SVP Notes Index
FLUORIDE, POISON
Text: Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2004 4:10 AM
Subject: AFIN BULLETIN # 101: Fluoride [re]classified as a poison.
AUSTRALIAN FLUORIDATION INFORMATION NETWORK
AFIN BULLETIN # 101: Fluoride [re]classified as a poison.
March 27, 2004.
Dear All,
The wheel has turned almost full circle: new legislation [in NSW at
least] has [re]classified fluoride as a poison. As a result, Ballina
Shire Council is recommending scrapping its practice of providing
over-the-counter fluoride tablets and fluoride drops. [See news item
below or www.fluoridealert.org/news/1842.html ].
Years ago, non-prescription Sodium Fluoride tablets were supplied in
Australia with 'S5 Schedule under the poisons act' printed on the label
- as was fluoride toothpaste.
In 1973, 2-year-old Jason Burton of Queensland died of fluoride
poisoning from ingesting at the one time no more than 6 fluoride
tablets. [FLUORIDE IN AUSTRALIA - A case to answer by Wendy Varney, ISBN
0 86806 261 8].
The death was never reported in any medical or dental journal throughout
the world. [FLUORIDATION - Poison on Tap by Glen S. R. Walker, ISBN 0
9593571 0 6].
When the National Health & Medical Research Council [conveniently?]
decided that fluoride toothpaste was a toiletry the 'S5 Schedule'
wording was removed.
In 1997, the US Food and Drug Administration required toothpaste to
carry the warning: "Use only a pea-sized amount and supervise child's
brushing and rinsing [to minimize swallowing]. The warning instructed
parents to keep toothpaste "out of the reach of children under 6 years
of age," adding the precautionary message "if the child swallows more
than a pea-sized amount, contact a Poison Control Center immediately". [
www.fannz.org.nz ].
In a recent letter, US dentist Dr Debra Hopkins wrote: "Fluoride for
ingestion is a prescription medication that should be dispensed by
licensed medical/dental professionals ..." and "... A warning on
toothpaste tubes states: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of
age. In case of accidental ingestion, seek professional assistance or
contact a Poison Control Center immediately." [
www.fluoridealert.org/news/1842.html ].
In the 1993 US publication of Fluoride the AGING FACTOR [ISBN
0-913571-03-2] by Dr John Yiamouyiannis, BS, PhD [Biochemistry] the
author wrote:
"Fluoride mouth-rinse programs are currently being administered to
children by teachers. Since these teachers are not licensed to practice
medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy, fluoride mouth-rinse programs are
illegal. To administer a drug, teachers are required to take 3- to
4-gram packets of sodium fluoride [enough to kill 3 to 6 children] and
dilute them for use by the children. This is in violation of pharmacy
laws which prohibit the compounding or dispensing of drugs without a
license. Fluoride is classified both as a drug and as a poison.
Furthermore, in the administration of this program to students, the
teacher, as well as the school board, are guilty of practicing medicine
without a license. Additionally, since most school rinse programs do not
make the parent aware of the warning on the fluoride rinse packets,
"AMOUNT IS POISONOUS IF SWALLOWED, KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN." and
"WARNING: DO NOT SWALLOW", they are in violation of laws requiring the
terminal distributor to make the parents aware of the danger involved."
As a former Biochemical Editor of Chemical Abstracts Service [the
world's largest chemical information centre] no doubt Dr Yiamouyiannis
was certain of his facts.
Could it be possible that Australian Councils [and pharmacists] that
provide fluoride tablets and fluoride drops are in breech of duty of
care regulations by not warning the parents [the terminal distributors]
of the dangers of these seemingly-harmless products?
Having said that, perhaps it would be appropriate to email the Ballina
Shire Council General Manager [Mr Stuart McPherson] at
council@balshire.org.au and ask him to
extend congratulations to councillors for having made such a wise
recommendation. This would also be an opportunity to dispense some
relevant information about the adverse effects of fluoridation just in
case Ballina's councillors are persuaded that fluoridation is a safe
alternative.
Ailsa Boyden
Ballina council rejects fluoride
After almost 40 years of providing fluoride to the shire's residents
northern NSW's Ballina council is recommending that it scrap the service.
Since 1965 the council has offered fluoride in one form or another.
But new legislation now classifies fluoride as a poison.
Ballina's manager of water and sewerage, Phil Warner, says it is time
stop the practice because the council is no longer authorised to hand
out fluoride.
"The council has been providing fluoride to the community over the
counter for many years now, but in tablet form and also in drop form,"
Mr Warner said.
"Basically fluoride is now considered a poisonous substance."
..........................................................................................................................
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1073229.htm>http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1073229.htm
See Also:
Source:
Top of Page |
Master Index |
Home | What's
New | FAQ
| Catalog
![](DSRLogo.gif)