1999 Fluoride Abstracts. Part 2. Fluoride Action Network Pesticide Project.

Full statement available at http://www.fluoride-journal.com/99-32-3/323-179.htm

Fluoride 1999; 32(3):179-186

Why EPA's Headquarters Union of Scientists opposes fluoridation

Bill Hirzy

Chapter 280 of the National Treasury Employees Union, Wasington DC

Excerpt:

The following documents why our union, formerly National Federation of Federal Employees Local 2050 and since April 1998 Chapter 280 of the National Treasury Employees Union, took the stand it did opposing fluoridation of drinking water supplies. Our union is comprised of and represents the approximately 1500 scientists, lawyers, engineers and other professional employees at EPA Headquarters here in Washington, D.C.

The union first became interested in this issue rather by accident. Like most Americans, including many physicians and dentists, most of our members had thought that fluorideÕs only effects were beneficial Ñ reductions in tooth decay, etc. We too believed assurances of safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation.

Then, as EPA was engaged in revising its drinking water standard for fluoride in 1985, an employee came to the union with a complaint: he said he was being forced to write into the regulation a statement to the effect that EPA thought it was all right for children to have "funky" teeth. It was OK, EPA said, because it considered that condition to be only a cosmetic effect, not an adverse health effect. The reason for this EPA position was that it was under political pressure to set its health-based standard for fluoride at 4 mg/liter. At that level, EPA knew that a significant number of children develop moderate to severe dental fluorosis, but since it had deemed the effect as only cosmetic, EPA didnÕt have to set its health-based standard at a lower level to prevent it.

We tried to settle this ethics issue quietly, within the family, but EPA was unable or unwilling to resist external political pressure, and we took the fight public with a union amicus curiae brief in a lawsuit filed against EPA by a public interest group. The union has published on this initial involvement period in detail.

Since then our opposition to drinking water fluoridation has grown, based on the scientific literature documenting the increasingly out-of-control exposures to fluoride, the lack of benefit to dental health from ingestion of fluoride and the hazards to human health from such ingestion. These hazards include acute toxic hazard, such as to people with impaired kidney function, as well as chronic toxic hazards of gene mutations, cancer, reproductive effects, neurotoxicity, bone pathology and dental fluorosis. First, a review of recent neurotoxicity research results...

Fluoride 1999 32(1):20-26
Effects of subtoxic doses of fluoride on some enzymes of the glucose metabolism in submandibular salivary glands of fed and overnight-fasted rats

da Motta MV, de Souza DN, Nicolau J

Oral Biology Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry USP, Av. Prof Lineu Prestes 2227-05508-900, S‹o Paulo, Brasil.

SUMMARY: Effects of subtoxic doses of NaF on phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1), hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the submandibular salivary glands of fed and overnight-fasted rats were studied. After NaF injection, fed animals showed increased activity of PFK-1 in the glands at 1 hour and reduced activity was observed at 3 and 6 hours. In overnight-fasted rats, PFK-1 exhibited increased activity in all groups. The activity of HK increased in fed animals at 12 hours after one dose and at 24 hours after two doses. One hour after NaF injection in fed animals, the activity of PK increased. The activity of G6PD increased in the fed group 12 hours after one injection and decreased in the fasted group after 3 and 6 hours. The activity of LDH increased only in the fed group 3 hours after NaF injection. We conclude that the effect of fluoride on these enzymes in the submandibular glands differs depending upon the nutritional state of the animals.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10491796&dopt=Abstract

J Occup Environ Med 1999 Sep;41(9):799-806
Serum perfluorooctane sulfonate and hepatic and lipid clinical chemistry tests in fluorochemical production employees.

Olsen GW, Burris JM, Mandel JH, Zobel LR.

Medical Department, 3M Company, St. Paul, MN 55144, USA.

The 3M Company manufactures fluorochemicals, which have as a precursor perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (C8F17SO2F). These compounds may be expected to transform metabolically, to an undetermined degree, to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS, C8F17SO3-) as an end-stage metabolite. Subchronic studies in rats and primates indicate a potential for cumulative toxicity with PFOS with the primary effect related to metabolic wasting with hypolipidemia as a consistent finding. Biennial medical surveillance has been offered to the company's fluorochemical production workers located in Decatur, Alabama, and Antwerp, Belgium. In 1995, the mean serum PFOS level, as measured by high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, for 178 male employees was 2.19 parts per million (ppm; range, 0.00 to 12.83 ppm), and in 1997, for 149 male employees, it was 1.75 ppm (0.10 to 9.93 ppm). Our analyses suggest that among these production employees, there were no substantial changes in serum hepatic enzymes, cholesterol, or lipoproteins associated with PFOS levels less than 6 ppm. It was not possible to derive inferences from the few employees who had serum PFOS levels > or = 6 ppm. These results may be due to the lower levels of serum PFOS measured among these production employees, compared to those suspected to cause effects in laboratory animals.

Publication Types: Multicenter Study

PMID: 10491796 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12016982&dopt=Abstract

Wei Sheng Yan Jiu 1999 Nov;28(6):335-6

[Effects of high fluoride intake on the fluoride of femora, teeth and some biochemical indexes in rats]

[Article in Chinese]

Bai X, Shi Z, Wu R.

Institute of Environmental Health Monitoring, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Beijing 100021, China.

In order to approach practicable indexes for assessing the effects of the products which are intended to be used to prevent endemic fluorosis, Wistar rats were fed with fluoridated water(50 mg/L) for four weeks. After only one week treated with fluoride, a higher activity of NAG(N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase) in urine, ChE(cholinesterase) in blood and increased urinary excretion of fluoride (compared with the control, P < 0.01) were observed, and these changes were lasted to the end of the fourth week of the study, but hydroxyproline in serum and urine had not been changed in both groups. After four weeks, the fluoride levels in the femora and teeth of fluoride treated group were ten times higher than that of the control group. According to the results, fluoride in bones and teeth must be taken as key indexes, the activities of NAG in urine and ChE in blood should be taken into consideration for assessing the effects of fluoride protagonist.

PMID: 12016982 [PubMed - in process]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10522652&dopt=Abstract
Am J Epidemiol 1999 Oct 15;150(8):817-24

Exposure to natural fluoride in well water and hip fracture: a cohort analysis in Finland.

Kurttio P, Gustavsson N, Vartiainen T, Pekkanen J.

National Public Health Institute, Unit of Environmental Epidemiology, Kuopio, Finland.

In the retrospective cohort study based on record linkage, the authors studied a cohort of persons born in 1900-1930 (n = 144,627), who had lived in the same rural location at least from 1967 to 1980. Estimates for fluoride concentrations (median, 0.1 mg/liter; maximum, 2.4 mg/liter) in well water in each member of the cohort were obtained by a weighted median smoothing method based on ground water measurements. Information on hip fractures was obtained from the Hospital Discharge Registry for 1981-1994. No association was observed between hip fractures and estimated fluoride concentration in the well water in either men or women when all age groups were analyzed together. However, the association was modified by age and sex so that among younger women, those aged 50-64 years, higher fluoride levels increased the risk of hip fractures. Among older men and women and younger men, no consistent association was seen. The adjusted rate ratio was 2.09 (95% confidence interval: 1.16, 3.76) for younger women who were the most exposed (>1.5 mg/liter) when compared with those who were the least exposed (< or =0.1 mg/liter). The results suggest that fluoride increases the risk of hip fractures only among women.

PMID: 10522652 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10413241&dopt=Abstract
Hum Exp Toxicol 1999 Jun;18(6):351-3

Hemodynamic abnormalities in sodium monofluoroacetate intoxication.

Chi CH, Lin TK, Chen KW.

Department of Emergency Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University Medical College and Hospital, Tainan City, Taiwan.

Hypotension is one of the most important predictors of mortality in sodium monofluoroacetate (SMFA) intoxication. This paper reports the hemodynamic response in one fatal and another survival case of SMFA intoxication. Despite correction of hypovolemia and with inotropic support, the patients remained in shock. Hemodynamic observations have provided evidence that shock after SMFA intoxication is due to diminished systemic vascular resistance and increased cardiac output. This is the first report in which such an invasive hemodynamic investigation has been recorded in a clinical case of SMFA intoxication.

PMID: 10413241 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.fluoride-journal.com/99-32-1/321-43.htm#SchatzLetter

Fluoride 1999; 32(1):43-44

Letter to the Editor

Schatz: More on paradoxical effects

Neil Jenkins continues to deny that paradoxical effects with fluoride are important phenomena (Fluoride 31 (4) 245 1998).

