My Contribution to the Costa Mesa City Council Meeting, October 19, 2010

Good evening, Honorable Council of Costa Mesa. My name is Kristin Mills, and I am a local Naturopath.

Mercury is one of the most common causes of chronic health problems:

• chronic fatigue

• depression

• Multiple Sclerosis

• lupus

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• cardiovascular problems

• ADD/ADHD

• autism

• learning disabilities

• Alzheimer's

and other neurological and immune conditions.

Dentistry is the largest user of mercury in the US, using 45 tons per year.

Dental amalgam pollution does not distinguish between

health and the environment.

Greater than 20% of the US population tested for mercury showed levels classified as dangerous.

The EPA states that 3.7 tons of mercury is discharged from dental offices each year, as it is flushed into chair-side drains, entering wastewater systems, and making its way into the environment -- rivers, lakes, bays, and oceans.

Mercury dental amalgams are also present in processes of incineration, land application of sewage sludge and landfills.

All sewer plants in the US have high levels of mercury and all sewer sludge has dangerous levels of mercury -- generally 1-3 ppm (parts per million).

The level of mercury in all sewer plants in the US exceeds the US EPA proposed mercury limit.

Those with four or more amalgams violate EPA standards every time they spit in a sink.

Crematoria emissions commonly violate EPA air emission standards.

Crops grown on land using sewer sludge pick up high levels of mercury.

The US Geological Survey's report on Mercury Contamination of Aquatic ecosystems state that this issue was established in the 1950's: "...emissions of mercury to the environment could have serious effects on human health."

Mercury becomes a toxicological problem as it undergoes bioaccumulation --- the process by which organisms, including humans, take up contaminants more rapidly than their bodies can eliminate them.

Mercury is biomagnified from the bottom to the top of the food chain. Even at very low rates, biomagnification effects can result in mercury levels of toxicological concern. The biomagnifcation effect compounds the longer an organism lives. Predatory fish have the highest mercury levels. Adding to this problem is the fact that mercury concentrates in the muscle tissue of the fish, and cannot be filleted or cooked out.

Given size and life-span -- compare this effect on fish to that on humans.

Methylmercury effects the central nervous system (CNS), and in severe cases, irreversibly damages areas of the brain.

All forms of mercury are toxic to humans, but methylmercury is especially of concern.

Mercury has a deleterious impact on our air, water, food source, and human health. We've established there is no distinction between health and the environment. Therefore, it is responsible to ban mercury dental amalgam.

We appreciate your responsible and forward thinking by signing the "Monahan Resolution".

Costa Mesa, California

October 19, 2010

Dr Mercola: "The Hazardous Gas in Your Mouth: Is This the First Crack in the ADA's Corrupt Cover-up?"

See the videos and the full story here:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/11/10/first-legal-victory-to-ban-mercury-from-amalgams-in-the-us.aspx

The two videos above are from the October 19, 2010 Costa Mesa City Council meeting, during which the Monahan Resolution banning the use of dental mercury was enacted.

The first one, created by Kelly Gallagher, poignantly captures both the testimony and the momentum of this watershed event, and one of the most compelling testimonies at this council meeting was in fact offered by a reader of this newsletter who took action and got involved.

This victory is reproducible, and below you'll find out exactly how.

Not only that; the success of this grassroots campaign against mercury amalgam is an excellent case study for others with similar goals for health care reform.

Effective change must start at the local level. Every leader made his or her mark in one community before moving to regional, national, and international leadership; they chose a real issue that directly impacted people's lives.

Historical examples include seamstress Rosa Parks who, joined by new clergyman Martin Luther King, led a bus strike in Montgomery, Alabama. Young lawyer Gandhi organized a strike over the British fingerprinting Indians in South Africa, and dockyard worker Lech Walesa led a strike at the shipyards of Gdansk, Poland.

Here, a trio of Orange County, California activists, led by Anita Vazquez Tibau, worked to find a community willing to fire the first shot across the bow at amalgam -- to eliminate its use entirely.

Anita's track record on this cause goes back to 2001, when she led the successful effort to disband the Dental Board of California for failing to prepare an honest fact sheet on mercury fillings, as required in the Watson law.

Now as director of Californians for Green Dentistry, a project of Consumers for Dental Choice, Anita is joined by dental hygienist Marisa Russo (www.simplyraisingawareness.com) and naturopath Kristy Mills (www.lagunanaturalhealth.com).

