(USA) Debate Simmering Over Fluoridation Of Drinking Water

Every time you drink a glass of tap water, you get a dose of fluoride. For decades, water departments across the country have added the chemical to make your teeth stronger, but some medical experts believe fluoride might be doing more harm than good. The issue has divided the medical community, with some still believing that adding fluoride to drinking water benefits everyone who drinks it, and others saying fluoride may cause thyroid conditions, bone and joint pain and even cancer.
Daniel Stockin of the Lillie Center has been studying into the affects of fluoride, and he said research shows it causes a variety of health problems. “You should see the people, they are white with anger when we talk with them, and they find out that their weight gain and depression that came from their Thyroid disease may well have in large part been contributed by the fluoride that has been cumulatively building up in their body,” Stockin said.
But Tennessee’s Department of Health Director said that theory on fluoride is simply not true. “There is no scientifically-accepted research that supports any adverse health affects of water fluoridation. And I mean any,” said Dr. Suzanne Hubbard.
Ninety-seven percent of Tennessee's public water systems add fluoride, and a few, like the City of Franklin, Tennessee, are looking into research to see if they should continue the practice. Dr. Hubbard said the proof is in the facts. “More than 60 years of research supports the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation,” she said. But Dan Stockin doesn't buy it. He filters his water to remove as much fluoride as possible, and said he feels there are better ways to get the mineral.
“Doesn't it make more sense that you would just encourage people to use toothpaste and spit it out, or some other way of getting it?” he asked.
Each separate water system decides if fluoride should be added, but adding it is not mandated by the state.
The state is holding a hearing on the fluoride issue next month, and at least one lawmaker feels there are enough questions about the mineral to warrant a closer look.
In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first community in the United States to adjust the fluoride level in its public water system. Since then, federal health officials said some 170 million Americans have benefited from optimally-fluoridated water.
Currently, 67 percent of Americans on public water systems have fluoridated water, and for U.S. communities, every dollar spent on community water fluoridation results in a savings of $38.00 in costs to repair a decayed tooth.