Book Review of The American Fluoridation Experiment

The American Fluoridation Experiment. F. B. Exner, M.D. and G. L. Waldbott, M.D., Edited by James Rorty. 277 pages. The Devin-Adair Company, 1957. Price $3.50.

 

This is a timely and important book. The fluoridation controversy is one of the most curious phenomena of our generation. It exemplifies the effectiveness of propaganda techniques in swaying the minds of whole populations–for a time at least. Future historians may well observe that only the right of free speech and the dogged efforts of a few individualists saved the United States from irreparable harm.

In his introduction the well known writer James Rorty stresses the experimental aspect of artificial fluoridation of communal water supplies in no uncertain terms:

“1. It represents an unprecedented enlargement of the responsibility and authority of the Public Health Service.

“2. It subjects the entire urban population to treatment with a medication designed to benefit only a comparative few.

“3. The program provides no adequate control of the dosage…

“4. The results of the treatment can not be predicted, since by its own admission the Public Health Service has conducted no adequate preliminary studies of the effects of artificially fluoridated water on children and none whatever on adults.

“This is the first time that the official sponsors of a public measure have censored, intimidated, and regimented the interested health professions. It is the first time that public health officials have deliberately falsified, distorted, and suppressed scientific evidence tending to impugn the safety of a public-health measure. It is the first time that the sponsors of such a program have systematically slandered its professional and lay critics and opponents.”

These are strong words indeed, but as the incredible story is unfolded, ample substantiation for these indictments is presented.

Doctor Exner continues with a comprehensive discussion of the physiology and toxicology of fluorides together with a devastatingly logical exposition of the dangers of adding such compounds to our water supplies. In the process he exposes the statistical fallacies on which fluoridation is based. A discussion of chronic fluorosis in animals and man is followed by a most important chapter: “Authoritarianism in our Public Health Service (Papa Knows Best).”

Doctor Exner’s ability to coin apt phrases is demonstrated by his remark: “We are entitled to pure water from the tap–not medicine or soup.”

In the next section Doctor Waldbott describes his experiences with actual cases of toxicity from the consumption of artificially fluoridated water, outlining the almost unknown symptomology of this disease. He then proceeds to expose promotion methods used by fluoridation proponents including the overall strategy used to win the minds of professional men and laymen alike.

Without a knowledge of these propaganda techniques and without many, many hours spent in searching the literature, which most men cannot or will not do, physicians and dentists are as putty in the hands of skillful promoters.

With this knowledge the whole fluoridation drive falls into its true perspective.

Mr. Rorty closes the book with several short chapters on the Fluoridation Resistance Movement, including alternative methods of supplying fluorides to those who wish them.

This valuable book is written in a free-flowing popular style, and is thoroughly documented. At long last physicians and dentists have available an authoritative treatise on this vitally important and controversial topic.

The literary and scientific background of the authors is of the highest caliber in spite of propaganda to the contrary. Few physicians or dentists are qualified to advise their patients concerning fluoridation until they have read this book.