In 1981, after learning that Linus Pauling had donated money to buy his daughter a life membership in the National Health Federation, I asked him whether he knew about the group’s shady background and the fact that it was the leading antifluoridation force in the United States. I also asked whether he cared that the money might be used to help fight fluoridation. In a series of letters, he replied that he: (a) strongly supported fluoridation, (b) was aware of NHF’s opposition, (c) had tried to pressure the organization to change its views, (d) had spoken out for it often and over many years, and (e) thought other issues were more important.. He also sent me the statement below which he said he had issued in 1967. His claim that he had spoken out for fluoridation surprised me. Although I have read thousands of documents related to Pauling’s views and activities, I had never seen any indication that he had publicly supported fluoridation.
The Fluoridation of Drinking Water
Linus Pauling, Ph.D.
November 29, 1967
Over a period of more than a decade I have studied the available information about the fluoridation of drinking water I have reached the conclusion that the presence of fluoride ion in drinking water in concentrations about equal to the average for natural water is beneficial to the health, especially because of the protection that it provides against dental caries, and that there is no evidence for detrimental effects comparable in significance to the beneficial effects. I support the actions of city, state, and national governments in ordering that public supplies of drinking water be brought to this level by the addition of fluoride, in case that the water is deficient in fluoride, and by removal of some of the fluoride if there is an excess of fluoride in the water supply.
Fluoride as a Poison
Fluoride in large amounts is a poison. In small amounts it is beneficial to human beings. In this respect fluoride ion is similar to many other substances, such as vitamin D, that are harmful in large amounts but are required in small amounts for life and good health of human beings. Another example is copper. Copper sales are poisonous, but a small amount of copper is essential for the health of human beings.
Fluoride Ion as an Enzyme Inhibitor
It is known that at certain concentrations fluoride ion acts as an inhibitor of some of the enzymes present in the human body. The available evidence indicates that the fluoride ion present in average natural waters or in waters that have been fluoridated according to the standard present-day practice does not cause harmful effects to human beings by inhibiting enzyme action.
The Mottling of Teeth by Fluoride Ion
Drinking water containing a larger than average amount of fluoride ion causes mottling of the teeth with white spots. In general, only mild or very mild mottling of the enamel is caused by the concentration of fluoride recommended in the fluoridation of drinking water. The disadvantage of occasional mild mottling of the enamel is far outweighed by the advantage of great decrease in dental caries. |
I am pleased to note that the Linus Pauling Institute’s Web site now contains an excellent report on the importance of adequate fluoride intake. The statement originated in the early 1990s and is periodically revised. The current version concludes:
The safety and public health benefits of optimally fluoridated water for prevention of tooth decay in people of all ages have been well-established. The Linus Pauling Institute supports the recommendations of the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which include optimally fluoridated water as well as the use of fluoride toothpaste, fluoride mouthrinse, fluoride varnish, and when necessary, fluoride supplementation. Due to the risk of fluorosis, any fluoride supplementation should be prescribed and closely monitored by a dentist or physician.
This article was revised on June 8, 2008.
