers are been advised that a major effort should be
used to avoid the use of fluoridated water for dilution of formula powers. In
addition when economical feasible young infants fed formulas prepared from
concentrated liquids should have these formulas made up with non-fluoridated
water.129 Similar warning have been provided in North America
While the optimum intake level of fluoride for infants has yet to be determined
scientifically the EU Scientific Committee on Food has recommended a maximum
fluoride level of 0.6-0.7 mg/L in infant formula and follow on formula, equivalent to
an intake of about 0.1 mg/kg body weight per day in infants during the first six
months of life (body weight 5 kg). At current fluoride levels in drinking water in
Ireland all bottle fed babies will exceed the maximum upper recommended fluoride
level when fluoridated tap water is used to constitute formula milk. It is also a
scientific fact that boiling water increases the concentration of fluoride, contributing
to further exceedances of the safety standard.
Importantly the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) noted that with regard to the
fluoride content of drinking water, that if Formula milk were prepared with water
containing 0.3 mg fluoride/L and a 5-kg infant drinks 800 mL, fluoride intakes of
60 ug fluoride/kg body weight/day would result.130 Alarmingly the EFSA highlight
that the use of fluoridated drinking water would considerably increase the fluoride
intake threefold.131 This means that the fluoride intake would be approximately
180ug fluoride/kg body weight/day. The maximum upper limit for adults is 120ug
fluoride/kg body weight/day. The EFSA reported that in infants up to 90% of
consumed fluoride is retained in the body of infants within the bone, calcified
ligaments and organs such as the pineal gland while healthy adults retain 50% of
dietary fluoride intake.
The UL for adults is based on this medical fact. For infants therefore the actual
exposure to fluoride and its toxic actions on biological systems would be in the
region of twice the maximum UL established as safe for a healthy adult. In addition
to the direct exposure from fluoridated water the EFSA also noted that fluoride
containing drugs can amount up to 70% of the estimated reasonable maximum
dietary exposure value in both infants and young children. Furthermore the EFSA
further determined that use of fluoridated water to cook food may increase the
fluoride content of all food by at least 0.5 mg/kg, this includes baby infant
foods.132 As a consequence of water fluoridation the vast majorities of babies in
Ireland have been and continue to be directly exposed to prolonged and
uncontrolled intake of fluoride above the maximum tolerable level established as
safe for healthy adults.
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developmental neurotoxicity".
169
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Dental Fluorosis
The only indisputably proven harm of water fluoridation is dental fluorosis, for which
there is no discernible threshold. However, the risk of dental fluorosis increases as
fluoride concentration of water exceeds 0.3 parts per million.176
This view is supported by findings of the European Commission who established that
systemic fluoride (fluoridated drinking water) may impair normal development of
enamel in the pre-eruptive tooth and cause fluorosis, that the incidence of fluorosis
increases with consumption of fluoride, and will therefore be higher in member
states or geographical areas where water fluoridation is instituted.177
The NHS University of York Fluoridation Review found water fluoridation to be
significantly associated with high levels of dental fluorosis which was not
characterized as "just a cosmetic issue" and estimated that up to 48% of children
who live in fluoridated areas have some form of dental fluorosis.178,179
These findings are supported by O Mullane et al.180 (2003) Browne et al.181 (2005)
and Verkerk et al.182(2010) who observed that the prevalence of dental fluorosis,
representing chronic overexposure of the population to fluoride, has reached
endemic proportions in Ireland and that water fluoridation is the principle cause of
the increased incidence.
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Remarkably the study by O Mullane et al. identified that the prevalence of dental
fluorosis in communities with no fluoridated water was as low as 1.5% compared to
37% in fluoridated communities. It was also documented that no children were
observed with moderate or severe dental fluorosis in non-fluoridated communities it
was found that both moderate and severe dental fluorosis was evident in children
living in fluoridated communities. Similarly international studies have shown from
epidemiological data that the prevalence of fluorosis in permanent incisors of 8-9
years-old-children, living in communities supplied with fluoridated and nonfluoridated water was 54% and 23%, respectively.183
how
fluoride may biologically affect parts of the developing body is an are less studies
and one of great importance. The recent published findings, for example, that
fluoride is a developmental neurotoxin in children, raises serious concerns regarding
its long term neurological impact on a population, while the impact of aluminum
fluoride complexes and their contribution to Alzheimers is a matter of great
concern as is the toxicity of silicofluorides.
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
individuals compared to the risk for consumers in the UK. A further and significant
risk factor for the population of Ireland is that less than 10% of the UK population
compared to (75-80%) of the Irish population are provided with artificially
fluoridated water the majority of the population in Ireland. Boiling fluoridated tap
water increases the concentrations of fluoride in water and food. The concentration
of fluoride in tea beverages is significantly increased by using boiled fluoridated
water to make tea. This results in significant additional concentrations fluoride being
added to a tea beverage that is already high in fluoride content, thereby
contributing further to the daily exposure of an individual to fluoride.
The European Food Safety Authority noted that if fluoridated water were drunk and
used for the preparation of food and tea (1-2 L of water/day; 500 mL of tea (2
cups) with a fluoride concentration of 5 mg/L) 3.5 to 4.0 mg fluoride would be
added to the daily dietary intake of an individual.185
The EFSA noted that even more extreme scenarios are possible and not completely
unrealistic; for example in the ROI many individual consume 6-8 cups of tea daily
made with boiled fluoridated water. This would increase the daily dietary intake for
many individuals to 8mg from beverages and to >10mg for all sources.
The total dietary exposure of an individual is the sum of exposure from all food
and other sources consumed in a day. Because of the wide variability of exposures
to fluoride it is impossible to control the total dietary intake of fluoride for any
individual. Nevertheless the risk factors for increased exposures to fluoride increase
significantly when public water supplies are fluoridated and dietary exposures cannot
be controlled to protect the health and welfare of citizens when such a policy is
enacted. When fluoridated water is used for the preparation of hot beverages such
as tea the measured increase in fluoride content for the beverage may increase by
up to 1.5mg/L. This is very significant when examining total dietary fluoride intake.
It is also significant that tea beverages are acidic and depending on the length of
time left to brew will fall in the range 5.5 - 6.3 pH.
It is important to note that there are no published studies documenting in detail
the total fluoride dietary intakes for either adults or children in Ireland and no
public database exists providing the fluoride content of foods, beverages or
medicines. What is clearly evident however is that the total fluoride bone content of
people living in Ireland is expected to be very high due to their total dietary
fluoride sources combining fluoridated water with other sources such as tea. As
such it is to be expected that the fluoride bone concentration in Irish adults is
expected to be multiples of the level to be found in bone of Europeans living in
non-fluoridated countries.
The EFSA note that with increasing fluoride incorporation into bone clinical stage I
and II with pain and stiffness of joints, osteosclerosis of both cortical and
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The WHO have documented that total intakes of fluoride above about 6 mg fluoride
per day may cause skeletal fluorosis and an increased risk of bone fractures.188, 189
The total dietary intake for an individual from consuming four cups of tea a day,
constituted with fluoridated water, would exceed 5mg fluoride from this single food
source alone. Dietary fluoride exposure will also be increased by the consumption
of any other beverage of foodstuffs prepared with fluoridated tap water. Typical
examples include beer, stout, fruit drinks, soft drinks, soup and foods such as
processed chicken which all combine to add further substantial contributions to an
individuals total fluoride intake (NRC 2006). The EFSA determined that use of
fluoridated water to cook food may increase the fluoride content of all food by at
least 0.5 mg/kg, providing additional dietary sources of fluoride.190 Additional
contributions of fluoride are also provided by fluoridated dental products including
toothpastes, dental mouthwashes and other dental treatments as well as from food
additives, vitamin supplements, pharmaceutical drugs and from residues of fluoride
based pesticides and fumigants (NRC 2006). Another major source of fluoride are
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safety of a water supply with respect to the fluoride concentration, the total daily
fluoride intake by the individual must be considered." It is astonishing and deeply
worrying that considering this common sense recommendation from the WHO that
no proper dietary fluoride risk assessment has been undertaken in the ROI and that
no database is readably available for the public to examine or calculate their
fluoride exposure form foodstuffs and beverages. As with tea any beverage
produced in Ireland that uses public water supplies will have elevated fluoridated
levels. This includes soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and fruit drinks.
The WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water similarly recommend that when setting
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the consumption of tea. The consumption of tea in both regions of the island is
expected to be similar.
However human exposures aluminofluorides are far greater for persons living in the
ROI compared to NI due to the combination of aluminum and fluoride sources in
drinking water.
Aluminum in drinking water comes from the alum used as a flocculent or coagulant
in water treatment.194 Artificial fluoridation also results in increasing the
concentration of free fluoride ions that will bind to substances such as aluminum
which is already present in high concentrations in tea.
Exposure to aluminum fluoride and silicofluorides compounds has many serious
health implications for consumers.
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Endocrine System
The endocrine system is complex with many organs contributing to a multifaceted regulatory system
that governs the normal growth, development and reproduction of the human body. All aspects of
the endocrine system and potentially, all chemical signalling pathways in the organism are
susceptible to the effects of endocrine disruption. Hormones are specific chemical products of
organs or tissues of the endocrine system that are transported by the blood or other body fluids, and
elicit a specific regulatory effect on target tissues or organs. Specific actions of hormones may
include a whole body response; a regulatory action; a morphogenic action, or a permissive or
complementary action.
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Pineal Gland
Parathyroid Gland
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Thyroid Function
Fluoride affects normal endocrine function and response; the effects of the
fluoride induced changes vary in degree and kind in different individuals.
Fluoride is therefore an endocrine disruptor in the broad sense of altering
normal endocrine function or response.
Note: Hyperparathyroidism can also be induced by hypothyroidism
One factor that might be of relevance to fluoride is impairment of thyroid
gland function. For example, hypothyroidism produces tiredness, depression,
difficulties in concentration, memory impairments, and impaired hearing. In
addition, there is some evidence that impaired thyroid function in pregnant
women can lead to children with lower IQ scores
Aluminium fluoride complexes are also involved in regulating the pineal
melatonin system as well as the thyroid-stimulating hormone-growth hormone
connection.