It is not surprising that fluoride exhibits paradoxical effects. It would be surprising if it did not because paradoxical effects have been reported for many substances in many systems under a wide range of conditions.¹ Paradoxical effects occur in the yields of wheat and corn fertilized with municipal solid waste compost,² with carcinostatic agents,³ adenine,⁴ diethylstilbestrol,⁵ and many other organic and inorganic, synthetic, and naturally-occurring compounds in vitro and in vivo.

The danger of electromagnetic fields "may actually decrease with an increase in the strength of the field."⁶ There are well-documented reports on supralinear (paradoxical) effects of low-level radiation.^7Ð9 "The electrical field in biomembranes is sufficient to make the protein macromolecules in the membranes behave in a non-linear dielectric manner."¹⁰

With respect to paradoxical effects, irreproducibility, and non-linearity, one researcher concluded: "You simply canÕt model nonlinearity. ItÕs like chaos."¹¹ Some researchers did the same experiment several times until they were convinced that the paradoxical effects they observed were real.¹ Other paradoxical effects are not reproducible.¹

Fluoride systems in vivo are especially complex. When we add fluoride to a biological system, that fluoride is transformed into different fluoride-containing substances, each of which has its own unique chemical, physical, and biological properties including toxicity. Furthermore, different factors are responsible for the formation and amount of each substance. Schatz et al. discussed this complexity of paradoxical effects in a 1964 review of the subject.¹

Schatz et al. published the only review of paradoxical effects in the spring of 1964.¹ Wainwright recognized the importance of paradoxical effects and commented on our 1964 review in the Mycologist in England in 1994.¹² In October, 1964, Schatz and Martin reviewed the literature on paradoxical effects of fluoride in vitro and in vivo.¹³ No one has published a review of paradoxical effects since the 1964 review, although many reports of paradoxical effects have appeared in the literature since then.

What fluoride has in common with low-level radiation¹⁴ and low exposures to pesticides and other toxic chemicals which exhibit paradoxical effects is that very low doses may be harmful. Consequently, there is no such thing as a threshold level below which fluoridation is not harmful. In other words, there is no safe dose.

Albert Schatz PhD
6907 Sherman Street
Philadelphia, PA 19119,
USA

REFERENCES

Schatz A, Schalscha EB, Schatz V. Solid organic matter as a natural chelating material. Part II: The occurrence and importance of paradoxical concentration effects in biological systems. Compost Science 5 26-30 1964.
Avnimelech Y, et al. Can we expect a consistent efficiency of municipal waste compost application? Compost Science & Utilization 1 7-14 1993.
Rodriguez A, et al. Survival of 17 patients with inoperable bronchial cancer treated with cytostatic agents and radiation in the "minimal useful dose." Revista Medica de Chile 99 560-565 1971.
Schatz A, Schatz V. Paradoxical effect of adenine on Salmonella typhimurium. Canadian Journal of Microbiology 11 1029-1031 1965.
Colborn T, Dumanoski D, Myers JP. Our Stolen Future. Dutton, New York 1996.
Radelat A. Wired. Are power lines and household appliances hazardous to your health? Public Citizen May/June 1991 pp 16-22.
Gould JM, Goldman B. Deadly Deceit. Low-Level Radiation. High-Level Cover-Up. Four Walls Eight Windows, New York 1991.
Gofman JW. Radiation and Human Health. Sierra Club Books, San Francisco 1981.
Gofman JW, OÕConnor E. X-Rays: Health Effects of Common Exams. Sierra Club Books, San Francisco 1985.
Smith CW, Best S. Electromagnetic Man: Health and Hazard in the Electrical Environment. St. MartinÕs Press, New York 1989.
Dowie M. A sky full of holes. Why the ozone layer is torn worse than ever. The Nation July 8, 1996 pp 11-16.
Wainwright M. Strange bumps in the dataÑmycological implications of the paradoxical effect. Mycologist 8 (4) Nov 1994.
Schatz A, Martin JJ. The importance of paradoxical effects of fluoride with respect to fluoridation and the toxicology of fluoride. Pakistan Dental Review 14 (4) 1Ð16 1964.
Schatz A. Low-Level Fluoridation and Low-Level Radiation. Two Case Histories of Misconduct in Science. (Published by the author, 1996)

Full report available at: http://www.fluoride-journal.com/99-32-1/321-14.htm

Fluoride 1999; 32(1):14-19

Fluoride uptake characteristics of [coal] fly ash

R Piekos and S Paslawska, Gdansk, Poland

SUMMARY: Retention of fluoride ion in dynamic experiments on columns packed with fly ash was studied at 20¡C with a series of aqueous solutions containing 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 mg F-/L. The flow rate through a 450-g bed was 2 mL/hr. At the lowest F- concentration (1 mg/L), the F- level in the effluent initially increased and then gradually decreased down to 0 mg/L after 120 hours. With higher F- concentrations in the feed solutions, the F- concentration in the effluent steadily decreased reaching 0 mg/L after 120 - 168 hours. We conclude that coal fly ash is an effective sorbent for F- ions, especially at high concentrations in water.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10028659&dopt=Abstract
Chemosphere. 1999 Feb;38(5):1085-101.

Degradation of 4-fluorobiphenyl in soil investigated by 19F NMR spectroscopy and 14C radiolabelling analysis.

Green NA, Meharg AA, Till C, Troke J, Nicholson JK.

Chemistry Dept., Birkbeck College, University of London, UK.

The incubation of the model pollutant [U-14C]'-4-fluorobiphenyl (4FBP) in soil, in the presence and absence of biphenyl (a co-substrate), was carried out in order to study the qualitative disposition and fate of the compound using 14C-HPLC and 19F NMR spectroscopy. Components accounted for using the radiolabel were volatilization, CO2 evolution, organic solvent extractable and bound residue. Quantitative analysis of these data gave a complete mass balance. After sample preparation. 14C-HPLC was used to establish the number of 4FBP related components present in the organic solvent extract. 19F NMR was also used to quantify the organic extracts and to identify the components of the extract. Both approaches showed that the composition of the solvent extractable fractions comprised only parent compound with no metabolites present. As the 14C radiolabel was found to be incorporated into the soil organic matter this indicates that metabolites were being generated, but were highly transitory as incorporation into the SOM was rapid. The inclusion of the co-substrate biphenyl was to increase the overall rate of degradation of 4FBP in soil. The kinetics of disappearance of parent from the soil using the data obtained were investigated from both techniques. This is the first report describing the degradation of a fluorinated biphenyl in soil.

PMID: 10028659 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10336711&dopt=Abstract
Int J Paediatr Dent 1999 Mar;9(1):3-11

Vegetarianism and dental fluorosis among children in a high fluoride area of northern Tanzania.

Awadia AK, Haugejorden O, Bjorvatn K, Birkeland JM.

Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Ondontology, Bergen, Norway.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis among vegetarian and nonvegetarian children and adolescents living in an area where dental fluorosis is endemic.
DESIGN: An analytical cross-sectional retrospective study.
SAMPLE AND METHODS: Children (n = 165) aged 6-18 years, from five schools in Arusha town were examined. The children had a life-long exposure to drinking water with 3.6 mg F/litre. The severity of dental fluorosis was assessed using the Thylstrup & Fejerskov Index (TFI).
RESULTS: In the vegetarian group (n = 24), the prevalence of dental fluorosis (TFI score > or = 1) was 67%, while 21% had severe fluorosis (TFI score > or = 5). In the nonvegetarian group (n = 141) the prevalence of fluorosis and severe fluorosis was 95% and 35%, respectively. In bi-variate correlation analyses age, vegetarianism and a series of other factors related to childhood nutrition (meals per day, the use of home-made porridge, the use of fish, etc.) were significantly associated with the tooth prevalence of dental fluorosis (TPF, P < 0.05). Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses explained 30% of the variance in TPF; age 15% points and vegetarianism 13% points. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of developing dental fluorosis was seven times higher among nonvegetarians than among vegetarians.
CONCLUSION: The significantly lower prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis among the vegetarian group compared to the nonvegetarians would seem to be related to diet.

