FLUORIDE FIASCO AT BRISBANE

NORTH PINE WATER TREATMENT PLANT

BE AWARE OF THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF FLUORIDE POISONING

Fluoride is toxic to most bodily systems. Acute poisoning can occur from an overdose of tablets (death to a young Brisbane boy some years ago) or by intake of fluoridated water in high concentrations or high doses. Failure to adequately monitor fluoride water levels, and respond appropriately to the communities affected by the overdose, have been the hallmarks of the Bligh Government’s poor duty of care in this situation. Be aware that if you have been harmed by fluoride you have no right to compensation as the Government has passed laws to ensure that it is not liable for its mistakes in water fluoridation. However, Queenslanders For Safe Water, Air and Food Inc, may be able to assist in an alternative avenue for conpensation. Report concerns by phoning Queenslanders for Safe Water, Air & Food Inc: Angus 3254 4596; Jeanie 0408 006 544; Merilyn 0418 777 112 and visit our web site: www.qawf.org

The most vulnerable in the community are infants and young children. Adults with thyroid or kidney problems or those who drink lots of fluoridated water are also at risk. Currently the NHMRC fluoride recommendations for babies to 6 months is nil and children six months to one year 0.5mg per day (about 1/2 litre of fluoridated water). Young children absorb 85% of fluoride; healthy adults absorb just over 50% and excrete the rest. The retained fluoride is then absorbed in bones making them brittle over time; fluoride has also been found to affect brain tissue. The symptoms of fluoride poisoning include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, skin complaints, neurological problems, numbness and tingling of face and extremities and fatigue. If these or other worrying symptoms have occurred during or after the overdose, please inform us.

Timeline

· 14th May announcement, water containing 30mg/L Fluoride (should be max of 0.8mg/L) went to 4000 homes in Warner and Brendale on 1^st May between 9am and 12 midday

· Linkwater, Qld Govt owned corporation controlling water pipelines, does daily sampling but did not receive fluoride tests till 12 days after overdose accident

· 15^th May, accident date changed to 2^nd May, time still between 9am and midday.

· 19^th May, major water main bursts at Mt Crosby/Anstead. Linkwater initially states only 3 suburbs would be affected, but it was actually 18 suburbs that had no, or little water for 9hrs. Linkwater had apparent difficulty working out reticulation.

· 19^th May, Anna Bligh tells Parliament that an independent investigator, Mark Pascoe, CEO of International Water Centre (IWC) is to conduct investigation into fluoride accident

· 21^st May, initial report of independent investigator, changes date and time of overdose to 30 April, now between 8am and 9am, suburb now changed to Joyner with YMCA children’s camp and 400 homes, and concentration changed to 19.6mg/L

Please note: “Independent“ investigator, Mark Pascoe is also a Director of the board of Water Secure, a Qld govt owned corporation which owns the Recycled Water plants, pipelines and Desalination plant. Mr Pascoe receives money from the Qld govt as a Water Secure Director. Additionally, the Qld govt financially supports the IWC of which Mr Pascoe is CEO.

We therefore believe that Mr Pascoe’s status as “independent “ is very compromised.