According to the National Research Council the effects of fluoride exposure have
been examined for several other endocrine organs, including the adrenals, the
pancreas, and the pituitary. Effects observed in animals include changes in organ
weight, morphological changes in tissues, increased mitotic activity, decreased
concentrations of pituitary hormones, depressed glucose utilization, elevated serum
glucose, and elevated insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Effects reported in humans
include endocrine disturbances, impaired glucose tolerance, and elevated
concentrations of pituitary hormones.
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endocrine function."This altered function can involve your thyroid, parathyroid, and
pineal glands, as well as your adrenals, pancreas, and pituitary gland. Altered
thyroid function is associated with fluoride intakes as low as 0.05-0.1 mg fluoride
per kilogram body weight per day (mg/kg/day), or 0.03 mg/kg/day with iodine
deficiency. Increased prevalence of goiter (>20 per cent) is associated with fluoride
intakes of 0.07-0.13 mg/kg/day, or 0.01 mg/kg/day with iodine deficiency.197
For a 70 kg adult, this means that 3.5 mg fluoride per day (or 0.7 mg fluoride per
day with iodine deficiency) could result in thyroid dysfunction.
The NRC estimated that the dietary intake of fluoride for an adult in the UK can be
in excess of 9 mg fluoride on a daily basis from consumption of tea. Drinking six
cups of normal instant tea a day made with fluoridated water will routinely result in
excesses of 6mg day. The Irish consume more tea (made with fluoridated water)
than the average UK consumer. For a 14 kg child, it has been estimated that
fluoride intakes greater than 0.7 mg per day (or 0.14 mg per day with iodine
deficiency) puts the child at risk for endocrine dysfunction. The U.S. EPA estimates
children within this weight range (1-3 year-olds) consume over 1.5 mg fluoride each
day, or more than twice the amount necessary to induce altered thyroid function,
even with an adequate iodine intake.198 These chronic exposures could have
profound and life-long effects on the intellectual, social, sexual and overall physical
development of children. Decreased thyroid function is a major contributor factor in
increased cholesterol, growth retardation, a healthy neuromuscular system,
influencing body weight, energy expenditure and cold intolerance.199
Thyroid hormones affect glucose metabolism via several mechanisms200.
Hyperthyroidism has long been recognised to promote hyperglycaemia201. During
hyperthyroidism, the half-life of insulin is reduced most likely secondary to an
increased rate of degradation and an enhanced release of biologically inactive
insulin precursors.202,203
It has been reported that within the last two decades thyroid cancer has become
the fastest rising neoplasm among women in North America (Holt, 2010).204 In
Ireland since the early 1970s there has been a documented 2.5 fold increase in
thyroid cancers205. This period happens to also coincide with water fluoridation in
Ireland. It is interesting to observe that thyroid cancer rates in Sweden reduced by
18 per cent in the period after cessation of water fluoridation.206
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214
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Once again this demonstrates a significant increased incidence for these diseases
in the Republic of Ireland compared to the UK. This represents a 51% increased
prevalence of these diseases in Ireland compared to the UK.
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
Within the reference ranges for TSH, there is a linear positive association between
TSH and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Asvold et al., 2007b)239. Intimal
medial thickness (IMT), a measure of atherosclerosis and predictive of coronary
vascular disease and stroke, is inversely related to free T4 after controlling for
lipids, clinical factors, and thyroid autoantibodies (Dullart et al., 2007).240
Immune System
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immune responses.
Despite this the NRC stated that not a single epidemiologic study has
exposure. From an immunologic standpoint, individuals who are immunecompromised (e.g., AIDS, transplant, and bone marrow-replacement patients)
could be at greater risk of immunologic effects of fluoride.
Not a single epidemiologic study has investigated whether fluoride (<4mg/l)
in the drinking water is associated with changes in immune function. Nor has
any study examined whether a person with an immunodeficiency disease can
tolerate fluoride ingestion from drinking water.
Studies of the effects of fluoride on the kidney, liver, and immune system
indicate that exposure to concentrations much higher than 4 mg/L can affect
renal tissues and function and cause hepatic and immunologic alterations
Note: This latter statement is important in the context of total fluoride intake from
beverages including drinking water, soft drinks and tea as tea can have a fluoride
concentration of 4mg/l or more of fluoride when constituted with fluoridated water.
For a significant proportion of the population the consumption of tea continues to
be the single major intake of fluids.
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
The result is a misguided attack on your own body. This causes the dame we know
as an autoimmune disease.
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246,247
It is
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disease, a chronic, systemic inflammatory
disorder resulting from an abnormal immune system. It is not surprising therefore to
find that the highest prevalence of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is to be found in
countries where the population are exposed to fluorides in drinking water, given that
the National Academy of Sciences found there can be no question that fluoride
can affect the cells involved in providing immune responses and that fluoride also
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ranging from 1950-1985, found that 1.02% to 1.07% of Americans who visited
heath care providers had RA.
The prevalence of RA in Singapore where drinking water is also fluoridated is
likewise estimated at 1% of population.1 As with Australia water consumption would
be high in Singapore due to climatic conditions however the concentration of
fluoride in drinking water in Singapore is half that of Australia, this may explain the
difference between the two countries.
The WHO have documented that Ireland after Finland has one of the highest
incidence of deaths per 100,000 of the population from this disease globally.258
Finland discontinued water fluoridation in 1991. While rheumatoid arthritis is very
prevalent in Scandinavian countries it is also known that some drinking water
supplies in these countries contain elevated levels of fluoride naturally.
The epidemiological data would clearly indicate that the significantly higher
prevalence of this disease among the population of ROI compared to nonfluoridated NI or the UK (10% fluoridated) combined with the increased prevalence
in other fluoridated countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA
clearly demonstrates an association of this disease with exposure to fluorides its
ability to cause an inflammatory response as well as impair the bodys immune
system.
The NRC noted that animal studies259 on diabetic rats considered to be an animal
model for human Type II (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and found that
even though the study was terminated before an age that might be more
comparable to ages associated with late-onset diabetes and diabetic complications
in humans, significantly increased fluoride concentrations was found in the bone
that were in the range associated with fluorosis in humans and exceeded
concentrations of bone fluoride associated with decreased bone strength. In a
second study260 fluoride exposure to fluoridated water was seen to significantly alter
blood glucose levels in diabetic animals and plasma fluoride levels were higher. In
similar animal studies considered representative of Type I (insulin-dependent)
diabetes mellitus in humans the NRC reported that the general severity of the
diabetes (blood glucose concentrations, kidney function, weight loss) was worse in
animals given fluoride in their drinking water and plasma, soft tissue, and bone
fluoride concentrations were elevated. Thus, the NRC reported that any health
effects related to plasma or bone fluoride concentrations, for example, would be
expected to occur in animals or humans with uncontrolled (or inadequately
controlled) diabetes at lower fluoride concentrations in drinking water than for nondiabetics, because of the elevated water intakes.
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In addition, according to the NRC the results reported suggested that, for some
The NRC reported that human studies264 found impaired glucose tolerance in 40%
of young adults with endemic fluorosis, with fasting serum glucose concentrations
related to serum fluoride concentrations; the impaired glucose tolerance was
reversed after 6 months when fluoride concentrations were reduced in drinking
water.
It is not clear, according to the NRC, whether individuals with elevated serum
fluoride and impaired glucose tolerance had the highest fluoride intakes of the
group with endemic fluorosis or a greater susceptibility than the others to the
effects of fluoride. In all fluorosis patients a significant positive correlation between
serum fluoride and fasting serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI) was observed, along
with a significant negative correlation between serum fluoride and fasting glucose/
insulin ratio. The authors of the study suggested that the observed increases in
both IRI and serum glucose indicate elevated pro-insulin or insulin resistance.
The NRC reported that inhibition of one of the prohormone convertases (the
enzymes that convert proinsulin to insulin) would result in both elevated proinsulin
secretion and increased blood glucose concentrations and would be consistent with
the decreased insulin secretion reported in other studies.
The conclusion of the NRC from the available studies is that sufficient fluoride
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involved in controlling
weight gain (adipose tissue, brain, skeletal muscle, liver, pancreas and
gastrointestinal tract), as noted in the report these chemicals constitute a new class
of endocrine disruptors called obesogens. Exposures to such such chemicals have
also been shown to result in in altered glucose tolerance and reduced insulin
resistance. The NRC scientific committee (2006) similarly reported on the ability of
fluoride to cause glucose intolerance and reduce insulin resistance. It is also well
recognised that the inhibition of glucose metabolism is a risk factor in weight gain
and obesity.
According to a recent OECD report the countries with the highest incidence of
obesity are the United States, New Zealand, Chile, Australia, Ireland and UK. Water
fluoridation is practiced in each of these countries to varying degrees. Mexico a
country that was also identified with significantly higher obesity levels has both a
high level of naturally occurring calcium fluoride in drinking water and has
mandatory legislation for salt fluoridation.
The prevalence of obesity in the U.S is 35% for males and 36% for females, in
Canada 37% for males and 23% for females, Australia 35.6% for males and 21%
for females, New Zealand 25% for males and 26% for females.1
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In Ireland, based on the findings from the 2008-10 National Adult Nutrition Survey
(NANS), estimated prevalence of overweight in adults is 37%, with a further 24%
meeting current body mass index (BMI) criteria for obesity with 26% for males and
21% for females documented as obese. The prevalence of obesity in 18-64 year
old adults has increased significantly between 1990 and 2011, from 8% to 26% in
men, and from 13% to 21% in women, with the greatest increase observed in men
aged 51-64 years.265 Notwithstanding other lifestyle and dietary factors this is also
the latter sub group represents individuals with the highest lifetime exposure to
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can lead to altered cholesterol metabolism and weight gain later in life
(Newbold, Jefferson & Padilla Banks, 2007282; Newbold et al., 2008283; Grun et
al.,2006284; La Merrill & Birnbaum, 2011285; Heindel & vom Saal, 2008286; Li, Ycaza
& Blumberg, 2011287; Slotkin, 2011288; Dirinck et al., 2011289; Janesick & Blumberg,
2011290;
Chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties may potentially act either on specific
or multiple sites to:
Alter food intake and metabolism via effects on sexually dimorphic and
appetite and reward centers in the brain
Alter insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism via effects on endocrine (and
endocrine-related) tissues such as the pancreas, adipose tissue, liver, GI tract,
brain and muscle
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It is no surprise (where fluoride is a risk factor in both diabetes and obesity) to see
such a high incidence of both diseases in countries where water fluoridation may
not be practiced but where the resident populations are exposed to dietary fluoride
levels through fluoridated salt consumption and high natural fluoride water levels
similar if not higher than in fluoridated North America, Canada, Australia, New
Zealand or Ireland.
