USA - one of the most importans public health achievements of the 20th Century. He didn't read the York report.

Health board mulls addition of flourideBy Jeffery Smith CORNING Fluoridating the city water supply would improve the condition of children's teeth and could ultimately save taxpayers money, according to information released Wednesday by the city Board of Health. The Health Board began discussing the pros and cons of adding fluoride to the city water supply. The board will review the issue and make a suggestion to the City Council. “I want to make it clear, this is something the board is considering,'' said Mayor Frank Coccho, a board member. “No decision has been made. I'm not saying fluoridation is right or wrong.''Coccho said the board would make the determination if fluoridation is right for the community in the coming months. “I don't know where the board stands,'' said Dr. Gary Enders, board president. “But I think we should do it.' Dr. Maureen Gonta, a board member and pediatric dentist, said fluoridation has greatly improved the condition of children's teeth in Painted Post and Elmira, two communities with fluoridated drinking water. “Kids from Painted Post and Elmira have teeth that are in excellent shape,'' Gonta said. “The surgeon general calls fluoridation one of the most importans public health achievements of the 20th Century.'' Jennifer Fais, a board member, stressed the money fluoridation can save a community by limiting future Medicaid costs. “That's an important element,'' Fais said.The board began outlining a procedure Wednesday to determine if fluoridation is right for the community. The board plans to invited Tom Klauses of state Department of Health to a workshop next month. The board will next meet at 7 p.m. May 16 at City Hall. The city has considered fluoridating its water supplies for more than 50 years. The latest effort came in the late 1990's. Advocates of fluoridation say it is similar to fortifying salt with iodine, milk with vitamin D and orange juice with vitamin C. They claim it to be an effective way to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health over a lifetime for both children and adults.
Opponents claim that if fluoride is mixed with other toxic chemicals and that adverse health effects outweigh beneficial effects. Some say that fluoridation of water supplies is a ruse to dispose toxic industrial byproducts.The day was busy with phone calls at City Hall on the fluoridation issue, officials said.