the qld health department knew the effect that sodium fluoride has on the human body.
in their code of practice dated jan 2000 they state -
fluorides exert their toxic effects by inhibiting vital body enzymes, disturbing many of the body's chemical processes.
a regular intake of fluoride above 0.006 grams per day is likely to result in toxic effects that are collectively known as fluorosis. as it has a very slow onset, workers may notice nothing but an increasing stiffness of the back (p 17)
the merck index states that sodium fluoride is sold as a household insecticide and used as a rat killer.
it then goes on to caution that severe symptoms have occured from ingestion of less than 1 gram: death from 5 to 10 grams. it goes on to list various complaints such as melena and haematemesis. it also says that chronic ingestion (of which 80% is retained by the body and only 20% is excreted) may cause mottling of tooth enamel and osteosclerosis.
it then descibes its use as an insecticide, paint mixes, electroplating etc. 1996 version
it is also a requirement that sodium fluoride be coloured nile blue so that it cant be mistaken for bread mix which has happened apparently
further refences:-
Poisons - properties, chemical identification, origin and use. Signs, symptoms and emergency treatment. By Vincent J. Brookes. Robert E. Krieger Publishing Company, Huntington -New York 1975
Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens. By Marshall Sittig Noyes Publications 1991