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findings and observations of the NRC review and highlights that the contribution of
silicofluorides and fluoride in drinking water may be a significant risk factor in the
current disease burden present in southern Ireland today.
A highly alarming trend in recent years shows from HSE hospital data that rates of
stroke and kidney failure among people with diabetes have now reached record
levels in Ireland. The figures suggest that rates of inpatient treatment for stroke and
kidney failure were significantly higher in 2010 than in 2006. A 36% rise in strokes
among people with diabetes since 2006 has been recorded, with 1,134 people with
diabetes treated for stroke in 2010.
higher than 2006 with over 4,300 people with diabetes being treated in hospital for
kidney failure in 2010.293
It is important to acknowledge that the NRC identified diabetics and individuals with
impaired kidney function as two of the most sensitive subgroups to fluoride toxicity.
The recent sharp increase in mortality from strokes and kidney failure in Ireland
may therefore represent a growing trend in future years as the numbers of
incidence of both diseases continues to rise.
Musculoskeletal Disease
within or excess the range associated with Stage II and Stage III skeletal fluorosis.
All members of the committee agreed that there is scientific evidence that under
certain conditions fluoride can weaken bone and increase risk of fractures.
The figure of 2mg/L must be examined in the context of total fluoride intakes from
consumption of liquid beverages, not just water. In Ireland the main beverage
consumed by adults is tea, which may have fluoride content in the range of 36mg/L when prepared with fluoridated tap water.
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Musculoskeletal Pain
Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most easily recognisable symptoms of
overexposure to fluoride brought on from excessive quantities of fluoride deposited
in the skeleton and soft tissues. The recently published Irish Longitudinal Study of
Ageing, by Trinity College Dublin, found that musculoskeletal pain involving bones,
muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves was the most widely reported condition
amongst the wider Irish population. The study reported that there are approximately
585,000 people in Ireland who suffer from chronic pain representing 36% of all
households in Ireland.294
This figure is likely however to be a significant underestimate as 1 in 5 people
(915,000 individuals) suffer from arthritis in Ireland. It has also been reported
according to a survey conducted by Chronic Pain and Pfizer that an estimated
400,000 adults suffer from chronic back pain alone in Ireland.295 If you were to
include chronic in cancer sufferers, where Ireland has the highest incidence of
cancer in the EU region, this figure would increase significantly.
Chronic pain is also a condition that many diabetes sufferers have where it has
been reported296 that almost half of adults with type 2 diabetes report acute and
chronic pain, in excess of 200,000 people in Ireland have type 2 diabetes.297.
In addition over 300,000 people in Ireland over the age of 50 are estimated to
have osteoporosis; osteoporosis is a condition that also causes severe pain in
suffers.298
Furthermore, 1 in 112 of the population in Ireland suffers from Rheumatoid
arthritis299 which is also a condition which results in chronic pain for sufferers that
may affect approximately 40,000 people in Ireland. The total costs of chronic pain
have been estimated at 5.34bn per year, which is 2.86% of the Irish GDP in
2008.300
The Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research published a Health
Technology Assessment report301 in 2002 on the prevalence of chronic pain. They
concluded that overall, chronic pain prevalence ranges vary from 10.1% to 55.2%.
When it comes to severe chronic pain, prevalence rates are increasing with age: 8%
in children, 11% in adults and 15% in the elderly. The identified prevalence in
Ireland was 13% of the adult population. A recent European study estimated a
similar prevalence for the UK.302
According to the World Health organisation the RoI has the second highest
mortality from musculoskeletal diseases in the EU next to the UK. Both countries
are high tea drinkers and both countries practice water fluoridation affecting some
6 million UK citizens and approximately. 3.6million residents of the RoI. High
mortality rates are also recorded for fluoridated New Zealand, the United States
and Australia. Of the top eight ranking countries six are fluoridated.
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Arthritis
It has been estimated that the cost of arthritis in lost working days in Ireland is
approximately 1.6 billion euro per annum.303 Over 1 in 5 people have some form of
arthritis in Ireland. This means around 915,000 (2011 census) Irish people have
arthritis. Some 34% of women and 23% of men are affected by arthritis.304 It is
estimated that 18% (165,000 persons in Ireland) of arthritis patients are less than
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55 years old, while 1,000 Irish children are living with juvenile arthritis (JA). By the
year 2030, 25% of adults aged 18 years and older will have doctor-diagnosed
arthritis.305
In comparison to Ireland, 23% of females in the UK will consult their GP with
musculoskeletal problems and 17% of males. Overall one in five (20%) of the adult
population in the UK has arthritis306 compared to 29.1% of the adult population in
Ireland.
Arthritis accounts for the largest category of GP visits in Ireland, with 30% of GP
visits relating to musculoskeletal disorders, in comparison to 20% of GP visits in the
UK.
Approximately 60% of people with arthritis will be treated within the primary
healthcare system while the remainder will require specialist services to deal with
arthritis in Ireland.
There is a significant burden of ill-health due to disability that is directly
attributable to arthritis. For example according to Arthritis Ireland;
27% of people with arthritis also suffer from depression.
31% of people with arthritis also suffer from high cholesterol.
35% of people with arthritis also suffer from high blood pressure.
36% of people with arthritis also suffer from diabetes.
47% of people with arthritis also suffer from heart disease.
48% of people with arthritis also suffer from osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis
The immune system plays an important role in osteoporosis, which often arises
from estrogen deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism (excessive production
of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands situated at the back of the
thyroid gland).307
Current research suggests that the remodelling of bone is a very tightly controlled
process that is easily perturbed by small fluctuations in pro-inflammatory and
inhibitory cytokines, NF-B, together with hormones and their corresponding
receptors (Clowes, Riggs & Khosla, 2005308).
An imbalance in this interplay, due to infection or inflammation, could tip the bone
creation/bone destruction scale in favour of bone loss, which subsequently
increases the risk of fracture. Furthermore, age-related fluctuations in the immune
and endocrine systems add to the risk for decreased bone density. It is possible
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312
the ROI.
The increased prevalence would support the findings of a recent study published in
the British Journal of Radiology, which found that individuals living in predominantly
fluoridated communities in the U.S.A., at fluoride levels comparable to Ireland, had a
substantially increased prevalence of osteoporosis for both sexes (55% in women,
68% in men) compared to British subjects living in UK where only approximately
10% of the population have fluoridated water.
313
Currently in the region of 300,000 people in Ireland over the age of 50 are
estimated to have osteoporosis. One in 5 men and 1 in 2 women over 50 will develop a
fracture due to Osteoporosis in their lifetime.314
Scientific Committee
According to the 2006 report issued by the National Research Council:
The possible association of cytogenetic effects of fluoride exposure suggests
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A confounding factor may be the availability of abortion in the UK yet despite this
antenatal screening and subsequent terminations of pregnancy in the UK has
resulted in only a 1% fall in the number of babies born with Downs syndrome.317
Even taking into consideration the increasing age of mothers (which is also
prevalent in other countries) and the subsequent increased risk of congenital
abnormalities, the significantly increased prevalence of Downs syndrome in Ireland
clearly suggests as indicated by the NRC that fluoride exposure could be
contributing to increases prevalence of Downs syndrome.
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Neurological Disease
calcium, magnesium, copper and hydrogen that may have implications for
neurotoxic effects after fluoride or silicofluoride exposure.
Fluoride has been shown to decrease the activities of superoxide dismutase
Note: Alzheimer disease (AD) is strongly associated with reduced acetylcholinesterase. Ref:.
Geula C, Mesulam MM. Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Cholinesterases and
the pathology of Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 1995;9 Suppl 2:23-8.
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reports that such chemicals enhance the uptake of lead8 into the body and
brain, whereas NaF does not.
AluminoFluorides
Cytochrome c peroxidase main function is to destroy radicals which are normally produced
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
Silicofluorides
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
in parallel with the epidemic of alcohol and substance abuse since the mid 1970s
a period from which over 50% of the population of Ireland were consuming
artificially fluoridated drinking water.
It is currently estimated to affect around 60,000 children under 18 years of age.
According to consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Keith Holmes, more
than half of young people diagnosed with the condition will be prescribed
medication.
The cost for ADHD drugs for children paid for by the state in 2009
was in excess of 3.2 million. A further 120,000 adults in Ireland are now also
believed to be living with this disability.
Several studies have shown a strong connection between ADHD, drug abuse, and
alcoholism.323,324,325,326,327,328,329,330,331,332,333 ADHD is five to 10 times more common
among adult alcoholics than it is in people without the condition. It is also more
common for children with ADHD to start abusing alcohol during their teenage years.
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Professor Masters main concern regards the ability of silicofluorides used for water
fluoridation to increase environmental exposures to other toxins. His research shows,
where water is treated with hydrofluorosilicic acid, children's blood levels are
significantly higher (roughly twice the level compared to children in non-fluoridated
communities. Masters has identified individuals who are lactose intolerant or who
have a calcium intake as high risk subgroups within populations. Low calcium intake
permits divalent lead to bond to sites in proteins normally filled by divalent calcium.
Research undertaken by Masters has identified that silicofluorides have been found
to leach lead from copper pipes and soldered connections (especially if used in
combination with either chlorine or chloramine and that the combination of
silicofluorides and other heavy metals such as lead may contribute significantly to
disease burdens and behavioral toxicity in certain individuals.
As I previously highlighted in correspondence dated the 15th June 2012 forwarded
to the Minister for Health and the EPA, this is a matter of particular concern to
many in Ireland given that lead drinking water pipes remain in use in some local
authorities. In addition lead fittings would be found in many houses build pre-1970s
in Ireland.
Masters research also demonstrates that increased substance abuse and violent
behavior is to be found in communities exposed to silicofluoride water fluoridation
chemicals. No study has ever been undertaken in Ireland to examine the link
between fluoridation chemicals increased bioavailability of environmental toxins and
behavioral toxicology. Masters has identified that the lower income sectors of
society are a high risk group to the neurological toxicity of silicofluorides and metal
fluoride compounds due to poorer nutrition and generally poorer standard of
building infrastructure. This may have some significance to certain urban geographic
areas in Ireland where both violent crime and substance abuse is rampant.