PMID: 10336711 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Full report available at: http://www.fluoride-journal.com/99-32-1/321-27.htm
Fluoride 1999; 32(1):27-32

The distribution of urinary fluoride concentration in the UK

Peter Mansfield, M.D. Grimoldby, Louth, Lincolnshire, UK

SUMMARY: During 1997-1998, fluoride-specific electrode analyses were conducted on urine specimens from 268 users of a health facility and 261 respondents to a press appeal in the United Kingdom. Among residents of areas with artificial water fluoridation, the median urinary fluoride concentration was 1.2 ppm, and in nonfluoridated areas it was 0.7 ppm. Two percent of the samples from the fluoridated areas showed F levels of 4 ppm or higher. In one of the fluoridated areas, individuals with a medically confirmed bone degeneration had significantly higher urinary fluoride concentrations (median 1.75 ppm) than age- and sex-matched controls from the same neighborhood (median 1.2 ppm). These findings indicate an urgent need to base epidemiological comparisons of fluoridated and nonfluoridated populations on individual fluoride excretion.

Fluoride 1999 32(2):47-54
Effects of fluoride on mechanical properties of femoral bone in growing rats

A Bohatyrewicz

Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Pomeranian Medical Academy, Szczecin, Poland

Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate th effects of different fluoride concentrations in drinking water on the mechanical strength of femoral bone in young growing rats. Forty 6-week-old female Wistar rats were randomised into four groups. One group served as a control group receiving distilled water, and the other three groups received water containing NaF at levels of 8, 30, and 60 mg F-/L. After six weeks, all rats were sacrificed and the femoral bones from each rat were assayed for bending strength of the femoral shaft and failure load of the femoral neck. The femoral neck of rats drinking water containing 8 mg F-/L showed the highest failure load, decreasing significantly in rats drinking 30 and 60 mg F-/L. Bending strength of the femoral shaft decreased significantly after fluoride therapy. We conclude that high fluoride intake decreases bone quality of the femoral shaft and neck in young growing rats. On the other hand, sodium fluoride administered in lower concentrations increases the strength of the femoral neck.

Fluoride 1999 32(2):55-59
Epidemiological and radiological study of skeletal fluorosis in Minzhu Town, Longli County, Guizhou Province, China

Li D (a), Duan R (a), Wang S (a), He G (a), Li P (a), Nie Z (b), Wen T (b)

(a) Institute for Control of Endemic Disease, Guizhou Provincial Health and Anti-epidemic Station, Guiyang 550004, China.
(b) Health and Anti-epidemic Station of Longli County, Guizhou Province, China.

Summary: A study was made of an area of endemic fluorosis based on the relation between detection rate or incidence, classification and severity of skeletal fluorosis, and sex-age distribution. The results show that Minzhu Town of Longli County is a moderate and typical epidemic area of endemic fluorosis resulting from coal-burning pollution in Guizhou Province, China. Five features characterize the skeletal fluorosis of the residents:

1) Osteosclerosis is significantly more prevalent than osteoporosis.
2) No mixed type of skeletal fluorosis and no osteomalacia were found in the subjects examined.
3) No cases with moderate or severe osteoporosis were found.
4) The severity of osteosclerosis in females was significantly milder than in males.
5) The rate of osteoporosis caused by fluoride in females showed no difference from that in males.

These observations provide new parameters for assessing collective conditions of epidemic regions of endemic fluorosis resulting from coal-burning pollution.

Fluoride 1999 32(2):60-66
Effect of heat stress and high-fluoride intake of gastrointestinal function in healthy humans

Sridharan K (a), Upadhyay TN (a), Mukherjee AAAK (a), Kumia MML (a), Patil SKB (a), Ghosh PK (b), Madan NK (b), Gopal R (b)

(a) For correspondence K Sridharan, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Lucknow Road, Timapur, Delhi, India
(b) Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur, India

Summary: The effect of heat stress and high-fluoride intake through water containing up to 2.67 ppm F on gastrointestinal function was studied in two different groups of healthy male subjects (soldiers). In one group the study was conducted for 60 days and in the other group for 24 months on a longtitudinal basis when they moved to a desert area. A significant increase in body weight was seen only in the longer term study. No significant change in blood hemoglobin or total plasma protein was noted in either the short-term or the long-term study. There was a significant increase in blood albumin level on the 15th day. The A:G ratio was significantly lower on the 60th day as compared to the ratio on the 15th day. The subjects had more than 30% excretion of D-xylose in 5 hr during all the test periods, thereby signifying unaltered intestinal absorption.

The results indicate that healthy natives of tropical areas who are well acclimated to heat stress do not suffer from intestinal malabsorption on induction to a desert area. Even higher levels of fluoride intake through water do not appear to affect protein metabolism and intestinal absorption when adequate nutrition is maintained.

Fluoride 1999 32(2):67-70
Some observations on fluoride problems in the Moldova Rupublic

Toma S (a), Kreidman J (a), Vedina O (b), Veliksar S (a)

For correspondence: Dr. J Kreidman, Institute of Plant Physiology, Paduri 22, Chisinau 2002, Moldova.
(b) BAICOR Inc., PO Box 725, Logan, Utah 8432 USA

Summary: Fluoride content was determined in different soil types of Moldova. The total fluoride concentrations varied in soils depending on their granular composition. Flood sodic soils are characterized by the highest content of fluoride - up to 1120 ppm. The level of water-soluble fluoride ranged from 0.2 to 14.6 ppm. Long-term phosphoric fertilizer application and irrigation with fluoride-containing water have led to fluoride accumulation in soil and plants.

Fluoride 1999 32(2):71-73
Fluoride distribution in burozems of Moldova

O Vedina (a) and J Kreidman (B)

(a) BAICOR Inc, PO Box 725, Logan UT 84321 USA
(b) Institute of Plant Physiology, Paduri 22, Chisinau 2002, Moldova.

Summary: The concentration, distribution and behavior of fluoride in burozems (brown steppe soils) of Mldova were investigated. The average fluoride content in different subtypes of burozems (the layer 0 - 200 cm) varied from 175 to 320 ppm, depending considerably on soil chemistry (pH, level of calcium, iron and silica) and granular composition. Heavier soils tended to have substantially higher fluoride content. The level of fluoride in the clay fraction of burozems ranged from 575 to 770 ppm.

Fluoride 1999 32(2):74-83
Accumulation of fluoride in plants exposed to geothermal and industrial water

Miller GW (a), Shupe JL, Vedina OT

(a) For correspondence: Dr. Gene W Miller, BAICOR Inc., Box 725, Logan, Utah 84323-0725

Summary: Fluoride content was determined in geothermal (Yellowstone National Park and Idaho), ranch (Idaho) and industrial waters (Utah and Idaho). Geothermal waters have been found to contain high levels of fluorides up to 30 ppm. Excessive amounts are also present in waters from both naturally occurring hot springs and geysers, and some wells developed for energy or irrigation. Our analyses show wells with fluoride concentrations over 15 ppm.

Accumulation of fluoride in the leaf tissue of alfafa, sugar beet, corn and pasture grasses occurs after sprinkle-irrigation with water containing a high fluoride concentration. In the vicinity of a phosphate plant 2.5 miles downwind in a South-east direction, the fluoride concentration in vegetation reached 700 ppm.

Fluoride 1999 32(2):84-90
Separation of interfering elements from commercial phosphoric acid for titremetric determination of fluoride

R Al-Merey (a) and Z Hariri

(a) For correspondence: Dr. R Al-Merey, Department of Chemistry, Atomic Energy Commission, PO Box 6091, Damascus, Syria

Summary: Ion exchange resin and precipitation techniques were used to separate aluminum, iron, vanadium, and phosphate ions from commercial phosphoric acid. These separations allowed titrimetric determination of fluoride, free from these interfering ions, in commercial phosphoric acid by thorium nitrate.

Fluoride 1999 32(2):91-95
The impact of water-borne fluoride on bone density

Czarnowski W (a), Krechniak J (a), Urbanska B (a), Stolarska K (a), Taraszewska-Czarnowska M (b), Muraszko-Klaudel A (b)

(a) For correspondence: J Krechniak, Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
(B) Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk

Summary: The fluoride concentrations in drinking water, urine and hair and bone mineral densities (BMD) of 300 people (235 women, 65 men) residing in Gdansk region, were determined. The mean water fluroide level in the cities of Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot was 0.32 mg/L; in Wislinka, a community located near a phosphate industry waste disposal site, it was 1.69 mg/L; and in the Zulawy area with a high fluoride content in the soil, it was 2.74 mg/L. The mean fluoride concentrations in urine in the above mentioned localities were: 0.77 mg/L, 1.93 mg/L, and 2.89 mg/L, respectively; in hair: 4.23 ug/g,10.25 ug/g, and 14.51 ug/g, respectively. The mean values of BMD in the femur bone were 0.92 - 1.05 g/cm2. High positive correlations (P <0.001) were found between the fluoride concentrations in water and urine, in water and hair, in urine and hair, in water and BMD, and in urine and BMD. Negative correlations were found between age and BMD. The results of this study indicate that the fluoride level in water has an impact on the fluoride levels in urine and hair as well as on bone mineral density.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10598076&dopt=Abstract
Vet Res Commun 1999 Nov;23(7):457-65

Some observations on endemic fluorosis in domestic animals in Southern Rajasthan (India).

