Adding fluoride to the public water supply is a very controversial issue. However, I believe if you stopped the majority of people on the street and asked them about the topic they wouldn't have a strong opinion one way or the other, but in general would support it because they trust their local water provider and because their dentist says it's a good thing. One the other side of the fence is a growing number of people who have actually researched the topic and are fighting to have the practice stopped. I used to fall into the first group of people but now consider myself part of the second.My local water provider, Olivehurst Public Utility District (OPUD) started adding fluoride to our water in July of 2010. At the time, I remember some discussion about it on our community forum, and some minor opposition, but I personally thought it was a good idea. Like most people, I trust my water provider and dentist to be looking out for me. Why would they do something that may not be in my best interest? Later in 2010, I decided to run for an open seat on the OPUD board of directors and was elected to represent my fellow residents. My run for the board had nothing to do with fluoridation, and I didn't think much about it until early 2012 when a friend of mine, who is opposed to the practice, came before the board and requested that it be stopped. He gave the board a thorough presentation explaining why fluoridation should be ended and provided adequate resources for board members to conduct their own research on the subject. The board also received presentations from the Yuba County Health Department and local dentists who support the practice. When the board voted, it was 3-2 in favor continuing water fluoridation. I cast my vote in favor of stopping it. In the November 2012 election, one of the OPUD board members who voted to continue fluoridation lost to an individual who ran on a platform opposing it. As a result, the OPUD board once again took up the topic of fluoridation in February 2013 and this time the vote was 3-2 to stop it.
How could someone who was a supporter of fluoridation no all that log ago vote to end it? The answer is simple, I researched it and was surprised by what I found out.
As with any controversial issue, there is plenty of information both for and against and it's often hard to know what to believe and what not to. There are claims that fluoridation of the water supply can cause cancer and bone damage. While I don't deny these are possibilities, I didn't read anything that persuaded me to believe these claims as hard fact. Also, while fluoride is toxic in large quantities, I believe that at the level it is added to drinking water, it's "likely" safe. However, many people don't think so and don't want it in their water. It's claimed that the source of fluoride used by most water providers comes from a waste product of the fertilizer industry. While this doesn't automatically mean it's dangerous for consumption, it does point out a reason why there could be corporate financial pressure to continue the practice. Without a market for this fluoride, it would be very expensive for these companies to dispose of it, as it is considered a hazardous material.
Some additional arguments against fluoridation that I found very interesting and contributed to my decision to vote against it both times include the following:
- Tooth decay rates in many "first world" nations have seen similar rates of reduction over the last 30 years in both fluoridated and non-fluoridated countries. (see graph below)
- The CDC recommends against reconstituting infant formula with fluoridated water (link)
- Prior to 2011, the recommended range of fluoride in drinking water was .07 ppm to 1.2 ppm. In 2011, the EPA and HHS changed that recommendation to .7 ppm, cutting the previous maximum recommendation almost in half (link).
- Fluoride in the water supply increases the likelihood and severity of dental fluorosis. (This is claimed to be the primary driver for the two bullet points above).
- Fluoride is the only chemical added to the water for medical reasons; all other chemicals added to the water are done so to make it safe and/or more pleasant for consumption.
- You can't purchase fluoride at a pharmacy without a prescription, yet water providers can add it to the water supply.
I have no doubt that fluoridation of the water supply has benefit, especially in those areas where there is limited access to dental care and it isn't common practice to brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste. However, I think that the scope of the population receiving benefit continues to shrink while there are many valid concerns with the practice of fluoridation. As a result, I don't think it is wise to add fluoride to our water supply and I couldn't in good conscious vote to continue doing so. It should also be noted that while the board heard from multiple citizens requesting that OPUD stop fluoridation, the only people who addressed the board in favor or fluoridation where dentists, none of which identified themselves as residents of the OPUD service area.
The City of Fairbanks put together a task force to study the issue and I think it's a great non-biased report on the topic. You can read it here. After receiving the report, that city council voted to stop fluoridation. It should also be noted that Olivehurst, Plumas Lake & Fairbanks are not the only communities that have discontinued fluoridation in recent years; here is a list of other communities who have also stopped fluoridation since 2010.
I encourage you to do your own research and come to your own conclusion.