Substance abuse is however now prevalent throughout Ireland. According to the
National Advisory Committee on Drugs347, it is clear that indicators are pointing to
an upward trend in drugs and alcohol abuse. The extent to which cocaine use has
increased is exampled by the apparent three and four-fold increase in those seeking
treatment for cocaine use as a primary and secondary problem drug respectively.
Cocaine is one of the multiple substances commonly used; the others are alcohol,
cannabis and ecstasy. Since the early 1990s the number of new cases seeking
treatment for cocaine problems has increased most years and now represents a
larger share of the total treatment seeking population than ever before. A higher
proportion (4.7%) of young respondents (1534 years) had used cocaine in their
lifetime (more than three times greater than the rate for the 3564 age groups).
Cocaine ranked fourth after cannabis (18%), magic mushrooms (4%) and ecstasy
(4%), as the most commonly used illegal drugs.
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that young Irish men (18-29 age group) reported the highest consumption of
alcohol and had more binge drinkers than any other group in the population 351
It has also been reported that compared with their European counterparts, young
Irish adults are generally characterized by high levels of alcohol intoxication that
causes a disturbing increase in medical and social issues surrounding excessive or
problem alcohol consumption across Ireland.352
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
The immune system also plays a role in cardiac disease and pathogenesis of
atherosclerosis, and there is evidence that supports the role of an inflammatory
response in heart disease.358 Inflammation is nothing but an abnormal immune
response and fluoride has been found to cause inflammation response.
In animal studies Aluminium fluoride (AIF) has also been found to cause differential
activation of femoral arteries. AlF was seen to strongly desensitized arteries to
phenylephrine, causing a 73% reduction in the ability of phenylephrine to achieve
maximum steady-state stress. AlF also produced large increases in stress
(force/muscle cross-sectional area) within arteries, producing additional muscle
activation.368 The link between fluoride and phenylephrine is important as it is now
known that changes in phenylephrine levels affect cardiac output.369
AIF has also been shown to stimulate significant increase in phasic contractions.370
It is also know that the heart can fail in either the contraction (systole) or rest
(diastole) phase of the cardiac cycle. This is called phasic heart failure.
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While it is evident that in the ROI the increased risk of neurological, immune and
cardiac responses to increased fluoride exposure has not been investigated in any
meaningful manner, nevertheless the increased prevalence of diseases for each of
these categories must be a serious cause for concern, particularly the biological
impact of AIF on neurological health as well as its potential contribution to both
adult and infant sudden death syndrome from cardiac failure.
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
the highest and most rapidly increasing suicide rates.379 It has been estimated that
around a quarter more people suffer from mental health disorders in Northern
Ireland than in England and Scotland.380
Many people in disadvantaged or broken families, trapped in worklessness and
impacted by the Troubles suffer from mental health problems. There is an
especially high prevalence of mental ill-health among men; much of this is
attributable to the turbulent history. The extent of this is revealed in the alarming
numbers of people who use prescription medication close to 90,000 people are
using anti-depressants on a monthly basis, and this is one in ten 35 64 year
olds. 381
In comparison in 2005 according to official government figures a total of 176,123
medical-card holders in the ROI were prescribed anti-depressants for medication.
This figure does not include private patients not including in the medical card
scheme. Dr Michael Corry, a consultant psychiatrist at the Institute of Psychosocial
Medicine in Dun Laoghaire says that "The use of anti-depressants is rising at a rate
of 10 per cent per year. The HSE argues that it is not possible to state the exact
numbers of people who take anti-depressant medication. A spokesperson for the
service, Paul O'Hare, said, "The figure of 250,000 is consistent with the estimated
number of people in Ireland who are suffering from depressive illness at any given
time whether diagnosed or not." Clearly, people whose depressive illness is
undiagnosed will not have been prescribed anti-depressant medication. Also, some
people present with symptoms of physical illness such as stomach complaints or
fatigue which may result from or be made worse by underlying, undiagnosed
depressive illness. This second group of patients may not be prescribed antidepressants either. 382
Given the significance of the Troubles in NI on the mental and general health of
the population as well as its contribution to social conflict, anxiety, post-traumatic
stress, family breakdown, alcoholism and drug abuse, it is remarkable to find a
greater incidence of mental health problems and burdens of disease in the ROI.
According the Department of Health the Samaritans and Aware are the best known
organizations which help people with mental health problems In Ireland.383 Aware is
a voluntary organisation formed in 1985 by a group of interested patients, relatives
and mental health professionals. It aims to assist people whose lives are directly
affected by depression.
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimers or dementia affects almost 44,000 people in Ireland387 costing an
estimated 1.7 billion in care every year.388 It is estimated that approximately 4,000
new cases of dementia arise in the general Irish population every year. The Irish
dementia prevalence rates may be slightly underestimated as they exclude data on
people with intellectual disability (ID) including those with Down syndrome and
dementia. 389
A recent review of dementia strategy concluded that a major increase in the
number of people with dementia in Southern Ireland is likely to occur after the year
2021, with the numbers growing to between 67,500 and 70,000 in 2021 and to
between 140,500 to 147,000 in 2041.390
Overall the population prevalence of dementia for the age group 65-69 is 1.6% in
the Republic of Ireland compared to 1.3% in Northern Ireland. This represents, for
all age groups, a 23% increase in the incidence of Alzheimers between the ROI
compared to NI.
Taking into account that average life expectancy for men is lower in the Republic of
Ireland (76 years) compared to Northern Ireland (77) it would be expected that the
prevalence of Alzheimers would be higher in Northern Ireland for age specific
factors, however as with other disease burdens social and economic risk factors are
also known to play a critical role in cognitive decline and dementia, this again
would clearly suggest that dementia should be higher in Northern compared to
Southern Ireland. For example, lower levels of education are tied to lower levels of
cognitive function throughout adulthood and a higher risk for dementia.391
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Autism
Autism is a lifelong disability which affects the social and communication centre of
the brain. The prevalence of autism in Ireland is estimated to be 1.1% which is
similar to the recently reported figure of 1/100 (0.9% by the Centre for Disease
Control in the US.394 These are among the highest rates of autism in any population
in the world and they continue to rise.
A survey by the Office of National Statistics of the mental health of children and
young people in Great Britain found a prevalence rate of 0.9% while a recent
briefing the National Autistic Society in the UK found the prevalence of autism to
be 0.58 % of children in the UK. This gives a potential increased prevalence in
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autism between 89% and 22% (mean of 55%) between the Republic of Ireland and
UK. It is widely acknowledged that the prevalence of autism has increased 10 fold
per decade since earlier epidemiology studies in the 1970s. This represents the
period post commencement of fluoridation in the
Although it was
widely maintained that the increase in incidence was until recently, in part largely
attributed to better diagnostic procedures, Hertz-Picciotto and Delwiche concluded in
a recent major examination of autism that "younger ages at diagnosis, differential
migration, changes in diagnostic criteria, and inclusion of milder cases do not fully
explain the observed increases." 395 After publication of the article, the author noted
that some environmental toxin/contaminant must be responsible for the remarkable
increase in the rate of autism.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the most common serious brain disorder world-wide. It is the second
most commonly seen neurological condition in primary care, and the most
commonly seen among neurologists.
The prevalence of adult epilepsy in the Republic of Ireland is around 10 per 1000
individuals.396 The UK has an adult prevalence of 6.1 per 1000, Northern Ireland 7.6
per 1000, Wales 7.3 per 1000 and Scotland 7.3 per 1000.397
The prevalence of epilepsy increases with disability groups including autism, Down
syndrome, cerebral palsy, mental retardation398 and race or etiology. It is known
that the prevalence of Autism is significantly higher for non-whites compared to
whites in a population399 as is the prevalence of SIDs, diabetes and other diseases.
A recorded 31% increased prevalence of epilepsy in the population of the Republic
of Ireland compared to Northern Ireland is very significant and supports the
observation of the NRC that fluorides can directly and indirectly affect the functions
of the brain.
Depression
Within Europe, it is estimated that 20% people will experience depression during
their lifetime (WHO, 2003).400 According to the Irish College of General Practitioners
and the Health Service Executive, 25% of Irish people become depressed at some
point.401
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406 ,407
While these figures are only estimates of the rates of depression taken together
with prescriptions for anti-depressives they offer the best available information
available on the prevalence of depression in both the ROI and NI.
According to the Department of Health in 1999, 13.6% of the total General Medical
Card Scheme (GMCS) population were prescribed a benzodiazepine derivative at
least once over the six months period, compared to 9.9% in 2000. The study found
that benzodiazepines were commonly prescribed in the GMS population, being taken
by approximately 1 in 10 persons overall and up to 1 in 5 in the older age groups.
In 2003 the number of prescription items issued under the GMCS was 32.2 million,
this represents an approximate 200 per cent increase over the period 1993-2003.
Expenditure on medicines in Ireland increased over 4 fold during the 10 year period
1993 2003, largely due to increased volume of prescribing. Between 2000-2002
the increase in antidepressants sales a year in ROI was 1.5 times as fast as the
global growth over the same period. 1 in 10 adults were taking antidepressants in
Ireland in 2002 (estimate 300000), 300000 people were claimed depressed in
Ireland in 2002.408
Under the GMCS it is estimated that more than five million prescriptions for drugs
to treat depression, psychosis, anxiety or lack of sleep are being written every year
costing in excess of 110 million.409 In 2009 nine anti-depressants, most of which
are selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), were prescribed more than 2.2
million times under the GMCS.
GMCS accounts for less than 40% of the population, for the remaining 60% of the
population no accurate figures are available.
The National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) has reported that one in five
Irish people admitted taking sedatives, tranquillisers or anti-depressants during their
lifetime. It also found that, of that one in five, nearly half said they had used
sedatives, tranquillisers or anti-depressants in the last month and 84 per cent of
those were taking them on a daily basis.410
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Figures compiled by the Irish Examiner from the HSEs 2009 Primary Care
Reimbursement Service show 14,000 prescriptions for anti-depressants,
benzodiazepines (addictive tranquillising pills), anti- psychotics and sleeping tablets
were being written every day, at a cost of 113m.411 A report by the Department of
Health and Children (2002) found that 11.6% of the adult medical card population
were using benzodiazepines.412 Benzodiazepines are used for patients with an
anxiety disorder co-occurs with depression. The Mental Health Commission, during
the inspections of 2010, found the use of benzodiazepine in both acute and longstay units was widespread. In total, 57% of in-patients were prescribed
benzodiazepines.
