1. Sources of fluorine/fluoride exposure include:

 -- fluoridated toothpaste, and some pharmaceutical medications, some food/beverages

 -- military exposure to chemical weapons

 --  exposure to fluoride-containing fumigants and rodenticides, and cigarette smoke

 --  industrial exposure --including aluminum smelting, glass etching, and some manufacturing processes

-- fluoridated water --including occupational exposure to sodium fluoride in water treatment, and overexposure to fluoridated   water (such as soaking hot tubs, swimming, showers, drinking water, and food products using fluoridated water (such as fruit juices, infant formulas, other beverages)

 

2. Effects of chronic fluoride/fluorine exposure from ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption, include:

-- weight loss, chronic fatigue not alleviated by rest, general weakness, depression

-- headaches, bone, joint and muscle pain, muscle spasms

-- brittle bones and teeth, tinnitus

-- anemia, acidosis, reddish spots on skin, slight bleeding from nose lining

-- blurred vision, dizziness, poor balance, numbness and tingling of extremities

-- depression, difficulty concen-trating, loss of mental alertness, nervousness

-- excessive thirst, kidney inflammation, frequent urination

-- nausea, diarrhea, constipation, blood in stools, flatulence, abdominal pain

-- damage to internal organs, and to cellular biochemistry & thyroid functioning

 

-- fluorides can enter the body through inhalation of gases and vapors, through swallowing, and through skin absorption.

-- fluorides can be stored in bones and teeth, and any tissues of the body

 

-- avoidance of acidic foods, such as citrus fruits

-- large quantities of supplemental calcium carbonate, which not only helps to de-acidify the body, but also binds fluorine --assisting in safe excretion of fluorine, and also helping replenish body calcium stores depleted by fluorine.

-- ingestion of a tablespoonful of lecithin twice daily, which helps protect nerve sheaths and kidney linings from corrosion/acidity

-- deep breathing of clean, fresh air when the body feels acidic and during the detox procedures, to help remove fluorine through respiration, and relieve some of the stress on the kidneys.

-- ingestion of copious amounts of fluorine-free water, to dilute body concentrations of fluoride and facilitate safe excretion

-- use of Stellaria spp. (common chickweed) as a tea. This plant, a common garden weed which is edible in apparently unlimited quantities without toxic effect, helps soothe inflamed kidneys. It should be gathered from areas free from animal contact and from pesticide/auto exhaust drift. Washed thoroughly, it can then be dried (maintaining color and activity) by placing in open container in a refrigerator, turning gently every day or so until thoroughly dried. It can then be stored in dark containers for a few months. Dose about half to full teaspoon of dried plant per 1 cup boiling water. Bring to boil, simmer a few minutes, then steep for 15-20 minutes. One or two swallows at a time as desired.

-- the sauna used in detoxification should either be "dry sauna," or if an Indian-type sweat lodge is used, then fluoride-free water should be used. Steam saunas using tap water may, in fluoride-containing water areas, add to the problem rather than helping to resolve it.

-- hair loss due to fluoride poisoning (also useful in treatment of organic mercury-related hair loss). After gently washing with "natural" shampoo and rinsing, gently rub into scalp "organic" cold-pressed olive oil to which has been added: a bit of strong nettle (Urtica sp, commonly available in health food stores) tea, and dissolved vitamin/mineral supplements as desired (not too much). After rubbing into scalp and hair, wrap head (paper towels, cloth, etc.) for about 20 minutes, then wash out.

 

Dreisbach, Robert H. and Robertson, William O., Handbook of Poisoning: Prevention, Diagnosis & Treatment --17th ed. (Norwalk, CT --Appleton-Lange 1987)

Waldbott, George L., et al., Fluoridation: The Great Dilemma (Lawrence, Kansas, Coronado Press, Inc. 1978)

Personal observation and experience.