Fluoridation of our drinking water is a contentious issue around the world and in now Queenslanders are faced with this dilemna. Unfortunately residents were not consulted on this recent decision. Although many people may be quite happy to drink fluoridated water others are not as they have genuine concerns about the potential health risks imposed by water fluoridation.

Australia's National Toxics Network reports that a new position paper from the US National Kidney Foundation concludes that individuals with chronic kidney disease should be notified of the potential risk from exposure to fluorides. The document acknowledges gaping holes in research concerning kidney impacts from fluorides, and thus further undermines the myth that fluoridation has been proven safe for everyone. In addition to advising that kidney patients be notified of their vulnerability to fluoride, the Kidney Foundation officially withdrew from the American Dental Association's list of organizations which support fluoridation.

To read more about this development, and to watch a FAN video discussing the issue visit Fluoride Action Network. Daniel Stockin is a career public health professional now at The Lillie Center, Inc, a Georgia-based public health training firm that is working to end water fluoridation. Email: stockin2[at]yahoo.com