Illness-benefit payments for mental health problems have jumped by more than 80
per cent over the past decade, up from 9,884 in 2001 to 18,173 in 2011. Over the
past five years, prescriptions for antidepressants, benzodiazepines and sleeping pills
on the medical-card scheme increased by more than 25 per cent. The three-millionplus prescriptions for mental health drugs on the medical-card system and the
Drugs Payment Scheme in 2010 cost the State in excess of 100 million. In
addition, mental health problems are estimated to cost the Irish economy around
2.5 billion a year through lost employment, absenteeism, lost productivity and early
retirement, according to recent research by the Mental Health Commission, the
States independent watchdog for psychiatric care. According to medical card figures
for 2010, the medications most prescribed for mental health problems were Valium
(500,550 prescriptions) and Xanax (432,000), both of which are benzodiazepines or
sedative-type drugs that can be highly addictive, and the antidepressant Effexor
(323,000).413
A mental Health study conducted in the ROI in 2008 by the Health Research Board
found that there is little information available on the level of psychological distress
in the Irish population.414 The Health Research Board National Psychological
Wellbeing and Distress Survey (HRB NPWDS) found a total of 12% of survey
respondents had high GHQ12 scores indicative of psychological distress and 14% of
the sample reported experiencing mental health problems in the previous year. The
survey provided projected figure of 320,381 people for the population aged 18
years and over who will attend a general practitioner for mental health problems.
The survey 389,258 people in the Republic of Ireland are experiencing minor or
major psychiatric problems at any given point in time; this equates to a rate of 12
in every 100 people aged 18 years and over who are experiencing mild to severe
mental health problems.
A similar report published in the UK (2002) provides information on mental of the
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the research also found that 12% know someone with anxiety. In 2009 there was a
significant uplift from 2 in 5 to 1 in 2 people saying that there would have been
familial or wider knowledge of a depressive episode. This figure has been sustained
into 2010, suggesting a continued trend and reflecting the impact of the current
social and economic climate.
419
10 Irish people would find it difficult to discuss depression with their doctor
reflecting perhaps a significant underreporting of the disease in ROI.
Overall what the available information clearly suggests is that there a huge
prevalence of anti-depressant use amongst the population in the ROI combined with
an epidemic of drug dependence and alcohol abuse at levels comparable to or
significantly higher than NI.
This
economic status, conflict and trauma are all associated with a higher prevalence of
mental illness.420,421 The period of the Troubles in NI combined with greater social
inequality and poverty should provide a significantly higher incidence of disease
burden, particularly depression, compared to southern Ireland. A study by O Reilly
and Stevenson (2003) found that in Northern Ireland up to 21% of the population
may have been affected physiologically by the social unrest and violence that
occurred during the Troubles, many suffering from mental depression as a result;
the authors concluded that it is probable that mental health of the population of
Northern Ireland has been significantly affected by the Troubles.
In comparison for the period associated with this data the South of Ireland had a
considerable higher socioeconomic status than Northern Ireland and no conflict.
Taking these findings into consideration the incidence of mental depression, mental
illness and suicide in ROI may support the observations of the NRC and a recent
study by Valdez-Jimenez et al.422 published in the Journal Neurologia which reported
that "the prolonged ingestion of fluoride may cause significant damage to health
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
Cardiovascular Disease
The NRC found that fluoride may indirectly contribute to a number of diseases,
including hypertension and arteriosclerosis.
The World Health Organization rates hypertension as one of the most important
causes of premature death worldwide. Hypertension is a risk factor for coronary
heart disease and the single most important risk factor for stroke. It causes about
50% of ischaemic strokes and increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.
Hypertension stresses your bodys blood vessels, causing them to clog or
weaken.
vessels making them more likely to block from blood clots or bits of fatty material
breaking off from the lining of the blood vessel wall. Damage to the arteries can
also create weak places that rupture easily or thin spots that balloon out the artery
wall resulting in an aneurism.424
Most strokes (about 80%) are ischaemic, and most of those are caused by
atherosclerosis. It is now established that insulin affects coronary artery
calcification.425 It is also now known according to the NRC report (2006) that
fluoride affects insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
In the examination of cardiovascular disease and mortality it is important to
recognize that thyroid hormone concentrations can cause adverse effects in organ
systems other than the nervous system in the adult, including the cardiovascular
system and control of serum lipids (Asvold et al., 2007426; Biondi et al., 2005427;
Osman et al., 2002428), pulmonary system (Krude et al., 2002429; Lei et al., 2003430;
Mendelson & Boggaram, 1991431) and kidney. Total cholesterol, low density
lipoproteins (LDL), nonhigh density lipoproteins (non-HDL), and triglycerides increase
linearly with increasing Thyroid Stimulating Hormones (TSH), and HDL decreases
consistently with increasing TSH across normal reference ranges without evidence of
any threshold effect (Asvold et al., 2007b)432
Within the reference ranges for TSH, there is a linear positive association between
TSH and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Asvold et al., 2007)433. Intimal
medial thickness (IMT), a measure of atherosclerosis and predictive of coronary
vascular disease and stroke, is inversely related to free T4 after controlling for
lipids, clinical factors, and thyroid autoantibodies (Dullart et al., 2007).434
Not surprisingly, deficits in thyroid homeostasis are associated with cardiovascular
risk in multiple epidemiologic studies. A meta-analysis of 14 epidemiologic studies
(Rodondi et al., 2006)435 found an overall increase in risk of coronary heart disease
(CHD) of over 65% in those with subclinical hypothyroidism (elevation in TSH with
normal T4).
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In terms of premature
deaths (i.e. death in those less than 65 years, 20% of all deaths were as a result
of diseases of the circulatory system.437
Ireland had, on average, 118 (age-standardized) deaths from ischaemic heart
disease per 100,000 population annually. This was higher than the EU15 rate of 80
deaths per 100,000 and higher than the EU27 rate of 101 deaths per 100,000.
Regarding premature deaths, ischaemic heart disease death rates annually in Ireland
averaged 25 per 100,000, compared to 18 deaths in the EU15 and 24 in the EU27.
Ireland currently has the highest rate of premature deaths from ischaemic heart
disease (<65yrs) in the European Union. 438 It is estimated that there are 240,000
living in ROI with coronary heart disease.439 This represents a prevalence of 6% in
the population. In comparison there are 75,000 individuals in NI with CHD
representing 4% of the population.440 The Irish Heart Foundation predicted that by
2010, 300,000 people in Ireland will be affected by heart failure (Irish Heart
Foundation, 2002) representing approximately 7% of the population of ROI. In
comparison approximately 61,000 people in Northern Ireland have had a heart
attack representing 3.4% of the population of NI.441
In 2010, it was estimated that more than 79,000 (2.4%) adults aged 18+ years in
ROI have been told by a doctor in the previous 12 months that they have CHD
(clinically diagnosed CHD). This excludes undiagnosed CHD and is likely to be an
underestimate of the number of people with the condition.442 In 2007 nearly
131,000 adults had ever had a Coronary Heart Disease (CHD, angina and heart
attack). By 2020 this is expected to rise to over 195,000 people - an additional
65,000 people (a 50% increase in less than 15 years).
In 2007 almost 59,000 adults have ever had a stroke. By 2020 this is expected to
rise to almost 87,000 people an additional 28,000 adults (an increase of 48% in
less than 15 years).443 These figures do not include individuals who have
undiagnosed cardiovascular disease. International research has shown that 50% of
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men and 64% of women who have had a fatal heart attack or stroke never knew
they had the disease.444 From 2000 to 2004 Ireland had on average 144 deaths
from CHD per 100,000 of the population, which was higher than EU 15 of 92
deaths per 100,000 and higher than the EU 27 of 113 deaths per 100,000.445
EU15 data refers to 9 countries in 2007 and 12 in 2006 who had reported mortality data.
10
EU27 data refers to 19 countries in 2007 and 23 in 2006 who had reported mortality
data.
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cardiovascular medication. The geographic spread for CHD largely mirrors that for
other major diseases in Ireland such as diabetes, cancer and neurological illness.
The areas with the highest prevalence of disease burdens are largely those where
drinking water is both soft (low in calcium) and fluoridated.447
It is interesting to note that the most Southerly part of Ireland has the highest
incidence of CHD. Drinking water in large parts of South and South East Ireland
including West Cork located in the southern tip of (the area identify as red on the
map above) Ireland, are extremely soft with less than 20mg/L Calcium. Similarly soft
drinking water is found in large parts of geographic areas such as Mayo, Donegal,
Kerry, Wexford, Waterford and Roscommon. All of these counties have elevated CHD
significantly above the National and European average.
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almost twice the EU average of 32.6. In comparison the age standardized death
rate from CHD in Northern Ireland is 60.44 for men and women 21.01. The higher
mortality rates in southern Ireland are unexpected given the importance that
education, poverty, stress and social conflict play in heart disease.
The influence of the these factors and period of the Troubles is clearly evident in
the mortality rates for within NI. Significantly higher CHD prevalence is noted in the
geographic areas with the highest social inequality, poverty and unemployment.
These same areas not only represent those that are the most socially deprived but
also where conflict and trauma were most prevalent during the Troubles in
Northern Ireland.
life years (DALYs) per 100,000 for CHD, stroke and other CVD, provides further
insights to the impact of CHD and the gap between Ireland and other European
Member States. The DALYS for CHD for Ireland is calculated at 671 compared to
the UK (657), Iceland (470),
Germany (574), France (259), Spain (367) and the Netherlands (460). A similar
pattern is provided for CVS.449
Hypertension
In 2001, 23 per cent of respondents in NI said that they were diagnosed with high
blood pressure by a health professional.
450
30 per cent of the adult population in the RoI affecting about half of people over
65, and about 1 in 4 middle aged adults. ONE IN 10 Irish school children have high
blood pressure.
451
2020 the number of adults aged 45+ years in the Republic of Ireland with
hypertension (high blood pressure) is expected to rise to more than 1,220,000
people (63.1% of the population aged 45+ years).