Choubisa SL.

P.G. Department of Zoology, S.B.P. Government College, M.L. Sukhadia University, Dungarpur, Rajasthan, India.

Chronic fluoride toxicity in the form of osteo-dental fluorosis was observed in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats from 21 villages of Banswara, Dungarpur and Udaipur districts of Southern Rajasthan where the mean fluoride concentration in drinking water varied from 1.5 to 4.0 ppm. The prevalence of dental fluorosis in calves (< 1 year age) was greater than that in adult cattle and buffaloes. At a fluoride concentration in the water of 4.0 ppm, 100% of calves, 65.6% of buffaloes and 61.0% of cattle were found to be affected with dental fluorosis to varying degrees. In the older group of buffaloes, their teeth were brownish black instead of creamy yellow as found in calves and cattle. Out of 780 goats and 564 sheep, none revealed evidence of osteo-dental fluorosis. The overall prevalence of skeletal fluorosis was 8.5%, with the highest prevalence of 29.0% in cattle and 37.5% in buffaloes at a fluoride concentration of 3.2 ppm. None of the calves were affected with skeletal fluorosis. Intermittent lameness was observed in the older group of animals (> 7 years age) at 2.8 ppm fluoride or more in the water. None of the fluorotic animals exhibited any apparent evidence of hypothyroidism, stunted growth or low milk production. There was no correlation between gender and the prevalence of fluorosis, but the prevalence and severity of skeletal fluorosis increased with increasing fluoride concentration and age. Possible factors causing variation in fluorosis in the cattle and buffaloes in villages with identical fluoride concentrations are discussed.

PMID: 10598076 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10609323&dopt=Abstract
Ukr Biokhim Zh 1999 May-Jun;71(3):51-7

[Lipid peroxidation and function of some antioxidant enzyme systems in corrn and oats in acute injury by hydrogen fluoride]

[Article in Russian]

Grishko VN, Syshcheikov DV.

Experimental research showed the HF main harmful effect at the maximal exposure time (12 h). Intensity of chemiluminescence processes was enhanced almost in 1.5-fold. In the maize leaves the reduced chemiluminescence intensity was observed under the maximal toxicant concentration (1 mg/m3) effect, whereas the further growth of chemiluminescence intensity was observed in the oat plants. The total amount of the lipid peroxidation products was increased dependently on the toxicant concentration in all experimental variants. Changes in the studied enzymatic system activities were multidirected. Analysis of all activities dynamics for the SOD, GGTP, GST, GR and GP showed that GGTP and sometimes GP were involved more rapidly then SOD into the processes of detoxication of lipid peroxidation products and metabolites formed under the HF effect. However, the correlation between changes both in the SOD and GP activities failed to be found. The obtained data give a basis to conclude that during period between 8 and 12 h of HF exposure the essential changes in the activities of SOD and glutathione enzymatic systems took place as an adaptive response of plant cell to the investigated stress-factor impact.

PMID: 10609323 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10535145&dopt=Abstract
Sci Total Environ 1999 Sep 15;236(1-3):75-90

Air-pollutant dispersal patterns and vegetation damage in the vicinity of three aluminium smelters in Norway.

Vike E.

Department of Horticulture and Crop Sciences, Agricultural University of Norway, As, Norway.

Dispersal patterns for fluoride and damage to vegetation was studied near three aluminium smelters in Norway. Leaf samples from three broad-leaved species (Betula pubescens Ehrh., Salix caprea L. and Sorbus aucuparia L.) were collected and leaf injury and the plants overall vitality were evaluated systematically in areas with different distance and direction from the emission sources. Both dispersal patterns and the distribution of damages were mainly determined by the predominant wind direction in the growing season and partly by topography. Damage was restricted to the areas closest to the smelters, within 2 km from the emission sources. Even with the average F- emission as low as 7.1 kg h-1, serious damage to vegetation was observed in built-up areas within 1 km south of the smelter in Mosjoen. Regression analysis showed a correlation between leaf injury and fluoride content in leaves within a locality, but great variation between localities. Leaf injury appeared at concentrations as low as 30 mg kg-1 in some species. An average leaf injury of 1 (scale 0-9) appeared at approximately 100 mg kg-1 in the vicinity of the northernmost smelter, Mosjoen, compared to approximately 150 and 300 mg kg-1 at Husnes and Ovre Ardal, respectively. Fluoride uptake and leaf injury differed among species. Approximately 100 species, mostly woody plants were evaluated for leaf injury and overall vitality. Conifers such as Pinus sylvestris L. and Picea omorika (Pan_) Purk. were sensitive. Except for Populus tremula L., most broad-leaved indigenous species were less sensitive. Species composition in natural areas as well as vegetation use in gardens were affected by pollution. In old gardens at the polluted site Ovre Ardal both the number of plant species and the area used for edible plants was lower compared to old gardens in an unpolluted nearby community. In newer gardens the use of both ornamentals and edible plants was more similar.

PMID: 10535145 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10536106&dopt=Abstract
Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 1999 Oct;30(2 Pt 1):110-6

Toxicology of hydrogen fluoride in relation to major accident hazards.

Meldrum M.

Health and Safety Executive, Magdalen House (Room 147), Stanley Precinct, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 3QZ, United Kingdom.

A major industrial accident involving the release of hydrogen fluoride has the potential to cause serious injury and possibly death in the surrounding human population. Given the potential for such serious and large-scale effects, there is a need for scientifically based risk assessments for determining appropriate on-site risk control measures, as well as for informing off-site emergency plans and land-use development decisions. Within Great Britain, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has the statutory responsibility for providing land-use planning advice in the vicinity of major accident hazard sites. The advice is based on quantified assessment of the individual risk of exposure to a specified amount of the toxic substance. Among other things this requires a consistent, reliable, and transparent understanding of the major hazard toxicology of the substance concerned. An assessment of the toxicology of hydrogen fluoride in relation to major accident hazards, based on conventional inhalation toxicity studies, was published by HSE in 1993. Recently, studies have been reported in which rats inhaled hydrogen fluoride via a mouthpiece attached to an endotracheal cannula. HSE has explored the use of this "mouth-breathing" rat model as a possible basis for human health risk assessment for hydrogen fluoride in the context of major accident hazards. A number of uncertainties in the use of this animal model have been identified that warrant caution in the use of this model for regulatory purposes. Overall, the results from the "mouth-breathing" rat model did not lead to a change in the HSE assessment of hydrogen fluoride, which remains based on experimental data obtained following "mainstream" toxicological practices. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Publication Types:

Review

Review, Tutorial

PMID: 10536106 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10676507&dopt=Abstract
Biol Trace Elem Res 1999 Winter;71-72:325-9

Measurement of fluorine pollutant in plant leaves and soil using nuclear reaction analysis.

Wang C, Zhu J, Luo W, Zhou S.

Shanghai Applied Radiation Institute, Shanghai University, China.

In this article, the soil and the leaves of plants, parasol, cotton, and glossy privet around a fluorine-polluted area were taken as the samples, and fluorine concentration of the samples were studied using the nuclear reaction 19F(P, alpha)16O, and some results were given.

PMID: 10676507 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Full report available free at http://chemse.oupjournals.org/cgi/content/full/24/5/473
Chem Senses 1999 Oct;24(5):473-80

Pheromone-triggered orientation flight of male moths can be disrupted by trifluoromethyl ketones.

Bau J, Martinez D, Renou M, Guerrero A.

Department of Biological Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemical and Environmental Research of Barcelona (CSIC), Spain.

