Lead is a neurotoxin that reduces the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which plays a central role in learning and self-control. The 3rd National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (1988-1999) found average blood lead levels of 1.95�g/dL in Non-Hispanic White Children, 2.57�g/dL in Mexican-American children, and 3.31�g/dL in Non-Hispanic Black Children. Since children with blood lead levels over 2 �g/dL tend to experience learning deficits and dysfunctional behavior, ethnic differences in lead absorption explain social problems that have been unfairly attributed to cultural inferiority. Because absorption of lead is increased where chemicals called �silicofluorides� are used for water fluoridation, U.S. water treatment practices increase this social problem. The 1988-1999 NHANES survey found blood lead levels averaged 1.78�g/dL where sodium fluoride (NaF) was used to add fluoride; in contrast, blood lead averaged 2.34�g/dL in hydrofluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6) communities and 2.40�g/dL in sodium silicofluoride (Na2SiF6) communities. Confirming the official classification of silicofluorides as �hazardous� chemicals, chemical experiments by Westendorf (1974), Finney, et al. (2006), and Macek, et al. (2006) reveal effects of silicofluoride hydrolysis that include lower pH (i.e., greater acidity), acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and residues of oligosilicates and colloidal silica. Coplan and Masters (1999-2007) co-authored extensive epidemiological research on behavioral side-effects associated with water treated with silicofluorides. In addition to the association of silicofluoride water treatment with higher blood lead levels, this water treatment method is associated with significant increases in rates of violent crime, cocaine use, and poor educational outcomes. Controlling for other risk factors, statistical analyses confirm that silicofluoride-treated water contributes to each of these dysfunctional outcomes, with annual costs to taxpayers in the $millions annually.

Lead poisoning and racial injustice: Banning toxins in water treatment could save $billions

248th National Meeting (2014)

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