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In 2000, the ROI had the highest death rates for COPD in EU (see figure overleaf),
followed by the UK. The death rates in ROI were approximately twice the EU Region
average.
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In 2011 the ROI had the highest hospital admission rates for COPD in the OECD
countries and internationally followed by Australia and New Zealand, both
fluoridated countries.
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Cancer
The NRC noted several studies which found associations between fluoride exposure
and bladder cancer, osteosarcoma, thyroid cancer, oral-Pharyngeal cancer, uterine
cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, colorectal cancer, and lip
cancer and concluded:
Alternations in DNA suggest that Fluoride has the potential to cause genetic
According to the peer reviewed Journal of Free Radical Biology and Medicine
(Volume 2 Issue 2, 1988) Free radicals participate in the development of
carcinogenesis, particularly tumour promotion.
This is position is supported by the National Cancer Institute at the U.S. National
Institutes of Health. The European Journal of Cancer (Jan 1996 32A(30-8)) similarly
concluded that (a large body of evidence suggests important roles of oxygen free
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The U.S Public Health Service published the findings of a study (1991) that
examined Fluoridation of Drinking Water and subsequent Cancer Incidence and
Mortality, in which they found increases in soft tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkins
lymphoma, colorectal cancer and lip cancer in people living in Fluoridated
communities. (Ref: U.S. National Research Council, Fluoride in Drinking Water, A
Scientific Review, 2006). An association of uterine cancer (combination of cervical
and corpus uteri) with fluoridation was reported by Tohyama456 (1996), who
observed mortality rates in Okinawa before and after fluoridation was terminated,
controlling for socio-demographics.
Ireland has been found to have the highest incidence rate of Prostate and Ovarian
cancer in Europe, as well as higher incidence rates of colorectal, lung, nonHodgkins Lymphoma, and pancreatic cancers compared to the European average.
Public Health Investigation of Epidemiological data on Disease and Mortality in Ireland related to Water Fluoridation
prostate cancer 29%, oesophageal cancer up to 8%, brain cancer up to 20% and
cancer of the cervix and uterus up to 11% higher compared to Northern Ireland.
The most significant difference was however in the incidence of Chronic
lymphoblastic leukaemia, a blood and bone marrow disease called CCL. Research
has demonstrated that fluoride has the ability to affect the cells of the human
immune system.460 These studies revealed that fluoride damages the human lymphocyte
system. The authors of this study concluded that the ability of fluoride to negatively
impact the mitogenic and antigenic response of human blood lymphocytes could be
one of the primary means by which the fluoride ion influences the immune system.
Abnormal lymphocytes may also be called leukemia cells.461
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer incidence was 29% higher in the ROI compared to NI. The
incidence of prostate cancer in the ROI is the highest of all 30 European countries
and was over 60% higher than the EU average.462 In fact the incidence for Ireland
is 180 per 100,000 ranking it number one in the world for this cancer followed by
fluoridated Australia/New Zealand at 104 per 100,000 compared to the Western
European average of 93 per 100,000. Cancer screening and PSA testing is common
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The National Cancer Registry Ireland have suggested that the higher incidence of
prostate cancer in Ireland is due to PSA screening, Yet the worlds largest prostate
cancer screening study the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate
Cancer (ERSPC) which commenced in 1992 and involved eight European countries
including Belgium, Finland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland
did not include the RoI. According to one of the world leading prostate cancer
specialists Dr. Catalona Ramon Guiteras, PSA screening is widely used in countries
such Sweden, Austria, France and Spain. Dr Guiteras further observed that prostate
cancer death rates continue to increase in countries where PSA screening has not
been widely adopted such as: Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Bulgaria, and Belgium.466
Leukaemia
Leukaemia, the most common invasive cancer diagnosed in children. There were
four main types of leukaemia the most common type of leukaemia was chronic
lymphoblastic leukaemia. The incidence rates for chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia
were 53.5% higher for males and 53.1% higher for females in the RoI compared to
Northern Ireland. Males incidence rates increased in Republic of Ireland by 2.8% per
year during 1994-2004, however in Northern Ireland rates were static.
Overall leukaemia incidence rates for the period 2007-2009, was 23% higher in ROI
compared to NI. For the period 2000-2004 while iincidence rates were 29.6% higher
in Republic of Ireland than Northern Ireland for males and 24.7% higher for females.
World age-standardised incidence rates (WASIR) of leukaemia in Northern Ireland
were similar to those in the European Union for males and were some of the
lowest among developed countries for females. Republic of Ireland however had high
rates of the disease compared to other developed countries with WASIRs
significantly higher than those in European Union and UK, but similar to those in
USA for both males and females.467
The U.S like the RoI is fluoridated with over 60% of the population consuming
fluoridated water. The incidence rate in RoI is above the EU-15 average and the
EU-27 average. Worldwide for males four of the five highest ranking countries for
Leukaemia are all fluoridated countries with Australia the highest followed by
Canada, USA, Denmark and Ireland.468
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increasing by around 6% in RoI. The risk of developing NMSC before the age of 75
was 1 in 12 for women and 1 in 8 for men and was higher in RoI than in NI for
both men and women. The National Cancer Registry in their ALL Ireland Cancer
Atlas report noted that Individuals who are immune suppressed have a greatly
increased risk of developing Non-melanoma skin cancer, however no mention was
made of fluorides ability to interfere with the immune system or that fluoride was a
known endocrine disruptor (EDC). It is well established that EDCs can play a role in
the development of immune-related disorders.469,470
The National Cancer Registry also state that residues of arsenic in drinking water
may contribute to NMSC. Their report warns that arsenic is carcinogenic
(International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1987; International Agency for
Research on Cancer, 2004a) and ingestion of arsenic and inorganic arsenic
compounds causes NMSC. No mention is given to the fact that arsenic is a known
and measured contaminant in water fluoridation chemicals.471
The All Ireland Cancer Atlas found that the risk of NMSC was 13% higher in the
ROI compared to NI. This difference increased to 19% when population density and
area-based socioeconomic factors were taken into account. For men once age,
population density and socio-economic factors were adjusted for the relative risk of
NMSC was 23% higher in ROI compared to NI.
The incidence rates for malignant melanoma is 19% higher in the RoI compared to
NI.
The incidence is 14.5 per 100,000 for males and 18.9 for females in RoI
compared to 12.2 and 16.1 for males and females respectively in NI. The combined
incidence for RoI is 16.7 per 100,000 compared to 14 per 100,000 for NI and 16.2
for UK.472
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a rare malignant bone tumour, commonly occurring in the age
group of 10-24 years. Bone is the principal site of fluoride accumulation. In Ireland
malignant bone tumours account for 4% of childhood cancers overall and 8% of all
cancers diagnosed in 10-14year olds. The incidence rate in Ireland is higher than
for the entire UK and similar to that found in fluoridated United States. For the
period 1994-2000 the incidence rate were 33% higher in fluoridated Republic of
Ireland (0.27/100,000) compared to non-fluoridated northern Ireland
(0.21/100,000).473
A more recent short non-peer reviewed study474 published by the National Cancer
Registry (2009) shows a rate of osteosarcoma in the ROI of 0.25 /100,000 for the
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period 1994 to 2007 compared to 0.21 /100,000 for Northern Ireland. This
represents a16% increased incidence for this disease in the ROI. However on closer
examination of the data provided in the study the incidence figures found 185 new
cases between 1994 and 2006 of which 147 cases were in the ROI and 38 in NI;
the incidence rate, when correlated to population under 18 years of age for both
regions, shows a 37% increased incidence of osteosarcoma in the ROI compared to
NI.
In either case a 16-37% increased incidence of this disease in fluoridated ROI
compared to non-fluoridated NI would clearly support the observations of the NRC
scientific committee when they noted that fluoride could have an influence on the
development of this cancer.
476, 477
478
Also a link
between p53 mutations and fluoride bone content has been reported in tissue
samples form osteosarcoma patients.479 Most recently Kharb et al. 480 (2012)
examined fluoride levels in serum and drinking water of osteosarcoma patients and
found serum fluoride levels were significantly elevated in patients with osteosarcoma
compared to controls. There was also a positive correlation (r=0.85, P <0.01)
between drinking water fluoride and serum fluoride levels in the osteosarcoma
group patients. Samples of drinking water from the homes of these patients also
showed a higher fluoride content (1.302 0.760) compared to the control group
(0.4750.243). Mean serum fluoride concentrations in the osteosarcoma group were
0.183 0.105mg/L compared to the control group 0.0420.035mg/L.
This
The study concluded that finding a high serum fluoride levels in osteosarcoma
patients along with high drinking water fluoride level (range 0.54ppm - 2.06ppm)
suggest a link between fluoride and osteosarcoma, again supporting the findings of
the NRC review.
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Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
Data from Cancer Research UK (2008) and their examination of European AgeStandardised Incidence Rates, for all EU-27 Countries, Ireland has the highest
incidence of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (for females) in all 27 EU Member States.481
The rate of new cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been slowly but steadily
rising for the last 50 years. The HSE have noted that if the occurrence of nonHodgkin's lymphoma continues to rise at the current rate, it is estimated that it will
be as common as breast or lung cancer by 2025.482
Globally the highest incidence of this disease is to be found in the United States of
America, followed by Australia/New Zealand. Fluoridation of drinking water is
practised in each of these countries. According to the HSE, the high incidence in
Ireland is for reasons that are not understood, including the possibility of some
unknown environmental factor (i.e. chemical toxin, for which fluoride is one).
Colorectal cancer
Irish female colorectal cancer incidence was 3% higher than NI.
Irish female
colorectal cancer incidence was 15% higher than the EU average and males 11%
higher. 483 Ranking of the most commonly diagnosed invasive cancers (excluding
NMSC) in the period 2007-2009. Similar incidence rates of colorectal cancer are to
be found in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.484
A significantly higher incidence rate is to be found in the south of the country
compared to Dublin-mid Leinster, Dublin North East and West of Ireland.
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Ovarian Cancer
Ireland has been found to have the highest incidence rate of ovarian cancer in
Western Europe, as well as higher incidence rates of colorectal, lung, non-Hodgkins
Lymphoma, and pancreatic cancers compared to the European average.485
Mortality rates for ovarian cancer in Ireland are the highest in Europe.
