Disseminating
peer-reviewed
science on the
safety and
efficacy of
fluoridation



About Us


Our Mission:


Humboldt FREE was formed in 2007 by a dedicated group of scientists and concerned citizens in order to raise awareness of the risks and benefits of Community Water Fluoridation (CWF). Although many people react emotionally to the issue of water fluoridation, Humboldt FREE is a science-based organization that avoids exaggeration of either risks or benefits. Our goal is to be a local resource for information about the health concerns and efficacy of water fluoridation, and to promote safe and effective alternatives to improve the oral health of our community. Notwithstanding the fact that CWF has been a widely accepted practice for over 60 years, the latest scientific evidence suggests that CWF is both more hazardous and less effective at preventing tooth decay than previously believed. Noting that many health practitioners and policy makers have not availed themselves of the latest scientific research, Humboldt FREE believes that there is an urgent need to educate. An equally important mission of the organization is to continue the process of actively researching the issue, and to provide an easy-to-read synthesis of the latest scientific thinking for visitors to our website. We welcome submission of contributions to the site that will further our mission.



Humboldt FREE - Official Resolution



WHEREAS it is important to weigh the risks of any given endeavor to promote health against its benefits, and to take action or make changes if necessary when common sense, ethics, or new science makes it wise, prudent, and fiscally responsible to do so; and

Despite decades of claims that water fluoridation has been thoroughly researched and proven safe, the 2006 report from the National Research Council of the National Academy of Science describes numerous areas of research that are needed on the safety of ingested fluoride, stating that more research is needed to clarify fluoride's biochemical effects on the brain; that more studies are needed on fluoride concentrations in the brain, thyroid, and kidney following chronic exposure; and that it is unknown what percentage of persons with compromised immune systems have adverse reactions at the level of fluoride currently used in fluoridated water (1 part per million); and

To continue the practice of water fluoridation while acknowledging that such fundamental gaps in knowledge exist concerning fluoride's health effects violates common sense and ethics; and

Fluoride is the only substance added to public water for the purpose of treating and preventing a health condition in the body, rather than treating the water itself (such as chlorine being added to kill microorganisms), and it is morally and ethically questionable to dose citizens with this substance in water without first obtaining their written informed consent;
and

The original justification for water fluoridation was that fluoride needed to be ingested systemically, but it is now known that the primary cavity prevention action of fluoride is topical -- not systemic -- thus invalidating the original rationale for water fluoridation, and citizens who wish to use fluoride can use topical fluoride products such as toothpaste or rinses rather than through fluoridation dosing of all citizens, willing or not, throughout their bodies, over their entire lifetimes, with unmeasured amounts of fluoride; and

The National Research Council in 2006 reported that American infants and young children are being exposed, on a body weight basis, to 3-4 times the amount of fluoride as are adults, and young children's bodies are especially susceptible to harm from chemical exposures due to their rapidly growing cells and tissues; and

Approximately 50 percent of ingested fluoride is retained in both children's and adults' bodies and may exert harmful effects as a result of the cumulative dose ingested and retained; and

Fluoridated water provides an uncontrolled dose of fluoride to Humboldt County citizens, some of whom may drink significantly large quantities of water due to their occupation, outdoor activity, special diet, health conditions (such as diabetes and kidney disease), or medications; and

It is not possible for health care professionals, the State, or water districts to measure individual citizens' total daily fluoride dose received from water and all other sources, or to monitor individual health response currently and over time; and

On November 9, 2006, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommended that parents and caregivers of infants under 1 year of age use unfluoridated water when mixing infant milk formula for their babies. It is neither feasible nor practical, to ensure that all Humboldt County parents and caregivers effectively and fairly receive, understand, and follow the ADA's November 9, 2006 milk formula recommendation. Many of these parents and caregivers, especially those with low incomes, will not have funds to purchase non-fluoridated bottled water, or to purchase, maintain, and monitor a home water fluoride removal system; and

WHEREAS the combined weight of all of these considerations constitutes sound reason for action by this organization and all citizens of the County of Humboldt, State of California, and of the United States of America.


NOW THEREFORE, the members of Humboldt FREE resolve that:



Community water fluoridation programs should be suspended immediately.

It should be the highest priority to improve access to dental care for poor and disadvantaged populations in a way that is effective and does no harm.

Public schools should educate and supervise the practice of good oral hygiene habits at school, including effective tooth brushing and flossing techniques, using fluoridated products only after receiving the informed consent of parents.

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