In a wind tunnel trifluoromethyl ketones (TFMKs) have been found to disrupt the orientation flight of male moths to pheromone sources (virgin females or synthetic pheromone). This is demonstrated by comparison of the flight parameters of the Egyptian armyworm Spodoptera littoralis and the Mediterranean corn borer Sesamia nonagrioides, which had been topically treated with TFMKs, with those calculated for untreated insects. Inhibition occurred in all types of behavior and that of the source contact has been quantified and found to be dose-dependent. The same effect has also been noticed in Mediterranean corn borer males flying to an attraction source consisting of mixtures of (Z)-11-hexadecenyl trifluoromethyl ketone (8), a closely related analogue of the major component of the pheromone, and the natural pheromone blend. The most active TFMKs are those closest in structure to the natural pheromone, along with those chemicals which easily hydrate in solution, such as the beta-thiosubstituted derivatives. Along with the previously reported reduction of catches in the field, our results suggest the possible application of these chemicals in future new pest control strategies.

PMID: 10576255 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11396041&dopt=Abstract
J Public Health Dent 1999 Winter;59(1):3-11

Erratum in:

J Public Health Dent 2000 Winter;60(1):4

Water consumption in the United States in 1994-96 and implications for water fluoridation policy.

Heller KE, Sohn W, Burt BA, Eklund SA.

Department of Epidemiology, Program in Dental Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 South Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA. kheller@umich.edu

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this project was to describe current water consumption patterns and to compare them to findings from earlier studies. Current water consumption data also were used to reevaluate the association between water consumption and climate. These findings are of importance in estimating fluoride intake from fluoridated water.
METHODS: Findings from the 1994-96 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) were compared to those from two earlier dietary studies, the 1977-78 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) and the pioneering research of Galagan and colleagues in the 1950s. Food consumption data were analyzed for 14,619 persons with food and beverage intake data for two 24-hour periods in the CSFII.
RESULTS: Increased consumption of infant formulas and decreased consumption of tap water and cow's milk were seen in the CSFII for infants compared to the NFCS. Older children and adults showed increased consumption of carbonated beverages and juices. While Galagan and colleagues found about a 60 percent increase in water consumption between the coldest (55 degrees F) and warmest (85 degrees F) conditions, only a 20 percent difference was seen between the winter and summer months in certain regions in the CSFII.
CONCLUSIONS: No obvious strong or consistent association between water intake and month or season was apparent in these recent data. These findings are preliminary, and suggest that water fluoridation policy requires further research regarding water consumption and climate.

PMID: 11396041 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11205763&dopt=Abstract
Ann Univ Mariae Curie Sklodowska [Med] 1999;54:19-23

No Absract available

The influence of natrium fluoride on serum protein and cholesterol levels in rats with adriblastin-induced nephrotic syndrome.

Papierkowski A, Jablonski M, Skomra D, Pasternak K.

Klinika Pediatrii i Gastroenterologii Akademii Medycznej w Lublinie.

PMID: 11205763 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10476444&dopt=Abstract
No Abstract available

IARC Monogr Eval Carcinog Risks Hum 1999;71 Pt 3:1551-4

Vinylidene fluoride.

PMID: 10476444 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9870987&dopt=Abstract
Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 1999 Jan;62(1):34-9

No Abstract available

Degradation of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) and fluorocitrate in water.

Booth LH, Ogilvie SC, Wright GR, Eason CT.

Landcare Research, Post Office Box 69, Lincoln, New Zealand.

PMID: 9870987 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10778675&dopt=Abstract

J Assoc Physicians India 1999 Sep;47(9):939
Cervical myelopathy due to fluorosis in non-endemic area of Vidarbha.

Jain AP, Jajoo UN, Bhalla A, Chauhan NJ.

Publication Types: Letter

PMID: 10778675 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10789211&dopt=Abstract
Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig 1999;50(4):403-8

[Evaluation of the biological action of the fluoride waters applied in the form of the potable cure in experimental animals]

[Article in Polish]

Drobnik M.

Zaklad Tworzy Uzdrowiskowych Panstwowy Zaklad Higieny, Poznan.

Basing on the carried out investigations it has been shown that the fluoride water from the spring "Zdzislaw" from Ladek Zdroj and the aqueous solution of NaF in the F concentration like that in the curative water, used in rats intragastrically in a single daily dose of 14.3 ml/kg of body weight or ad libitum for a period of 20 days, brought about a statistically significant decrease of whole cholesterol, of the HDL fraction of cholesterol, of whole lipids, triglycerides, sodium and magnesium and about an increase of potassium and calcium in the blood serum as compared with the control group of animals. Observed at the same time were changes that testified to the occurrence of respiratory decompensated acidosis and alkalosis. No essential influence of the investigated waters on the protein, carbohydrate metabolism, smear and the morphological composition of the peripheral blood and on the bone marrow smear could be stated. The investigated waters acted spastically on the smooth muscles of the small intestine of the rabbit, they were showing diuretic action in the rats and caused an increased water turnover in the organism.

PMID: 10789211 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10682335&dopt=Abstract
J Public Health Dent 1999 Fall;59(4):269-74

The case for eliminating the use of dietary fluoride supplements for young children.

Burt BA.

Program in Dental Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-2029, USA. bburt@umich.edu

Fluoride supplements have been used for years to prevent dental caries; nevertheless, there are three reasons why their use is inappropriate today among infants and young children in the United States. Evidence for the efficacy of fluoride supplements when used from birth or soon after is weak, supplements are a risk factor for dental fluorosis, and fluoride has little preeruptive effect in caries prevention. While there are many reports on the caries-preventive efficacy of supplements, few meet standards for acceptability as clinical trials, and those that do have tested chewable tablets or lozenges under supervision in school-aged children. North American children today are exposed to fluoride from many sources--drinking water, toothpaste, gels, rinses, and in processed foods and beverages. The additional cariostatic benefits that accrue from using supplements are marginal at best, while there is strong risk of fluorosis when young children use supplements. Available evidence suggests that the public is more aware of the milder forms of fluorosis than was previously thought; thus, it is prudent for caries-preventive policies to aim to maximizing caries reductions while minimizing the risk of fluorosis. It is therefore concluded that the risks of using supplements in infants and young children outweigh the benefits. Because alternative forms of fluoride for high-risk individuals exist, fluoride supplements should no longer be used for young children in North America.

Publication Types:

Review

Review, Tutorial

PMID: 10682335 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10682332&dopt=Abstract
J Public Health Dent 1999 Fall;59(4):252-8

Overview of the history and current status of fluoride supplementation schedules.

Adair SM.

Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912-1210, USA. sadair@mail.mcg.edu

Clinical trials of dietary fluoride supplements began in the 1940s in an effort to bring the benefits of fluoride to those who did not receive it through their drinking water. Following the early success of these trials, the Council on Dental Therapeutics of the American Dental Association (ADA) published its first recommendations for fluoride supplementation in 1958. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) followed with its own recommendations in 1972. During the 1970s a variety of alternative schedules appeared in the literature, most in reaction to the findings of unexpectedly high levels of enamel fluorosis in children being supplemented with the AAP schedule. In 1979 the ADA and AAP agreed on essentially identical schedules. During the 1980s, however, the prevalence of enamel fluorosis continued to increase, and fluoride supplements were found in some studies to be a risk factor for fluorosis. This finding prompted another round of dosage schedule recommendations in the early 1990s. This paper presents a history of fluoride dosage recommendations and reviews the recent proposals for reducing supplement dosage.

Publication Types: Historical Article

PMID: 10682332 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10682330&dopt=Abstract
J Public Health Dent 1999 Fall;59(4):239-46

The prevalence and severity of enamel fluorosis in North American children.

Rozier RG.

Department of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7400, USA. gary_rozier@unc.edu

The question considered in this review is the extent to which changes in the prevalence or severity of enamel fluorosis have occurred over the last half-century. Emphasis is given to a review of those studies in which subjects are drinking water that is fluoride deficient and those in which subjects are drinking optimally fluoridated water, either adjusted or natural. Trends in fluorosis were examined using two definitions of fluorosis (definite and any signs) and three types of comparisons--comparisons of pooled estimates from all available studies that include data from different communities and time periods, comparisons of estimates from the same communities at different times, and comparisons of estimates from selected studies in the early years of fluorosis research with results of the US National Fluorosis Survey done by the National Institute of Dental Research. A clear increase in fluorosis among populations drinking community water that contains less than 0.3 ppm fluoride was found. Results of the comparisons using studies with Dean's Index pooled at different time points, comparisons in the same communities over time, and comparisons of prevalence found in selected communities before fluoride was widely available with the National Fluorosis Survey all support this conclusion. An increase in the prevalence of fluorosis in those drinking optimally fluoridated water likely has occurred as well; however, evidence for such a trend is not as clear as for fluoride deficient communities because of mixed results depending on the type of comparison. The majority of fluorosis cases continue to be mild and seem of little esthetic consequence for most of the public or dental profession. But a few cases of more severe fluorosis can be found now in some communities. Because the prevalence of fluorosis is now higher than 50 years ago, we can conclude that fluoride availability to the developing enamel during critical periods when enamel is at risk of fluorosis has increased in North American children.

