In March 2006, the prestigious National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released a study citing adverse health effects of fluoride in water supplies. Although the NRC study focused on drinking water supplies that have naturally occurring fluoride at levels of 4 ppm and higher, the study is highly relevant to municipalities that “add” 1 ppm fluoride to water supplies. What the NRC study shows is a “disappearing” margin of safety for fluoride ingestion. The NRC found that the current 4 ppm standard for fluoride is too high and has asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make the standard more stringent in order to protect children against severe dental fluorosis and all age groups from bone fractures. The NRC report reviewed other animal and human studies that show adverse effects in adults and children when exposed to even low levels of fluoride. These included lower IQ in children; increased hip fracture rates in the elderly; and impaired thyroid functions.

The fluoride added to water supplies is an industrial waste byproduct: While fluoride toothpaste is pharmaceutical grade (Sodium Fluoride) & applied directly to teeth, the kind used in water supplies is industrial grade fluoride called Hydrofluosilicic Acid which contains harmful contaminants such as arsenic, barium, cadmium, lead and mercury. It is a byproduct from the phosphate fertilizer industry. Water fluoridation is a cheap way for industry to get rid of their waste and consumers pay the price.

Water fluoridation may cause significant health & environmental complications: According to Dr. Dean Burk, Chief Emeritus, US National Cancer Institute: "Fluoride causes more human cancer death, and causes it faster, than any other chemical...30,000 to 50,000 deaths each year, from various causes, may now be attributable to fluoridation." In a study done by Perry Cohn of the NJ Department of Health, higher incidences of osteosarcoma (cancer) was linked with fluoridated areas of New Jersey. The American Dental Association (ADA) found that excessive consumption of fluoride above recommended levels can lead to dental fluorosis (brittle, stained teeth). The World Health Organization says it can lead to skeletal fluorosis (mottled, weak bones and arthritic-like symptoms). The Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility found that fluoride is a known hormone disruptor and might advance premature puberty and cause development problems.

Impact of water fluoridation largely unstudied: There is a major caveat in the definition of this contaminant/drug. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulates this type of fluoride as hazardous waste. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers fluoride a drug. Neither has conducted any studies on the health effects of the contaminant hydrofluosilicic acid used in water supplies versus the drug sodium fluoride used in toothpaste. The American Medical Association (AMA) holds the following position: "The AMA is NOT prepared to state that no harm will be done to any person by water fluoridation. The AMA has not carried out any research work, either long-term or short-term, regarding the possibility of any side effects."

There is no way to control dosage levels if the water is fluoridated: Children and adults already receive disturbing levels of fluoride that exceed ADA's recommended daily maximum dosage levels of 1ppm in drinking water. Studies have found the following: 0.53 ppm in Coca Cola, 1.15 ppm in McDonald's french fries, 0.90 ppm in coffee, 1.01ppm in Juicy Juice Grape Juice Blend, 2.34 ppm in raisins, 61.7 ppm in shrimp, and the list goes on). The mandate would seek a fluoride level of 1 ppm in drinking water, but it seems apparent that the public is already receiving excessive levels of fluoride through a multitude of sources.

Adding substances to our water amounts to mass medication of the public: No other preventative medication is delivered to our residents via an element essential to life without their informed written consent. Adding fluoride to our bodies should be a consumer choice and not be forced upon us by the government.