This team distributed flyers explaining the hazards of amalgam (unfortunately, most people are still not even aware that "silver fillings" contain mercury!). They allied with health professionals and green businesses for support.

They organized an extensive petition drive, collecting signatures from individuals asking city council to ban amalgam -- both by asking people directly to sign, and by enlisting friendly health professionals and businesspeople to keep the petitions in their front offices.

They surveyed all the city's dentists, and presented certificates to dentists who are mercury-free.

Then, they sought out Councilman Gary Monahan, a courageous Councilman from Costa Mesa who runs an Irish restaurant and understands the risks of mercury firsthand -- he has an autistic son. Councilman Monahan agreed to sponsor a resolution calling on the federal and state governments to "eliminate the use of mercury in dental practices ...immediately," and, at the local level, requesting that every dentist cease using this poisonous material.

On October 19, 2010, they were ready.

Dentists, a dental hygienist, chiropractors, victims of mercury toxicity, businesspeople, a scientist, a Navy veteran, and a lawyer descended on the City Council meeting to testify in favor of the Monahan resolution.

It passed unanimously, and Costa Mesa became the first locality in the United States to call for a ban on mercury fillings – all because of the passionate involvement of these courageous and industrious volunteers.

Join Us! Bring the Movement Against Mercury in Dentistry to Your City

Now it's your turn!

If you live in California, please join Anita, Kristy, Marisa, and the Californians for Green Dentistry team as they take this movement to other cities across the US.

The next step is to find other cities in California willing to follow suit in endorsing an immediate elimination of amalgam. Therefore, volunteers, especially in the L.A. and Orange County area, are being sought.

To volunteer, write announcements@toxicteeth.org, and give you home city and county along with your contact information.

As they say, all politics is local!

The Ball is Already Rolling… Let's Keep it Going!

For its national and international impact, the timing of the Monahan resolution could not be better.

In December, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will hold hearings to reconsider its position on amalgam. The FDA's current stance is that mercury in dentistry is good for the public health. But even though they've long been the world's number one protector of mercury fillings, the FDA is finally starting to realize it has become a pariah in the world by covering up the massive harm being done.

Also, in January, the United Nations begins its second session on a treaty to address all sources of mercury.

And a new coalition called the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, led by Charlie Brown (charlie@toxicteeth.org), is leading the charge to phase out amalgam everywhere.

If consumers like you continue to organize and fight against the pro-mercury dental lobby, then the vote in Costa Mesa, CA could become the shot heard round the world!

Pro-mercury dentists, the FDA, and the world need to know that consumers will not tolerate dental mercury - a neurotoxin and a pollutant - any longer. Just like Costa Mesans have made it clear that the use of amalgam is no longer acceptable in their community.

To keep this momentum going, please sign the Californians for Green Dentistry's online petition to ban dental mercury in California, right NOW!

How to Organize a Grassroots Campaign at the Local Level – A First-Hand Account

The director of Californians for Green Dentistry, Anita Vazquez Tibau, recently told me her personal story of what got her started as a local activist in Orange County, CA, about ten years ago:

"In 2000 I discovered I was mercury poisoned by my 13 large mercury dental fillings. After burning the midnight oil, I realized the science and medical research clearly indicated that the mercury from my fillings was the cause of many of the health problems I was suffering from.

I decided almost immediately that this was a problem I could do something about, and that's where my journey started."

Anita graciously provided me with this helpful ten-point guide to organizing at the grassroots level. I hope her success will inspire you to follow in her footsteps, and become an advocate for safe dentistry in your local community. As Anita says:

"What I have learned over the past 10 years working with Consumers for Dental Choice about grassroots organizing can be accomplished by anyone!"

Organizing at the Grass Roots Level -- 10 points for Success

1. Be passionate!
   
   

   The first element for success is unbridled passion for your cause. People get involved with an issue because they or their loved ones have been affected. Do what you love and love what you do.

2. Become an expert.
   
   

   Whoever is chosen to become a spokesperson for the cause must absolutely become an expert on the topic. Anything less could become a detriment to the organization. Know your organization and never stop learning and growing.

3. Research – research – research!
   
   

   Research the cause of the problem; people who are most affected by the issue; and the experts who know and understand the cause. Beware that you must find legal experts as well. Use your contacts and create a database.

   Also know who is your opponent –you will not be successful unless you can defeat your opponent.

4. Think about who you should target for support on an issue, and how.
   
   

   Align yourself with other likeminded groups so that you can become a stronger organization. Also remember that people are more likely to support your cause if you present yourself professionally – believe it or not, doors will open faster if you solicit support in business attire.

5. Petition – Petition – Petition!
   
   

   If you are able to describe your cause in a sentence or two, people are more likely to help. You need a sales pitch! This becomes your mantra for the organization and builds brand recognition. For example Charlie Brown coined the term – "Say the "M" Word"…People would then be curious and ask "What is the "M" word?" and we would explain that it's about mercury…

   One of the problems your may encounter is where to find a location to gather signatures. Look for locations that may be open to your cause, then contact the manager at the store/location to see if you can set up an information table. Some businesses may not allow petitioning whereas others can be extremely helpful.

   Once they say yes, it helps to personally meet the manager and establish a positive working relationship. Again, professionalism is key, and so is appearance.

   Another great avenue for spreading the word is through social media such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. Non-profits are constantly fund-raising and these avenues are free! Consumers for Dental Choice placed a petition online with tremendous success.

6. Plan events to raise awareness.
   
   

   Once you've built a solid base of support, start planning events to build awareness around your cause. Look to your sphere of influence – people that you have met that can support your cause.

   When it is press related – visuals are a must! Signs carry a message, and visuals are powerful.

7. Look for win-win situations.
   
   

   Look for local businesses that can benefit by the exposure of helping you. For example, businesses that will carry your message by letting their clients sign your petition, while getting recognition through your organization in return. In essence they become stakeholders in your cause. Use local platforms as educational tools about your issue.

8. Identify allies in city government.
   
   

   Once you have garnered enough support, research and identify allies in the city government who will be sensitive to your issue.

9. Remember common courtesies.
   
   

   Always thank those who help you, and be sincere. A heartfelt thanks goes a long way, and it is best to say thank you in writing.

10. Stay positive!
    
    

    Remember, when the going gets tough. the tough get going. Never give up hope -- that is all you have, so have faith in what you do. We will always win if we don't quit!

Sign the Petition to Ban Dental Mercury in California

Even if you're not ready to take an active part in this campaign, you can still help keep this momentum going.

Please take a moment right NOW to sign the Californians for Green Dentistry's online petition to ban dental mercury in California by visiting this page, and share it with everyone you know.

For more information and regular updates, please join the Californians for Green Dentistry's Facebook page.

Together, we can WIN, and protect the health of countless children and adults who are still being poisoned by this ancient form of dentistry, every single day in the US.

OC

California City Says Stop Dental Amalgam Immediately

Costa Mesa, California has become the first city in the

United States to call for an immediate end to dental amalgam,

the controversial filling material that is 50% mercury. Voting 5-0

on 19 October 2010, the Costa Mesa City Council adopted the

resolution* sponsored by Councilman Gary Monahan that

(1) calls on federal and state agencies to eliminate amalgam,

(2) asks dentists in Costa Mesa to cease using mercury and switch

to non-toxic alternatives, and

(3) requests that the other 33 cities in Orange County join

Costa Mesa in opposing dental mercury. While as a resolution,

it does not actually ban amalgam, it is an important step toward

ending this health and environmental scourage.

"There are so many alternatives and I can't understand why we're

putting this in our mouth," explained Councilman Monahan. “[I]t's

incredibly dangerous to people getting them and to the environment.”

The watershed Monahan Resolution is the first success for Californians

for Green Dentistry, a new project of Consumers for Dental Choice.

Californians for Green Dentistry has a trio of dedicated leaders:

Director Anita Vazquez Tibau spearheaded the strategy leading to

this resolution along with dental hygienist Marisa Russo and

naturopath Kristy Mills.

Since July, our hardworking California volunteers distributed handouts

alerting the public to the problem of dental amalgam, gained the

support of numerous local health professionals and businesses, and

collected hundreds of signatures on petitions to city council. In response,

the Costa Mesa City Council granted us the hearing to address dental

mercury. At the city council hearing, our talented team – including dentists,

health professionals, injured consumers, scientists, advocates, and even

former Californian Dental Board member Dr. Chet Yokoyama – offered

poignant testimony calling for a ban on dental mercury.

Our story is told by video that can be viewed by clicking here, and dentist

Dr. Jim Rota’s compelling testimony can be viewed in full by clicking here.**

We also made the front page of the local news, which can be read online.***

It’s time to take this primitive and polluting mercury product off the

market, and we can start in the trend-setting state of California! If you

are a Californian and want to join the Californians for Green Dentistry

team in the fight against dental mercury, please write Anita and me at announcements@toxicteeth.org . Let us know your name, home county,

and home city.