Publication Types:

Review

Review, Tutorial

PMID: 10682330 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10682328&dopt=Abstract
J Public Health Dent 1999 Fall;59(4):229-34

Fluoride intake by infants.

Fomon SJ, Ekstrand J.

Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242-1083, USA. samfomon@aol.com

Many infants are fully or partially breast fed during the early months of life; however, the percentage of such infants decreases to about 30 percent by 4 months of age. The majority of US infants are fed formulas for most of the first 10 months of life. Although fluoride (F) intakes by fully breast-fed infants are low, F intakes by partially breast-fed infants and by formula-fed infants are highly variable, depending primarily on the F content of the water used to dilute concentrated liquid or powdered infant formula products. In communities with F content of the drinking water less than 0.3 ppm, F consumption by many infants will be 30 to 40 micrograms.kg-1.d-1. The addition of a F supplement of 0.25 mg/d for a 4 kg infant would increase the F intake by 63 micrograms.kg-1.d-1, resulting in a total intake of about 100 micrograms.kg-1.d-1, an intake in the range believed to be associated with development of fluorosis of the permanent teeth. However, for the US infant population generally, many fewer infants are exposed to high F intakes from formula plus a supplement (recommended only for communities with water providing less than 0.3 ppm F) than from formula alone in communities with F content of 1 ppm in the drinking water. In assessing the possible effects of F intake during infancy on development of fluorosis, it is important to recognize that infant feeding practices have changed greatly during the past 30 years. In the 1960s, most infants over 4 months of age were fed fresh cow's milk and intakes of F were therefore low. By the mid 1970s a trend toward more extended feeding of formula was evident and this trend has continued into the 1990s. Prolonged exposure to high intakes of fluoride during infancy is much more common now than in the past.

PMID: 10682328 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10636770&dopt=Abstract
Sci Total Environ 1999 Oct 1;239(1-3):173-87

Research on the variability of physico-chemical parameters characterising acid precipitation at the Jeziory Ecological Station in the Wielkopolski National Park (Poland).

Walna B, Siepak J.

Adam Mickiewicz University, Mosina, Poland. walna@amu.edu.pl

Here the water quality of precipitation at the Adam Mickiewicz University Ecological station is presented for the period 1992-1997 to examine one of the main factors causing the degradation of the natural environment of the Weilkopolski National Park. In the course of daily observations the amount of rainfall, its electrical conductivity and pH were measured. As much as 61% of the tested precipitation had a pH < 4.6, and 92% had a pH < 5.6; some very low pH values, even below 3.0, were occasionally observed. The annual volume-weighted average pH during the full period was 4.28 and the lowest yearly average was 3.92 (1994). The chemical composition of precipitation showed the dominance of sulphate and calcium ions. Fluoride ions also contributed significantly to the anion charge. There were also small amounts of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. A chemical analysis of throughfall showed a considerably increased concentration of some ions, in particular potassium.

PMID: 10636770 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10573939&dopt=Abstract
J Am Dent Assoc 1999 Nov;130(11):1593-9

Assessing fluoride levels of carbonated soft drinks.

Heilman JR, Kiritsy MC, Levy SM, Wefel JS.

Dows Institute for Dental Research, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.

BACKGROUND: Dental fluorosis occurs as a result of excessive total fluoride intake during tooth development. Some children may receive substantial intake from soft drinks, but few studies have reported fluoride levels in soft drinks. The authors examined the fluoride concentrations of 332 soft drinks.
METHODS: Soft drinks were purchased from Iowa grocery stores. To identify production sites, the authors recorded product details and batch numbers. After decarbonating the drinks, the authors assayed samples for fluoride content using a fluoride ion-specific electrode, and reported the results in parts per million, or ppm, using appropriate standards and duplicate assessments. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings.
RESULTS: The fluoride levels of the products ranged from 0.02 to 1.28 ppm, with a mean level of 0.72 ppm. Fluoride levels exceeded 0.60 ppm for 71 percent of the products. Results varied substantially by production site, even within the same company and for the same product. There were no substantial differences between flavors or between diet and regular soft drinks.
CONCLUSIONS: The majority of soft drinks had fluoride levels exceeding 0.60 ppm. Variation in fluoride levels probably is due largely to the different water sources used in production.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: With no fluoride levels marked on the soft drink products or easily available from the manufacturers, it is not possible for clinicians or consumers to directly estimate fluoride ingestion from carbonated beverages. Therefore, to reduce the risk of dental fluorosis, dental and medical practitioners should be cautious about prescribing dietary fluoride supplements to preschool-aged children in nonfluoridated areas who consume large quantities of carbonated soft drinks.

PMID: 10573939 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://frwebgate1.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=35400726919+0+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve
Federal Register 1999 Apr 30;64(83):23185-6

Listing of color additives for coloring sutures; [phthalocyaninato(2-)] copper. Food and Drug Administration, HHS. Final rule.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the color additive regulations to provide for the safe use of [phthalocyaninato(2-)] copper in coloring nonabsorbable sutures for general and ophthalmic surgery made from a blend of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene). This action responds to a petition filed by Ethicon, Inc.

PMID: 10558496 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10536106&dopt=Abstract

Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 1999 Oct;30(2 Pt 1):110-6
Toxicology of hydrogen fluoride in relation to major accident hazards.

Meldrum M.

Health and Safety Executive, Magdalen House (Room 147), Stanley Precinct, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 3QZ, United Kingdom.

A major industrial accident involving the release of hydrogen fluoride has the potential to cause serious injury and possibly death in the surrounding human population. Given the potential for such serious and large-scale effects, there is a need for scientifically based risk assessments for determining appropriate on-site risk control measures, as well as for informing off-site emergency plans and land-use development decisions. Within Great Britain, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has the statutory responsibility for providing land-use planning advice in the vicinity of major accident hazard sites. The advice is based on quantified assessment of the individual risk of exposure to a specified amount of the toxic substance. Among other things this requires a consistent, reliable, and transparent understanding of the major hazard toxicology of the substance concerned. An assessment of the toxicology of hydrogen fluoride in relation to major accident hazards, based on conventional inhalation toxicity studies, was published by HSE in 1993. Recently, studies have been reported in which rats inhaled hydrogen fluoride via a mouthpiece attached to an endotracheal cannula. HSE has explored the use of this "mouth-breathing" rat model as a possible basis for human health risk assessment for hydrogen fluoride in the context of major accident hazards. A number of uncertainties in the use of this animal model have been identified that warrant caution in the use of this model for regulatory purposes. Overall, the results from the "mouth-breathing" rat model did not lead to a change in the HSE assessment of hydrogen fluoride, which remains based on experimental data obtained following "mainstream" toxicological practices. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Publication Types:

Review

Review, Tutorial

PMID: 10536106 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10501724&dopt=Abstract
Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 1999 Oct;63(4):473-7

No abstract available

Reduction of fluoride deposition in the vicinity of a brown coal-fired power plant as indicated by bone fluoride concentrations of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus).

Kierdorf H, Kierdorf U.

Zoological Institute, University of Cologne, Weyertal 119, D-50923 Koln, Germany.

PMID: 10501724 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10481292&dopt=Abstract
Sci Total Environ 1999 Aug 1;232(3):159-68

Monitoring regional fluoride pollution in the Saxonian Ore mountains (Germany) using the biomarker dental fluorosis in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.).

Kierdorf H, Kierdorf U, Sedlacek F.

