I am no longer talking to muir as he is inherently illogical, however I do have a responsibility to post some information I gleaned from that video. I looked deeper into that professor, and found this paper on her stance on fluoride.
http://australianfluorideaction.com...FA_-_Dr_AK_Susheela_Stand_on_Fluoridation.pdf
Anyone who is honestly interested in this issue should read it, it raises many good points, and I find it to be very insightful on the perspective of fluoride not being safe. Her research in so far as this paper seems of definite interest, and something to be very thoroughly investigated. Her points have been enough to draw me into a neutral stance on the fluoride debate simply through uncertainty. I want to know a LOT more about how she determined her numbers. However, in relation to our water, I have dug deeper into the average level of fluoride in our water. Now, the numbers I was using before is the absolute maximum containment level (4 ppm) of fluoridated drinking water. However, the recommended level is just 0.7 ppm in the united states, and they don't recommend anything over 1.2 ppm. Now, her studies ranged from sources between 0.5 ppm to 38.5 ppm concentrations. Now the very first thing I need to point out is that what concentrations lead to those conditions of fluorosis she describes is not listed. However I have very little doubt that if I dug into her scientific articles that I would find what I am looking for. Also, her paper only said that her studies where done on areas with concentrations between 0.5 ppm to 38.5 ppm, and not really specifying if she founds effects in those populations on the lower end of the spectrum. She seems to be reaching for the upper bound meaning that if there where effects, at concentrations around, say 1 ppm, then I would question what extent those effects where. As for the benefits, an initial look seemed to me that the effects on the teeth that she described only occur at higher concentrations of fluoride, and beneficial dental effects do occur at the proper levels of fluoride, but I would need to see her studies to better understand where the lines are drawn on what is beneficial and what is harmful. So far as I am aware, it is very possible that at the lower concentrations the dental side is beneficial, and the side effects negligible or non existent (therefore it is beneficial), or the levels are to low so no benefit dentally and non to marginal side effects (therefore ineffective concept), or the levels are low and side effects are of concern (therefore it is harmful). However there is no way to determine which is the most likely at this point in my understanding. It would also be irresponsible to say, "eh, best not take a chance, just don't do it". We have the ability to know if something is beneficial/safe or otherwise. We should not dismiss something that could be potentially very beneficial out of fear. Lots of questions, lots of reading, and lots of checking.
Now, before muir or another person jumps on and says, "see, it is toxic" or something like that, I want to again reiterate that our water is on the very lowest end of that spectrum she tested. Lets assume that this spectrum does have symptoms at every level, but that has not been clarified for me yet. In that case, it is extremely likely that the symptoms at the lower levels like ours would be the symptoms that are most susceptible to occurring, and likely the least dangerous. One that caught my eye is an effect in the lining of the stomach. I would need to do more reading to better understand that point.
All things considered, I do not know enough at this point to make a conclusion for myself. This person is obviously very qualified, and she has evidence to back up her claims. Therefore, it should most definitely be considered and explored. I plan to do this for myself. If enough people on here are interested in my exploring this women's research, I will make a thread/blog about it. You all have seen the way I explore and break down information. Either you find it effective or not. I'm not sure how often I'll post because I don't want my life consumed by this project, but I will make progress. This will be a long haul to wade through all her research. If not to many people are interested in this idea, I will just work through her research and in a few months (depending when I am comfortable with my conclusion) I can mail it to those that are interested. However, I would very much welcome impute from others to check my analysis of her results. Her studies are on a level beyond anything I've gone over yet, so I would very much enjoy have more set of eyes on it.
[MENTION=1871]muir[/MENTION]. Finally you have put up a point that is with evidence. Reliable evidence. I've spent the last hour and a half or so digging through checking her validity, initial research, and a few other things. She seems to have many very interesting points to consider. This is the kind of stuff you need to post to prove stuff, even though I don't think it's been proven yet. Lots of reading to do. Evidence is always better than conjecture muir, perhaps now you see that?