From: Elizabeth McDonagh [elizabeth@mbfm.freeserve.co.uk]
Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2006 8:38 PM
To: Dockets, FDA
Subject: Docket Number 2006N-0352 Mercury fillings (and fluoride).

elizabeth@mbfm.freeserve.co.uk

 

21 August 2006

 

Food and Drug Administration

FDADockets@oc.fda.gov

 

Dear Sir

 

Docket Number 2006N-0352  Mercury fillings (and fluoride).

 

I am convinced that two substances used by dentists are harmful to the brain, the endocrine system and the immune system.  I refer to mercury fillings and fluoride.

 

Mercury has long been known to be neurotoxic.  Hatters used it and became mad, hence Lewis Carol’s ‘mad hatter’.  When used as a component of amalgam fillings, mercury is not inert, small amounts are released into the mouth and are subsequently absorbed, eventually to reach the brain and nervous system.

 

Some countries, I understand, have banned mercury fillings.  I am surprised that a progressive country like the USA has not yet seen fit to do so.  I have also been told that a large measure of the mercury in the environment is there because of the cremation of corpses with mercury fillings.

 

Safer and more aesthetically attractive white fillings are now available to dentistry.  

I hope that the FDA will take note of public concerns about mercury fillings and institute measures to stop dentists using toxic materials.

 

In addition I draw your attention to the recent NRC Report ‘Fluoride in Drinking Water’.

This Report details adverse effects of fluoride at the current MCLG of 4ppm.  As people vary in their tolerance of fluoride, in their water consumption and in the level of fluoride they receive from dietary and environmental sources, even the fluoridation level of 1ppm gives no margin of safety.  Fluoride damages the thyroid gland leading to much ill-health and obesity as well as adverse effects on the immune system.  It is a subtly-acting, cumulative poison so its effects are not seen for many years and the fundamental cause of those effects is often not appreciated.

 

I pray that the FDA will protect the public health by ensuring that the use of these two substances by dentists and the addition of fluoride to public water supplies be halted.

 

Yours faithfully

 

Elizabeth A McDonagh BSc(Hons)

Former college lecturer in food studies and applied science (retired).