USA - Yarmouth Selectmen Vote to Back Fluoridation
Yarmouth Selectmen Vote to Back Fluoridation
By Cape Cod Times, Hyannis, Mass.
Jan. 10--SOUTH YARMOUTH -- The selectmen last night threw their weight behind a recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Health that towns fluoridate water supplies. The move comes on the heels of New Bedford's recent decision to fluoridate its water after a 26-year departure from the policy.
After a presentation by the former dental health director for the city of Boston and the interim director of the state's office of oral health, the Yarmouth selectmen voted unanimously to endorse the state's recommendation.
The vote lends support to the Yarmouth Board of Health should it choose to recommend fluoridation, an action board members will consider at an upcoming meeting, local board of health chairman Benjamin Gordon said.
Because of vocal opposition to fluoridation at two public hearings in 2005, the Yarmouth Board of Health chose not to take a position on adding fluoride to the town's water pending further public education.
Should the health board choose to recommend fluoridation the action must be advertised, followed by a 90-day waiting period, Gordon said.
If a petition is signed by 10 percent or more of the town's population during that time, a referendum must be held.
In New Bedford a referendum on the issue passed by a 53 percent to 47 percent margin. Currently, 139 communities in Massachusetts fluoridate their water, but opposition continues. Opponents claim there are health risks to adding fluoride to drinking water.
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By Cape Cod Times, Hyannis, Mass.
Jan. 10--SOUTH YARMOUTH -- The selectmen last night threw their weight behind a recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Health that towns fluoridate water supplies. The move comes on the heels of New Bedford's recent decision to fluoridate its water after a 26-year departure from the policy.
After a presentation by the former dental health director for the city of Boston and the interim director of the state's office of oral health, the Yarmouth selectmen voted unanimously to endorse the state's recommendation.
The vote lends support to the Yarmouth Board of Health should it choose to recommend fluoridation, an action board members will consider at an upcoming meeting, local board of health chairman Benjamin Gordon said.
Because of vocal opposition to fluoridation at two public hearings in 2005, the Yarmouth Board of Health chose not to take a position on adding fluoride to the town's water pending further public education.
Should the health board choose to recommend fluoridation the action must be advertised, followed by a 90-day waiting period, Gordon said.
If a petition is signed by 10 percent or more of the town's population during that time, a referendum must be held.
In New Bedford a referendum on the issue passed by a 53 percent to 47 percent margin. Currently, 139 communities in Massachusetts fluoridate their water, but opposition continues. Opponents claim there are health risks to adding fluoride to drinking water.
You can leave a comment on article. One comment by NYSCOF
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