9 Shocking Dangers of Fluoride Exposure

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Posted: 27 Jan 2014 03:33 PM PST

Exposure to fluoride is a contentious topic with fierce words coming from both sides. And with good reason, exposure is everywhere. Not only is fluoride a common ingredient in toothpaste, many municipalities have a fluoridated water supply. Why? Well, the reason we’re given is that it encourages oral health… even though it’s not known to prevent harmful oral bacteria. ^[1] What is known is that fluoride is toxic. The leading reason for poison control inquiries concerning fluoride are for children who’ve consumed toothpaste. ^[2] ^[3] Long-term ingestion is harmful to the brain, digestive system, heart, bones… even the tooth enamel it's supposed to help. ^[4] ^[5] ^[6] These next 9 shocking facts will make you take a second look at your exposure to fluoride.

1. Weakens Skeletal Health

Skeletal fluorosis is a well-known condition resulting from fluoride consumption. Since the liver cannot process fluoride, it passes into the bloodstream to combine with calcium. This is harmful because the calcium is leeched from the skeletal system and you’re left with weak bones.

It’s been known for decades that continuous exposure to increased levels of fluoride can lead to skeletal fluorosis. ^[7] Perhaps even more scary is that it’s not known much fluoride is required to cause skeletal fluorosis and the quality of life impact can be devastating. ^[8] ^[9]The best way to protect yourself is to avoid fluoride. Recently, Chinese authorities established a link between reduced fluoride exposure and the incidence of fluorosis. ^[10]

2. Causes Arthritis

Fluoride has been shown to lead calcification of cartilage, the essential tissue for joint health. ^[11] Degenerative osteoarthritis has been linked to skeletal fluorosis. ^[12] And in a study of individuals suffering from fluorosis, osteoarthritis knee conditions occurred frequently. ^[13]

3. Toxic to the Thyroid

An element in the same family as iodine, fluoride easily binds to receptors in place of iodine. Fluoride has been shown to be toxic to thyroid cells, inhibiting proper function and causing cell death. ^[14] For decades, fluoride was used to reduce thyroid function in individuals suffering from an overactive thyroid. ^[15] Now — and pay attention to this — the range used in water fluoridation matches the levels typically used to reduce thyroid function. ^[16]

4. Calcifies the Ultra-Important Pineal Gland

Although the full capabilities of the pineal gland have been the subject of debate by philosophers and scientists for centuries, it’s known for certain that, at a minimum, the pineal gland regulates body rhythms and wake-sleep cycles; two extremely important functions. Fluoride is especially toxic to the pineal gland, where it easily accumulates and calcifies the gland. In fact, by the time the average person reaches old age, their pineal gland will have higher calcium density than their bones. ^[17]

5. Accelerates Female Puberty

It also deserves mention that the pineal gland plays an integral role in the onset of puberty. Research has shown that girls living in higher areas prone to more fluoride exposure experience puberty earlier than girls exposed to lower levels of fluoride. ^[18] Yes, many factors impact hormonal function, including estrogen exposure. Fluoride's damaging effect on sexual function only here…

6. Harmful to Male and Female Fertility

A direct link exists between fertility rates and fluoridated drinking water. Higher levels of fluoride correspond lower fertility rates, particularly with drinking water reported fluoride levels of 3 ppm. ^[19] Animal models show that fluoride reduces reproductive hormones in females. ^[20] Men have it just as bad; those suffering with fluorosis have lower testosterone and fertility than men with limited fluoride exposure. ^[21]

7. Can Lead to Kidney Disease

Fluoride is toxic to the kidneys and a higher rate of chronic kidney disease has been reported in areas where the water contains high levels of fluoride. ^[22] ^[23] According to Chinese researchers, a fluoride level of 2 mg/L is all it takes to cause renal damage in children. ^[24] While water fluoridation levels often fall much lower than this, the fluoride bombardment continues with toothpaste and other environmental sources.

8. Harmful to the Cardiovascular System

Research suggests that exposure to fluoride causes cardiovascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. ^[25] ^[26] Other research has examined its effect on blood pressure but had mixed results. Regardless, despite that cardiovascular disease can have many causes, the evidence, and history show its incidence increases with exposure to fluoride.

9. Negative Cognitive Effects

The Fluoride Action Network reports that, as of May 2013, 43 studies have examined the effect of fluoride on human intelligence and the results should motivate anyone to avoid or reduce their fluoride intake. High fluoride has consistently been linked to a negative impact on children's neural development. ^[27] One study found that children living in highly fluoridated areas had five times greater chance of developing a low IQ compared to those who do not. ^[28]

Reducing Your Exposure to Fluoride

Using non-fluoride toothpaste can immediately help reduce fluoride exposure. Maintaining healthy iodine levels can help protect the thyroid from fluoride. The largest problem is the fluoridation of water supplies. Most water filters are not adequate for removing fluoride; instead look to a reverse osmosis water purification systems.

Have you made efforts to reduce your exposure and minimize the dangers of fluoride? What tips do you have? Please leave a comment below and share with us.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM