USA - letter
Health risks outweigh benefits of fluoridation
Duluth residents would be doing themselves a favor by getting rid of water fluoridation. Since 1970, our lawmakers decided to artificially add hydrofluorosilicic acid to every water supply without our consent. Now, Minnesota leads the country, with more than 98 percent of the population drinking from fluoridated water supplies. Our rates of cavities and tooth decay are better than some states, but Minnesota seems to be the exception instead of the rule.
In 94 percent-fluoridated Illinois, dental disease has reached epidemic proportions. In 95 percent-fluoridated Kentucky, third- through sixth-grade students have twice the rate of tooth fillings than the national average. In 75 percent-fluoridated Oklahoma, cavities and decay are a silent epidemic, while in 89 percent-fluoridated Connecticut, there's an oral-health epidemic.
These numbers should show one of two things. First, we need to stop believing that fluoridated water is helping what it was first thought to help, reducing tooth decay. It is clearly not working. Secondly, we need to hold the organizations accountable to the recent scientific studies and reports showing the detrimental effects of fluoridation. If the American Dental Association, Centers for Disease Control, and U.S. Public Health Service claim that fluoride is a "proven cavity fighter," then we deserve to see the science behind the claim. The small doses we receive every day create a cumulative effect in our bodies. People now suffering from arthritis and osteoporosis may have done nothing wrong to deserve this condition, but a lifetime of ingested fluoride could explain their current plight.
America seems to be the only country still supporting the practice of fluoridation. Why must we trail behind the world in yet another important health issue?
JASON KRUEGER
SAUK RAPIDS, MINN.
The writer is a Minnesota representative for the Fluoride Action Network
in Sauk Rapids.
Duluth residents would be doing themselves a favor by getting rid of water fluoridation. Since 1970, our lawmakers decided to artificially add hydrofluorosilicic acid to every water supply without our consent. Now, Minnesota leads the country, with more than 98 percent of the population drinking from fluoridated water supplies. Our rates of cavities and tooth decay are better than some states, but Minnesota seems to be the exception instead of the rule.
In 94 percent-fluoridated Illinois, dental disease has reached epidemic proportions. In 95 percent-fluoridated Kentucky, third- through sixth-grade students have twice the rate of tooth fillings than the national average. In 75 percent-fluoridated Oklahoma, cavities and decay are a silent epidemic, while in 89 percent-fluoridated Connecticut, there's an oral-health epidemic.
These numbers should show one of two things. First, we need to stop believing that fluoridated water is helping what it was first thought to help, reducing tooth decay. It is clearly not working. Secondly, we need to hold the organizations accountable to the recent scientific studies and reports showing the detrimental effects of fluoridation. If the American Dental Association, Centers for Disease Control, and U.S. Public Health Service claim that fluoride is a "proven cavity fighter," then we deserve to see the science behind the claim. The small doses we receive every day create a cumulative effect in our bodies. People now suffering from arthritis and osteoporosis may have done nothing wrong to deserve this condition, but a lifetime of ingested fluoride could explain their current plight.
America seems to be the only country still supporting the practice of fluoridation. Why must we trail behind the world in yet another important health issue?
JASON KRUEGER
SAUK RAPIDS, MINN.
The writer is a Minnesota representative for the Fluoride Action Network
in Sauk Rapids.
posted by Bill at
9:58 AM
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