Zoological Institute, University of Cologne, Germany. kierdorf@lindlar.de

The spatial variation of fluoride contamination in the Saxonion part of the Ore mountains (Federal state of Saxony, Germany) was assessed by analysing the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in wild male roe deer aged 2 years or more (n = 794) from this region. The study area is exposed to increased atmospheric deposition of fluorides, originating from emission sources in the North-Bohemian brown coal belt. The severity of dental fluorosis in the permanent premolars and molars of one hemimandible per animal was assessed based on a scoring system and a dental lesion index of fluorosis (DLI) assigned to each specimen. On the basis of the mean DLI calculated for the roe deer originating from a certain municipal district, the respective deer sample was assigned to one of seven fluorosis categories, and a map showing the distribution of these categories was produced. Highest fluorosis categories were recorded for roe deer samples from the central and eastern parts of the study area that directly bordered on, or were located near to, the Czech-German border. A close spatial relationship between the main fluoride emission sources in North-Bohemia and the regions with the highest prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in roe deer was discernible. The observed regional variation of fluoride pollution is in accordance with the results of other studies directly measuring fluoride deposition into the study area or fluoride levels in vegetation. A main advantage of the method used in this study over other ways of recording fluoride contamination of wildlife habitats is that it uses an established and continuously operated system of specimen collection, thereby enabling efficient monitoring with high spatial and temporal resolution at very low cost. Moreover, a clearly recognisable and relevant biological effect is measured which occurs in a dose-dependent manner over a range of environmentally relevant concentrations.

PMID: 10481292 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10447659&dopt=Abstract
Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1999 Aug;72(5):297-303

Erratum in:

Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1999 Nov;72(8):560

Respiratory health and fluoride exposure in different parts of the modern primary aluminum industry.

Radon K, Nowak D, Heinrich-Ramm R, Szadkowski D.

Ordinariat fur Arbeitsmedizin der Universitat und Zentralinstitut fur Arbeitsmedizin, Adolph-Schonfelder Strasse 5, D-22083 Hamburg, Germany.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate possible acute and long-term respiratory health effects of work at different working places in the primary aluminum industry.
METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 78 potroom workers, 24 foundry workers, and 45 carbon-plant workers (n = 147, exposed group), and 56 control workers (watchmen, craftsmen, office workers, laboratory employees) of a modern German prebake aluminum plant. The survey consisted of pre- and postshift spirometric and urinary fluoride measurements.
RESULTS: Potroom workers had significantly lower preshift results with regard to forced vital capacity (FVC, 99. 5% versus the 107.2% predicted; P < 0.05) and peak expiratory flow (PEF, 85.2% versus the 98.4% predicted; P < 0.01) as compared with controls. In a multiple regression model a small but significant negative correlation was found between postshift urinary fluoride concentrations and FVC, FEV(1), and PEF. Across-shift spirometric changes were observed only in FVC among carbon-plant workers (103.0 +/- 13.3% predicted preshift value versus 101.2 +/- 13.6% predicted postshift value; P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that lung function impairment in the modern primary aluminum industry may be only partly due to fluoride exposure and that working in aluminum carbon plants may cause acute lung function changes.

PMID: 10447659 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10441646&dopt=Abstract
Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 1999 Aug;63(2):271-6

Aluminum leaching from surrogate aluminum food containers under different pH and fluoride concentration.

Rajwanshi P, Singh V, Gupta MK, Shrivastav R, Subramanian V, Prakash S, Dass S.

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra-282 005, India.

PMID: 10441646 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10403089&dopt=Abstract

Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 1999 Aug;27(4):288-97
Fluoride intake from foods, beverages and dentifrice by young children in communities with negligibly and optimally fluoridated water: a pilot study.

Rojas-Sanchez F, Kelly SA, Drake KM, Eckert GJ, Stookey GK, Dunipace AJ.

Oral Health Research Institute, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis 46202, USA.

While the level of fluoride intake that affords optimal cariostatic efficacy without causing dental fluorosis is not precisely known, it has been suggested that the threshold of fluoride exposure above which fluorosis may occur is between 0.05 and 0.07 mg/kg/day.
OBJECTIVE: To monitor and compare fluoride intake from diet and dentifrice use (theoretical F: 0.10-0.11%) by three groups of 16- to 40-month-old children: two groups living in the negligibly water-fluoridated communities of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Connersville, Indiana, and the third group residing in the optimally water-fluoridated region of Indianapolis, Indiana.
METHODS: Fluoride intake from diet was monitored by the "duplicate plate" method, and fluoride ingested from dentifrice was determined by subtracting the amount of fluoride recovered after brushing from the amount originally placed on the child's toothbrush.
RESULTS: The mean combined amount of fluoride ingested daily by children living in the negligibly fluoridated communities was not significantly different from that ingested by children in the fluoridated community. The major component of fluoride ingested by children in the negligibly fluoridated communities came from fluoridated dentifrice, and in the fluoridated area children ingested as much fluoride from toothpaste as they did from beverages. In San Juan mean daily fluoride intake was within the estimated range for safe fluoride exposure; however, in the "halo" community of Connersville and in Indianapolis, daily fluoride ingested by many of the children may have exceeded this level.
CONCLUSION: Attention needs to be given, in negligibly water-fluoridated as well as in optimally water-fluoridated communities, to reducing the daily intake of fluoride by young children in order to avoid putting them at risk of developing dental fluorosis.

PMID: 10403089 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10365466&dopt=Abstract
Ann Pharm Fr 1999 Mar;57(2):108-15

[Fluorinated organic compounds: synthesis and biological applications]

[Article in French]

Wakselman C.

SIRCOB Batiment Lavoisier Universite de Versailles-St Quentin en Yvelines.

Since the discovery of molecular fluorine by Henri Moissan, fluorinated products have found numerous biological applications. Fluorine substitution can have profound effects on the properties of organic compounds. The very high electronegativity of this small substituent can modify electron distribution in the molecule, affecting its absorption, distribution and metabolism. Fluorination and 18F labeling methods are briefly described. Some examples of enzymatic inhibition by fluorinated products are examined. Nowadays, fluorine-containing medicinals are featuring significantly in such diverse areas as the provision of anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics and general anesthetics, anti-parasitic and central nervous system agents, and in cardiac therapy. Fluorocarbon emulsions show promise as blood substitutes. Several medical diagnostic techniques, such as positron emission tomography and the use of X-ray contrast agents, have profited from the use of fluorinated substances.

PMID: 10365466 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Full report available free at http://www.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/129/6/1209
J Nutr 1999 Jun;129(6):1209-13

Chronic fluoride ingestion decreases 45Ca uptake by rat kidney membranes.

Borke JL, Whitford GM.

Department of Oral Biology, Medical College of Georgia, School of Dentistry, Augusta, Georgia 30912-1129, USA.

High exposures to fluoride (F-) may occur in environments rich in F- from natural or industrial sources and from misuse of F--containing dental care products, particularly by children. Both acute and chronic exposures to elevated levels of F- have negative effects on several calcium-dependent processes, including kidney glomerular and tubular function. We examined the effect of chronic F- ingestion on ATP-dependent 45Ca uptake by rat kidney membrane vesicles to characterize the mechanism by which high F- alters Ca++ transport in the kidney. Twenty weanling female Sprague-Dawley rats were raised on low-F- (0.9 mg/L), semi-purified diet with a Ca++ concentration of 400 mg/100g diet. Rats were divided into four groups and were fed ad libitum deionized water containing F- at 0, 10, 50, or 150 mg/L added as NaF for 6 wk. This consumption produced plasma F- levels of <0.4, 2, 7, or 35 micromol/L, respectively. ATP-dependent 45Ca uptake was significantly lower in the 150 mg F-/L exposure group than in the 0 mg F-/L controls (P < 0.05). Studies with thapsigargin, a specific inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca++-pump, showed that the lower uptake was associated with significantly lower activities of both the plasma membrane Ca++-pump (P < 0.05, 150 mg F-/L group versus control) and endoplasmic reticulum Ca++-pump (P < 0.05 for both the 50 and 150 mg F-/L groups versus control). Slot blot analysis of kidney homogenates with specific Ca++-pump antibodies showed less (P < 0.05) endoplasmic reticulum Ca++-pump protein and plasma membrane Ca++-pump protein in all treatment groups than controls. Both Ca++-pumps are transport molecules of great importance in the regulation of Ca++ homeostasis. Our study suggests that chronic, high F- ingestion producing high plasma F- levels may occur in humans and may affect Ca++ homeostasis by increasing the turnover or breakdown or decreasing the expression of plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum Ca++-pump proteins.

PMID: 10356089 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10343089&dopt=Abstract
Caries Res 1999 Jul-Aug;33(4):267-74

Comment in:

Caries Res. 2001 Mar-Apr;35(2):162.

Altitude as a risk indicator of dental fluorosis in children residing in areas with 0.5 and 2.5 mg fluoride per litre in drinking water.

Rwenyonyi C, Bjorvatn K, Birkeland J, Haugejorden O.