No matter where you are from, please thank Costa Mesa

Councilman Gary Monahan for standing up to protect our communities,

and especially our children, from dental mercury. He can be reached

by email at gmonahan@ci.costa-mesa.ca.us

Congratulations Costa Mesa, California!

-- Charlie

Charles G. Brown, National Counsel
Consumers for Dental Choice
316 F St. NE, Suite 210
Washington, DC 20002
202-544-6333

*also available at http://www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us/council/agenda/2010-10-19/RESOLUTION-DentalMercury.pdf

**also available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ITNVvFbhxY & http://www.talkinternational.com/costa-mesa-resolution.html

*** also available at http://articles.dailypilot.com/2010-10-18/news/tn-dpt-1019-mercury-20101018_1_amalgam-silver-fillings-silver-fillings

*********

NOTE: Californians for Green Dentistry salutes Councilman Gary Monahan

and the City of Costa Mesa for their forward-thinking and resolve to create

a safer and healthier city for their citizens, visitors and surrounding

communities to enjoy.

Our mission continues.

OC

Costa Mesa Leads the Way on Banning Dental Mercury in the US

Marisa Russo - Californians for Green Dentistry, Charlie Brown, Consumers for Dental Choice, Washington, DC, and Anita Tibau, Kelly Gallagher and Kristy Mills - Californians for Green Dentistry

On July 29, 2010, Californians for Green Dentistry launched an initiative to ban dental mercury, creating mercury-free dental zones in California. This project came a year and a day after FDA announced a mercury regulation that failed to ensure that consumers would be informed of amalgam's mercury content, and does nothing to protect children and the unborn, even though FDA admits that these populations may be particularly susceptible to neurological damage from mercury exposure.

The pilot project was the city of Costa Mesa, a forward-thinking city of 113,000+ residents in Orange County.

Last night, Costa Mesa City Council unanimously (5-0) passed the Monahan Resolution, appropriately named for Councilman Gary Monahan, who has an autistic son, and realizes first-hand the deleterious impact mercury has on health and the environment. It is the first of it's kind in the US.

Here's a copy of the Monahan Resolution:

*******************************

RESOLUTION NO.10-

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA
OPPOSING THE USE OF DENTAL MERCURY

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA HEREBY RESOLVES
AS FOLLOWS:

WHEREAS, Dental Amalgam contains about 50% mercury; and

WHEREAS, the State of California recognizes in Proposition 65 that “Dental
Amalgam causes exposure to mercury, a chemical know to the State of
California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm” and the State
recognizes in the Watson Law that “mercury may harm the developing brain of a
child or fetus,”; and

WHEREAS, Amalgam is the second-largest selling mercury product in the United
States where more mercury resides in human teeth than in all other mercury
products combined; and

WHEREAS, the mercury from dental fillings pollutes our water via dental clinic
releases and household waste; and

WHEREAS, the mercury from dental fillings pollutes our air via cremation, clinic
emissions and sludge incineration; and

WHEREAS, the mercury from dental fillings pollutes our land via landfills, burials
and fertilizer; and

WHEREAS, Amalgam is by far the greatest contributor of mercury to wastewater;
and

WHEREAS, Amalgam, once in the environment, converts to methylmercury and
contaminates the fish we eat; and

WHEREAS, the environmental health effects of mercury are well established –
according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – mercury in the
environment can cause neurological damage, especially to the developing brains
and nervous systems of children and fetuses; and

WHEREAS, dental workers, mostly females of childbearing age, are often
exposed to mercury in their work environments; and

WHEREAS, many dental consumers, deceived by the term “silver fillings,” are
unaware of Amalgam’s mercury content and its resulting environmental impact;
and

WHEREAS, interchangeable, modern alternatives to Amalgam exist and are
readily available and widely in use.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council opposes the use of Dental Amalgam
and hereby requests that State and Federal agencies with the legal authority to
eliminate the use of mercury in dental practices take the necessary steps to
effect this needed change immediately and;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby requests that all
dental practices located in Costa Mesa voluntarily cease use of Dental Amalgam
in advance of State and Federal action and switch to interchangeable, modern
alternative filling materials that are already widely in use and;

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby directs that copies of
this resolution be disseminated to the City’s State and Federal representatives
and to the other 33 cities in Orange County with a request that they adopt similar
resolutions.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of October, 2010



________________________________
Allan R. Mansoor, Mayor



ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:



________________________ _______________________________
Julie Folcik, City Clerk Kimberly Hall Barlow, City Attorney




STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss
CITY OF COSTA MESA )


I, JULIE FOLCIK, City Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa, DO HEREBY
CERTIFY that the above and foregoing is the original of Resolution No. 10-__
and was duly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Costa Mesa
at a regular meeting held on the 19th day of October, 2010, by the following roll
call vote, to wit:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereby set my hand and affixed the seal
of the City of Costa Mesa this 20th day of October 2010.