Other Cancers
Brain cancer incidence is 20% higher in ROI; bladder cancer was 14% higher, skin
cancer 18%, uterine cancer 11%, while other cancers such as oesophageal cancer
were 8%, higher in the RoI compared to NI.486
The NRC scientific committee (2006) highlighted that an association of uterine cancer with
fluoridation was found in a Japanese study487 undertaken in Okinawa before and after fluoridation
was terminated. This analysis was a follow-up of the positive results from a previous exploratory
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analysis that comprised a large number of comparisons conducted by this researcher with the same
data set.488
Overall the most commonly diagnosed cancers are female breast cancer, prostate
cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, bladder, stomach,
kidney, oesophagus, leukaemia, pancreas, head and neck, brain and other central
nervous system cancers and testis. Mortality from Breast cancer in the RoI is the
second highest in EU.
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Weight of Evidence
The overall findings of this study, providing multiple comparisons of cancer
incidences rates for a wide range of cancers, clearly demonstrates a positive
associated between fluoridation and significant increased incidence of cancer in the
RoI compared to non-fluoridated NI.
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Employment
Overall, 40% of the NI 16-74 year old population was economically inactive
compared to 34% in RoI. 30% of the NI population lived in the areas of highest
unemployment, compared to 16% of the RoI population.500
Education
Among 16-74 year olds in RoI, 87% did not have a university degree (or academic
equivalent) compared to 84% in NI. 501
Living Arrangements
41% of the NI population aged 75 years and over lived alone, compared to 31% in
RoI.502
Smoking
In a survey undertaken in 2003 more respondents in Northern Ireland (31.2 per
cent) said that they smoked than respondents in England (27.9 per cent), but fewer
than in Scotland (33.6 per cent). In the Republic of Ireland, 32.5 per cent of
respondents said that they were smokers, as did 28.3 per cent of respondents in
Wales.503 A survey conducted in 2007 found that approximately 29 per cent of
adults in the RoI were current smokers.504 For the period 1990-99 the incidence of
smoking among males in RoI was significantly less than other EU Countries.
Drinking
In a survey undertaken in 2003, 79.0 per cent of respondents in NI reported that
they drank alcohol compared to 85.1 per cent for the RoI. This compares to Wales
(75.2 per cent) England (91.0 per cent) and Scotland (90.3 per cent)505 Mortality
rates from alcohol abuse however are 32% higher in the NI compared to RoI.506
WHO data demonstrates a high consumption of alcohol in Ireland compared to
other western European countries but a significantly lower mortality rate from
alcohol related diseases. These are all important criteria in examining relative risk of
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disease incidence and demonstrate that a higher relative risk of developing disease
exists in NI compared to RoI.
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Poison Regulations
In the latter report it was highlighted that fluoride ions have a strong tendency to
form complexes with heavy metal ions such as aluminium fluoride in water. It is
acknowledged that the toxic potential of inorganic fluorides is mainly associated
with this behaviour and the formation of insoluble fluorides such as aluminium
fluoride (AIF3).509 In Ireland the POISONS REGULATIONS, 1982 lists alkali metal
fluorides as poisons.510
By adding Hexafluorosilicic acid to water one is not only creating silicofluoride
compounds but alkali metal fluorides compounds that are poisonous to public
health. Aluminium fluoride complexes are also created in the stomach at low pH
where it acts in competition with hydrofluoric acid. Aluminium fluoride is far more
bioavailable than is the free aluminium ion which is quantitatively eliminated out the
GI tract. Animal studies have found that aluminium fluoride complexes (AlF3) in
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drinking water will result in increased Aluminium levels in the brain and kidney as
well as causing significant changes to brain cellular structure and neuronal
integrity.511
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The U.S EPA found that the kinetics of the dissociation and hydrolysis of
hexafluorosilicate are poorly understood from a mechanistic or fundamental
perspective. Furthermore they noted that there is considerable debate over the
composition and even the existence of some homo- and heteroleptic aquo-, fluoro-,
and hydroxo complexes of silicon- (IV), which makes it impossible to predict what
species might be found in real potable water supplies that are fluoridated. They
highlighted concerns as to whether current instrumentation is capable of detecting
residual fluorosilicates or fluorosilicon(IV) complexes, while addressing that there is a
need for further study of heteroleptic fluoride complexes (especially with the
common anions in drinking water) of aluminum(III) and possibly other metal cations
as well as better chemical knowledge of water fluoridation chemicals in general.517
U.S. senior EPA personnel have found no evidence Silicofluoride (SiF) was ever
tested for adverse health effects.518,519(Fox 1999, Thurnau 2000).
from exposure to SiFc has been acknowledged by the U.S. EPA who tendered for
risk management research to be undertaken on fluorosilicates in drinking water in
2002 and again by the U.S. National Research Council who requested animal testing
on the health effects of SiFc in 2006. This was confirmed by the formal decision on
this part by the US National Toxicology Program in 2002, nominating SiFs for
toxicological studies on animals because information on this topic was not
sufficiently established.
No data is yet available on the results of the toxicological study despite the formal
decision to proceed in 2002.520
The European Chemicals Agency have likewise identified the lack of toxicological
data on water fluoridation chemicals specifying a lack of that acute toxicity data,
respiratory sensitization data, skin sensitization data, reproductive toxicity data,
carcinogenicity data, organ toxicity data, and environmental hazard data making it
impossible to accurately classify the chemical in accordance with EU regulations.521
Hexafluorosilicic acid is listed as a biocidal product is provided in the EU Biocidal
Directive (98/8/EC). .The EU banned Hexafluoprosilicic acid (H2SiF6) for use as a
biocidal product within the EU due to lack of toxicological data to demonstrate that
it was safe for humans and the environment.522
In June 2003 the EU prepared a list of Notified substances, including
hexafluorosilicic acid, that were subject to new regulation that required detailed
supporting information to be provided to the EU, for the protection of human health
and the environment by March 2004.523 Hexafluoorosilicic acid is listed on page 24
of this document. EC number: 241-034-8: CAS number16961-83-4524
Spain as a manufacturer of this biocide was requested to provide a dossier of
information to the EU on the toxicology of the substance to include toxicological
and metabolic studies, ecotoxicological studies, reproductive toxicity, medical data
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528
Calcium
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Acute toxicity
Irritation and corrosivity;
Skin sensitisation;
Dermal / percutaneous absorption;
Repeated dose toxicity;
Mutagenicity / genotoxicity;
Carcinogenicity;
Reproductive toxicity;
Toxicokinetics;
Photo-induced toxicity;
Human data.
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Bulgaria,
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Ireland remains the only country within the European region with a legislative
mandatory policy requiring the fluoridation of all public water supplies. Water
fluoridation is also practised in a limited area of England and to a smaller extent in
Spain, principally in the Basque region of Northern Spain.
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Denmark 1977
Denmark did not accept fluoridation when its National Agency for Environmental
Protection, after consulting the widest possible range of scientific sources, pointed
out that the long-term effects of low fluoride intakes on certain groups in the
population (for example, persons with reduced kidney function), were insufficiently
known.541
Sweden 1970s
In Sweden, the Government sought the advice of the Nobel Institute. A research
group including Dr. Anders Thylstrup, PhD, Cariology Professor at the University of
Copenhagen, Dr. Gillberg, Dr. Jan Sallstrom- Associate Professor of Experimental
Pathology and Dr Agnetha Sallstrom revealed that the Government experts of the
National Board of Health and Welfare who were advocating fluoridation of water
were both ignorant concerning basic physiological knowledge and were providing
misleading statistics on caries reduction and fluorosis. The review group advised
against continuing with water fluoridation and subsequently the Swedish Government
discontinued the policy542 Sweden ultimately rejected water fluoridation on the
recommendation of a special Fluoride Commission, which included among its reasons that: "(t)he
combined and long-term environmental effects of fluoride are insufficiently known"543
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Switzerland 2003
Following a cost benefit analysis and scientific review Basel was the last city in
Switzerland to discontinue water fluoridation in 2003.
United Kingdom
In the UK approximately 10% of the population are provided with fluoridated water.
Independent reviews undertaken in the UK545 on behalf of the NHS546 and individual
reviews undertaken by Local authorities547.
NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination the University of York, Systematic Review
of Public Water Fluoridation, September 2000
The review was exceptional in this field in that it was conducted by an independent
group to the highest international scientific standards and a summary has been
published in the British Medical Journal.
The review found that whilst there is evidence that water fluoridation is effective at
reducing caries, the quality of the studies was generally moderate and the size of
the estimated benefit, only of the order of 15%, is far from "massive".
The review found water fluoridation to be significantly associated with high levels of
dental fluorosis which was not characterised as "just a cosmetic issue". The
prevalence of fluorosis at a water fluoride level of 1.0 ppm was estimated to be
48% and for fluorosis of aesthetic concern it was predicted to be 12.5%
The review found that there was little evidence to show that water fluoridation has
reduced social inequalities in dental health. There appears to be some evidence
that water fluoridation reduces the inequalities in dental health across social classes
in 5 and 12 year-olds, using the dmft/DMFT measure, however this effect was not
seen in the proportion of caries-free children among 5 year-olds and the data for
the effects in children of other ages did not show an effect.
The review did not show water fluoridation to be safe. The quality of the research
was too poor to establish with confidence whether or not there are potentially
important adverse effects in addition to the high levels of fluorosis. The report
recommended that more research was needed.
The review team was surprised that in spite of the large number of studies carried
out over several decades there is a dearth of reliable evidence with which to inform
policy. Until high quality studies are undertaken providing more definite evidence,
there will continue to be legitimate scientific controversy over the likely effects and
costs of water fluoridation.
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There is not sufficient evidence to show how individuals vary in the way in
which they retain and excrete fluoride, or the impact that hard or soft water
may have on this.
There is not sufficient evidence to show that artificial fluoride acts in the
same way as natural fluoride.
The Review panel concluded: Most significantly the Review Panel has been
persuaded not to support the proposal by the lack of robust and reliable scientific
evidence produced to support this proposal. It is clear that scientists and health
professionals recognise that there are unknowns with regard to the need to
understand the effect of fluoride on the body (not just teeth). This work has simply
not taken place. In the absence of scientific evidence of sufficient quality the Review
Panel based its evaluation on the findings of the York Review informed by the work
of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics.
Water fluoridation was considered likely to have a beneficial effect, but the
range could be anywhere from a substantial benefit to a slight risk to
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children's teeth with a the narrow margin between achieving the maximal
beneficial effects of fluoride in caries prevention and the adverse effects of
dental fluorosis.
