July 16, 2010

Contents:

1. An Official Word on Drinking Water Fluoridation
2. Twitter Success Could Pave Way For Others in Canadian Natural Health Industry
3. Take action: Stop Genetically Modified Wheat in Canada!

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An Official Word on Drinking Water Fluoridation

by Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) does not support fluoridation of drinking water for the following reasons.

1) The decline in caries in communities that are fluoridated has been highly significant -- but so has the decline that has occurred in non-fluoridated communities. There has, in fact, been a general decline in dental caries throughout the Western world, and the decline in fluoridated cities has not exceeded that in non-fluoridated communities. For example, BC drinking water is 95 percent non-fluoridated, whereas drinking water in Alberta is 75 percent fluoridated; yet the two provinces have similar rates of caries.

Furthermore, Europe is 98 percent non-fluoridated, but global European dental health is generally equivalent to or better than that in North America. Whatever the reason for the decline in dental caries, it can not be concluded that it is the result of drinking water fluoridation.

2) The incidence of toxic effects in humans from fluoridation may well have been underestimated. The most serious potential association is with osteosarcoma in boys, which appears to have been loosely associated with age of exposure to fluoride. It is true that the CDC has (as has the original researcher) acknowledged that current data are tentative, but a further larger-scale study is pending from the Harvard School of Dentistry. At the very least, such data are grounds for caution.

3) Animal studies have shown a wide range of adverse effects associated with fluoride. It has been shown to be a potential immunotoxin, embryotoxin, neurotoxin and harmful to bony tissues, including both dental and ordinary bone. In addition, it can damage (inhibit) thyroid function in several species, including humans. Its effect on ecosystem balance has been little researched, but is unlikely to be positive.

4) The intake of fluoride from drinking water is uncontrolled, and can lead to dental fluorosis in children who are inclined to drink large amounts of water. Both natural and artificially flouridated water can cause this effect, which is, of course, simply a visible representation of an effect on the entire bony skeleton. The cost of repairing teeth damaged by fluorosis is not trivial; moderate to severe effects can require $15,000 or more in dental fees.

It seems clear that a) fluoridation is unlikely to be the cause of the decline in caries in Europe and North America b) the potential for adverse effects is real, and c) current evidence points in the direction of caution. Over the last decade, recommendations with respect to acceptable fluoride exposure have steadily declined, and cautions have increased. Any dental benefit that may accrue from fluoride exposure is fully achieved by controlled topical application of fluoride compounds by trained dental professionals, not by fluoride ingestion. [The analysis of Dr. Hardy Limeback (www.fluoridealert.org/limeback.htm), Head, Preventive Dentistry, at the University of Toronto, further clarifies these points.]

On the basis of this "weight of evidence" we believe that fluoridation of drinking water is scientifically untenable, and should not be part of a public health initiative or program.

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For more information about CAPE: http://www.cape.ca/

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Twitter Success Could Pave Way For Others in Canadian Natural Health Industry

by PRLog Press Release

When Prairie Naturals' general manager Deborah Callbreath decided to get the company active on Twitter and Facebook, she was met with some skepticism from an industry that isn't generally known for technological early adoption. But nearly a year later, she's glad she followed through on the opportunities that she believes social media offers.

The company has now successfully used social media channels twitter, facebook, and youtube to help launch new products, identify consumer fans and strengthen relationships with retail partners.

June 22 through 29 they hosted a 7 day herbal cleanse on twitter, with 20 participants tweeting about their experience in real time.

The ReCleanse 7 Day Twitter Review announcement caught the attention of Integrated Health Retailer magazine (IHR) who recognized it as "An innovative marketing initiative" and went on to suggest "If this works out other companies will likely also explore using social networking tools."

A post-event analysis identified nearly 800 ReCleanse branded tweets... translating to an estimated half-million social media impressions. This kind of success is likely to fulfill the prediction of IHR magazine, encouraging other Canadian natural health products companies to take the plunge into social media marketing and communications.

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Take action: Stop Genetically Modified Wheat in Canada!

by Canadian Biotechnology Action Network

In 2004, genetically modified (GM - also called genetically engineered, GE) wheat was rejected by farmers and consumers across the globe, and yet industry is now working to prepare the way for GM wheat.

Last month 15 groups from Australia, Canada and the United States issued a joint statement reminding Monsanto and industry groups that GM wheat has already been soundly rejected - and we reiterated our pledge to stop commercialization.

Take action!

Individuals can send an instant letter to the Minister of Agriculture: http://www.cban.ca/globalstopGMwheat

Visit http://www.cban.ca/GMwheat to see other action options.

Visit Organic Consumer Association's GE Wheat Page and to learn more and take action: http://www.organicconsumers.org/wheat.cfm

Groups and associations are asked to sign on to the statement here by August 31, 2009: http://cban.ca/Resources/Topics/GE-Crops-and-Foods-N...

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