School of Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway. mihmr@rasmus.uib.no

The purpose of this study was to assess the association between altitude and dental fluorosis among Ugandan children in two fluoride (F) districts while controlling for other factors related to fluorosis. A random sample of 481 children aged 10-14 years was examined for fluorosis using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov (TF) index. The prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis increased significantly with increase in altitude (900 vs. 2,200 m in the low- and 1,750 vs. 2,800 m in the high-F district) and in F concentration in the drinking water. In bivariate correlation analyses, F exposure from liquid (FEL), altitude, infant formula, vegetarianism and storing of drinking water in earthenware pots were significantly associated with the tooth prevalence of fluorosis (TPF), i.e. at a severity of TF score >/=1 (p<0.05); age and gender were not. The stepwise multiple linear regression explained 35 and 55% of the variance in TPF within the low- and high-F districts, respectively. The change in R2 due to FEL was 28 and 51% points compared with 5 and 4% points due to altitude. The significant effect of FEL and altitude was confirmed by multiple logistic regression analyses. Thus, although most of the variation in the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis was explained by the F intake from liquid, altitude was a significant risk indicator after controlling for potential confounders.

PMID: 10343089 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10231762&dopt=Abstract
J Wildl Dis 1999 Apr;35(2):356-60

Bone fluoride concentrations in beluga whales from Canada.

Mikaelian I, Qualls CW Jr, De Guise S, Whaley MW, Martineau D.

Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, PQ, Canada.

Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the St. Lawrence Estuary have been reported to have dental and bone abnormalities. To determine whether these lesions could be caused by high exposure to fluorides, we measured bone fluoride levels in eight beluga whales stranded on the shores of the St. Lawrence Estuary (Quebec, Canada), and in nine beluga whales killed by Inuit hunters in the Hudson Bay (North Western Territories, Canada). In both groups, fluoride concentrations were higher than those found in terrestrial mammals intoxicated by fluorides. Unexpectedly, fluoride concentration was significantly higher in beluga whales from the Hudson Bay (mean +/- SD: 10.365 +/- 1.098 ppm) than in beluga whales from the St. Lawrence Estuary (4.539 +/- 875 ppm) and was positively correlated with age in the latter population. Differences in diet might explain the differences in fluoride concentrations found between these two populations.

PMID: 10231762 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10217624&dopt=Abstract
Clin Chim Acta 1999 Mar;281(1-2):29-36

Hyperkalemia risks in hemodialysed patients consuming fluoride-rich water.

Nicolay A, Bertocchio P, Bargas E, Coudore F, Al Chahin G, Reynier JP.

Laboratoire de Controle et de Fabrication, Hopital Ste Marguerite, Marseille, France. alain.nicolay@u-clermont1.fr

In order to observe the consequences of chronic ingestion of high fluoride-rich water on plasma potassium levels of hemodialysed subjects, we have conducted a retrospective study on 25 patients with chronic renal failure, treated with a substitute method, six of whom (consumers group, group C) were drinkers of a bicarbonate (about 4500 mg/l) and fluoride-rich (9 mg/l) mineral water, the Vichy Saint-Yorre water. With respect to sodium polystyrene sulfonate consumption (n = 17), there was no significant difference between group C and NC (non-consumers group). A significant correlation between plasma fluoride and potassium levels was observed only before dialysis (P < 1 x 10(-7)) but not after dialysis. A group by group analysis revealed that this correlation was linked to group C (P < 5 x 10(-6)), in which kalemia before dialysis was higher than that observed in group NC (P < 0.005). Moreover, it appeared that the higher fluoride levels were, the higher the kalemia was inclined to be. Thus, the risks of hyperkalemia in dialysed patients, who also drink Vichy St-Yorre water or other fluoride-rich waters, are more important, while not forgetting the risk of fluorosis. The mechanisms by which chronically administered fluoride could increase kalemia are also discussed.

PMID: 10217624 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10086926&dopt=Abstract
Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 1999 Feb;27(1):48-56

Fluoride supplements and fluorosis: a meta-analysis.

Ismail AI, Bandekar RR.

Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-1078, USA. ismailai@umich.edu

This paper presents a systematic review of the dental literature that was carried out to investigate whether the regular use of fluoride supplements in non-fluoridated communities during the period of tooth development increases the risk of dental fluorosis. A MEDLINE search was organized for all documents published, in English, between January 1966 and September 1997 using the following key words: fluorosis, dental, fluoride, fluoride supplement or supplements, drop or drops, and tablet or tablets. Twenty-four studies that assessed the development of dental fluorosis in children who had used fluoride supplements earlier in their life were included in this review. Of the 24 studies, 10 were cross-sectional/case control studies and four were follow-up studies. These studies had data that allowed a quantitative estimation of the risk of developing dental fluorosis in users of fluoride supplements. The other 10 studies were excluded because they either did not present enough data or had other methodological problems. A qualitative review of the studies found a consistent and strong association between the use of fluoride supplements and dental fluorosis. The meta-analyses of the cross-sectional/case-control studies estimated that the odds ratio of dental fluorosis in users of fluoride supplements compared with non-users ranged between 2.4 and 2.6. The meta-analyses of the follow-up studies estimated that the relative risk in long-term users was between 5.5 and 12.2. This review confirmed that in non-fluoridated communities the use of fluoride supplements during the first 6 years of life is associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing dental fluorosis.

Publication Types: Meta-Analysis

PMID: 10086926 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Atmospheric Environment 1999; 33(1):155-161

As cited and abstracted in Fluoride 1999; 32(2):115

Chemical composition of fresh snowfalls at Palmer Station, Antarctica

TP DeFelice

University of Wisconsin, Atmospher Sci Group, Milwaukee, WI 53201 USA

A first time investigatin was performed to establish a chemical baseline for snowfall at Palmer Station Antarctica (64 degrees 46'S, 64 degrees 05'W) since there was no such record. A chemical baseline for snow could be used to validate climate change studies based on ice-core analyses. The snow samples contained (from high to low mass concentration) total organic carbon, chloride, ammonium and nitrate, excluding hydrogen and hydroxide. The pH of these samples ranged between 4.0-6.2. The relatively low nitrate and relatively high sulfate concentrations found in our samples are consistent with the results of other studies for this region of Antarctica. The ions and pH do not appear to favor a particular wind direction during this period. The total deposition of sulfate and fluoride via snowfall between 10 January and 10 February is conservatively estimated to be 4.78 and 1.3 kg/km3, respectively.

Talanta 1999; 48(1):57-62

As cited and abstracted in Fluoride 1999; 32(2):117

Separation and determination of fluoride in plant samples

HB Li and XR Lu

Chinese Acad Sci Ecoenvironm Sci Res Ctr, State Key Lab Environm Aquat Chem, POB 2871, Beijing 100085, China

A simple and rapid separation method is described for the determination of fluoride in plant samples. Fluoride is separated by distillation in the presence of H2SO4 and H2O2 in a dry air stream. The variables that influence the distillation quantification were optimized. The fluorides separated were subsequently determined by a spectrophotometric method of the La(III)-F- -alizarin complexone system. The precision of the procedure was significant, and the RSD was 3.7%. The accuracy of the method was statistically satisfactory, and the recovery was from 95.9 to 104.4%.

Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law 1999 Spring; 14(2)195-248
Highlights in North American litigation during the twentieth century on artificial fluoridation of public water supplies

JR Graham * and PJ Morin **

* B.A., LL.B., of the Minnesota Bar. 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. Dr. Morin was scientific advisor to counsel for the plaintiffs in major fluoridation litigation in Texas in 1982.

I. Introduction ............................................................ 195
II. The Nature of Police Power ..................................... 200
III. Natural Law Jurisprudence...................................... 205
IV. Health Freedom ...................... ............................ 210
V. The Key Decisions Sustaining Fluoridation ............. 218
VI. The Judicial Findings Condemning Fluoridation .......228
--- A. The Pittsburgh Case ......................................... 229
--- B. The Alton Case ................................................ 232
--- C. The Houston Case ........................................... 235
VIII. The Coming End of Fluoridation........................... 240
Appendix ................................................................ 245

Fluoride 1999; 32(4):248-250
Fluorine in Toxicology, Medicine, and Environment Protection

Report on the 9th Polish Fluorine Symposium.

June 2, 1999, Szczecin, Poland

A Hachoy-Mokrzynska

Department of Toxicology, Pomeranian Medical Academy, Szczecin, Poland.

Fluoride 1999; 32(4):251-254
Report on the Pan-Asia-Pacific Conference on Fluoride and Arsenic Research

August 16-20, 1999. Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China.

DC Kennedy, DDS

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