For children between 1-6 yrs the Upper limit is exceeded if they consume
more than 500ml a day of fluoridated water.
Cancer
Although a small increase in cancer risk cannot be excluded, there is no consistent
evidence from human or animal studies that exposure to optimally fluoridated
drinking water and other sources causes any form of cancer in humans, including
bone and joint cancer. The agreement between the epidemiological and toxicological
literature reduces the uncertainty associated with any one line of evidence finding.
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Bone Effects
The FTSG agrees with the conclusion of the Medical Research Council of Great
Britain that states, The possibility of an effect on the risk of hip fracture is the
most important in public health terms. The available evidence on this suggests no
effect, but cannot rule out the possibility of a small percentage change (either an
increase or a decrease) in hip fractures (Medical Research Council 2002, page 3).
Skeletal Fluorosis
Additional research is needed to reduce the remaining uncertainty if cumulative
exposure to all sources of fluoride (including drinking water fluoride at levels of 1
mg/L) over a lifetime may lead to pre-clinical or milder forms of skeletal fluorosis
in some sensitive populations.
Dental Fluorosis
At the concentrations of fluoride provided in Fort Collins water, in combination with
other sources of fluoride, as many as one in four children under age 8 may
develop very mild to mild dental fluorosis.
Thyroid Effects
The absence of our finding any conclusive evidence that drinking water fluoride
exposures causes increased risk to thyroid function does not prove that fluoride
can not affect thyroid function. The available data are consistent with a finding of a
low likelihood of risk to human thyroid function from water fluoridation.
Immunological Effects
Overall, evidence is lacking that exposure to fluoride through drinking water causes
any problems to the human immune system. The absence of our finding any
conclusive evidence that drinking water fluoride exposures causes increased risk to
human immune system function does not prove that fluoride is harmless to the
human immune systems
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exposures causes other potential health effects does not prove that fluoride cannot
cause other potential health effects.
concerned about the impact that water fluoridation might have on the total intake
level of fluoride by babies and young children, and also the lifetime effects of the
accumulation of fluoride in the body. Expert opinion on these issues was ambivalent.
In 1991, the NHMRC Working Group called for a multidisciplinary group to
investigate total fluoride intake in Australia, and examine the differences between
fluoridated and unfluoridated areas. Many members of the Taskforce were dismayed
that apparently, this research has still not been carried out.550
The review examined among other criteria human health risks as well as
environmental impacts of fluoridation. It is interesting to note that prior to
commencement of the review the majority of taskforce members were supportive of
fluoridation, however when the review was concluded the majority were opposed
and voted not to fluoridated the city water supplies. The report concluded
That many Taskforce members were unconvinced by assurances that serious
risks to health were negligible or non-existent.
There was considerable concern amongst many Taskforce members that
water fluoridation could increase the total intake of fluoride in excess of a
safe level for babies and young children. The final report noted that higher
incidence of SIDs was reported in Australian studies for fluoridated compared
to non-fluoridated communities.
The Taskforce expressed considerable concern about the fact that it could
not point to a single Australian study which had monitored adequately the
impact of possible adverse consequences of fluoridation.
There was also concern about the lack of scientific research on the lifetime
effects of an accumulation of fluoride in the body.
In light of the above the majority of Taskforce members did not support the
introduction of water fluoridation to Brisbane until further research was undertaken
that would conclusively demonstrate its safety.
the review task force members was Dr. Kevin Balanda, Medical School, University of
Queensland. Dr. Balanda is the co-author of the All Ireland study on Inequalities in
Mortality between ROI and NI (2001) and Director of the Institute of Public Health.
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Two recently studies from Australia published in international journals also highlight
the public health, food safety and legal concerns regarding fluoridation of drinking
water.551,552
made the best decision based on the best information available and whenever you
make the best decision with the best information and as long as its an informed
decision with good intentions centred around public good, then you cannot go
wrong.
The Lord Mayor noted in particular the following Hexafluorosilicic acid is a
chemical and medicating the public water supply is adding a chemical to your food,
people have a right to know what chemicals they are exposed to." The Mayor also
said People today are more informed, and more in tune with and more aware of
what it is in thats in their food supply, and with the growing level of concerns
that have been raised more and more people and becoming active to become more
knowledgeable about the different things that are added to their food supply.
Fluoridation has reduced by over 25% in Canada in the past few years with
approximately 30% of the population of Canadian currently exposed to fluoridated
water. Reviews of fluoridation are on-going in the remaining few cities that still
practice this policy and it is expected that shortly Fluoridation will no longer be
practised in Canada, as in most other countries worldwide.
Israel 2013
A High Court action is currently taking place to end fluoridation in Israel taken by
the former senior water and sanitation officer for the State who was responsible for
introducing fluoridation in 2000
Internationally the tide has also been against fluoridation with countries such as
China and Japan ceasing to support such a policy in the 1970s and 80s while in
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Public Health legal proceedings for almost two years entered judgment in February 24,
1982, Judge Niemann specifically found, [This legislation] exposes the public to the
risk, uncertain in its scope, of unhealthy side effects of artificial fluoridation of
public water supplies, is unreasonable, and [is] a violation of the due process
clause of the Illinois Constitution of 1970. He added with disappointment, This
record is barren of any credible and reputable scientific epidemiological studies
and/or analysis of statistical data which would support the Illinois Legislatures
determination that fluoridation of public water supplies is both a safe and effective
means of promoting public health.
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public water supplies, may cause or contribute to the cause of cancer, genetic
damage, intolerant reactions, and chronic toxicity, including dental mottling, in man;
that artificial fluoridation may aggravate malnutrition and existing illnesses in man;
and that the value of artificial fluoridation is in some doubt as to the reduction of
tooth decay in man.
The court findings of Judge Flaherty, Judge Niemann, and Judge Farris all agreed
that fluoridation endangered the public with cancer and other ailments which cannot
be justified by a dubious possibility of reducing tooth decay.
Conclusions
This report as with my previous report titled Human Toxicity, Environmental Impact
and Legal Implications of Water Fluoridation has addressed many serious and
alarming aspects of artificial fluoridation and its contribution to disease burdens
and mortality in the ROI and elsewhere. Since writing my original report I have
submitted numerous independent studies to the Government of Ireland and the
Minister for Health that have addressed in great detail some of the individual
concerns raised in my original report.
I have provided a detailed reply to the inadequate and unscientific appraisal of my
initial report for which I have yet to even receive an acknowledgement or reply. It is
evident that in the few countries where water fluoridation still operates that the
public health authorities who continue to promote this blunt and dangerous practice
do so in a manner whereby they censor scientific information that is in any way
damaging to their continued support for such a policy. This has not happened in
Europe where numerous scientific assessments have all found fluoridation to be
unsafe, unlawful and a violation of human rights.
What is absolutely certain is that in the RoI the public health authorities have
pursued a policy of medicating the population with fluoridation chemicals for half a
century without undertaking any clinical trials, medical, toxicological, scientific or
epidemiological studies to examine how exposure to such chemicals may be
impacting on the general health of the population. In the absence of any scientific
data they continue to believe that the policy is both safe and effective for all
sectors of society regardless of the age, nutritional requirements, medical status or
total dietary intake of fluoride of individuals. Causal inference is not done directly
from the epidemiological study results; instead, it is done via combining information
from the epidemiological observations with findings from the detailed studies of
pathways such as the impact of EDCs, risk of exposures as well as human and
animal studies.
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This study clearly demonstrates that there is sufficient evidence to conclude from a
wide range of human health endpoints that fluoridation of public water supplies has
resulted in increased fluoride exposure of the population in the RoI with wide
ranging adverse effects on health.
This evidence can clearly no longer be ignored. In the words of Winston Churchill:
The history of water fluoridation has allowed special interest groups to misuse and
suppress scientific information and in doing so undermine the credibility of scientific
analysis.
There is no credible science to support such a policy, which in reality in the
absence of proper scientific assessment provides a clear example of human
experimental toxicology on a population level, one which violates the very basis of
the precautionary principle which demands a clear burden of scientific proof that
this it is not in any way contributing to ill-health.
fluoridate the public health authority have neither provided the necessary scientific
evidence nor provided funding for such studies to commence, despite the many
recommendations from many learned scientific bodies over the past number of
decades.
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If the public health authorities are intend on continuing to support such a policy in
light of the evidence provided in this report they have a duty of care to provide
evidence based toxicological and epidemiological data to establish beyond any
reasonable doubt that fluoridation of drinking water and the subsequent increased
dietary exposure of the population is not contributing the diseases noted in this
report.
The consequences of inaction and ignoring the growing health disadvantages are
predictable. The RoI as with other fluoridated countries with high disease burdens
will continue to fall further behind comparable countries on health outcomes and
mortality.
Based on the European model of risk assessment and management another review
of this policy is unnecessary. The evidence presented in this report is considerable,
clearly identifying the complex causal pathways that link exposure to fluoride with
health determinants and health outcomes, and how these pathways differ between
people living in fluoridated compared to non-fluoridated communities.
In light of this new evidence strikingly consistent and pervasive patterns of higher
mortality and inferior health are evident in fluoridated countries compared to nonfluoridated. More specifically within the one island of Ireland between two similar
communities the Republic of Ireland fares worse in almost every single health
domain, despite higher levels of educational attainment and social and economic
wellbeing compared to non-fluoridated Northern Ireland.
The results of this study are largely comparable with the findings of a recent
publication by the U.S National Academy of Sciences and Institute of Medicine
report560 titled "US Health in International Perspectives, Shorter lives, Poorer Health".
This study compared health inequalities and burdens of disease between the US
and Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Portugal,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands (all non-fluoridated) and the United
Kingdom (<10% fluoridated).
The findings of this study demonstrated that although the United States spends
much more money on health care than any other country Americans die sooner
and experience more illness than residents in many other countries. While the
length of life has improved in the United States, other countries have gained life
years even faster than the US and the US relative standing in the world has fallen
over the past half century.
The last half century happens to coincide with the period of artificial fluoridation in
the US, as well as Ireland. The NRC study however did not examine nor discuss
artificial fluoridation nor increased fluoride exposure of the population to a low
dose endocrine disruptor through water fluoridation chemicals as a likely contributor
to the health inequalities.
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