_______________________________
JULIE FOLCIK, CITY CLERK





(SEAL)



******************

Californians for Green Dentistry is partnered with Consumers for Dental Choice, Washington, DC, the consumer organization focused exclusively on the goal of phasing out dental amalgam (mercury fillings), and lead by National Counsel, Charlie Brown.

Watch the council meeting video here:
http://costamesa.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=1568

Join us on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Californians-for-Green-Dentistry-Non-Profit/106084399449156?ref=ts

Sign the petition:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/ban-dental-mercury/

Congratulations, Costa Mesa! You made history as the first US city to take a stand and officially oppose the use of dental mercury.

OC

FAQ's How You Can Stop Dental Mercury Pollution

CALIFORNIANS FOR GREEN DENTISTRY

P.O. Box 664, Newport Beach CA 92661 • Telephone: 714.825-0224 • www.toxicteeth.org

Ban Dental Mercury!

What is Dental Mercury?

· Dental amalgam (also deceptively called "silver fillings") is a primitive, polluting, 19th century cavity filling material made up of 50% mercury – a neurotoxin and reproductive toxin that is a particularly dangerous for children and pregnant women.

· Dental mercury is no longer needed to fill cavities (modern dentists have stopped using it and started using safe resin composite materials), but pro-mercury dentists are still the second largest buyer of mercury.

The Dental Mercury Crisis

The mercury implanted into the mouths of unsuspecting dental patients ultimately ends up back in our environment:

· in our water via dental office releases and household waste

· in our air via cremation, sludge incineration, dental office emissions, and human respiration

· in our land via landfills, burials, and fertilizer.

California taxpayers are being ripped off by pro-mercury dentists. We are footing the bill for the environmental clean-up of dental mercury – by far the largest source of mercury in our wastewater and a major contributor to mercury in our fish. Meanwhile, the California Dental Association 1) blocks all laws that would require dentists to catch some of their mercury waste before it is dumped into our water and 2) refuses to address dental mercury that gets in our air and land.

You Can Stop Dental Mercury Pollution

· Sign the petition to ban dental mercury in our community by emailing consumer director Anita Vazquez Tibau at anitatibau@hotmail.com

· To receive email updates on the fight to eliminate dental mercury, join our mailing list at http://www.toxicteeth.org/mailingList.cfm

••••••••••

OC

Launch Day: Californians for Mercury-Free Dentistry

Today we launched the pilot project for Californians for Mercury-Free Dentistry in Southern California. Our goal is to create mercury dental amalgam-free zones by providing:

• consumer education

• direct action (petitions)

• dentist conversion

• protecting dental auxiliaries

We will accomplish this by placing petitions in health professional offices, surveying dentists, and providing education (speaking) in appropriate forums such as groups and public forums.

Certificates will be awarded to the mercury-free dentists and other businesses who support mercury-free dentistry. Mercury-free practices will also be included on an internet (global) list of mercury-free providers.

We are currently working on an online petition so that anyone, anywhere can make their voice heard to put an end to amalgams. We will make an announcement when it is available.

Going forward, we anticipate worldwide impact. Consumers for Dental Choice in Washington, DC may submit this as a “pilot project” to the United Nations Environmental Programme, and then report on its success at the next UN session in January 2011 in Tokyo.

Please go to www.toxicteeth.org for more information regarding the dangers of mercury amalgams ("silver fillings"), and how this outdated, toxic practice should be phased out. Amalgams are toxic to your body AND the environment -- that stuff gets dumped somewhere --- it ends up in our water supply, our soil, our food source, and off-gasses into the air we breathe.

Join us in our mission! We had a great time today. There's plenty of work to do -- we welcome interested, like-minded people to join us in elevating awareness of optimum lifestyle options to assist the consumer in demanding the very best in health care.

Work local, and it will become global!

OC