USA - Durango Utilities Commission hears merits of fluoride in drinking water

Dave Ferguson, Durango water-treatment plant superintendent, explains plant operations in 2014. Depending on a decision from Durango City Council, the plant staff could stop adding fluoride to the city’s drinking water.
State and county health experts touted the benefits of fluoride in front of the Durango Utilities Commission on Monday.

For more than 50 years, the federal government has recommended adding fluoride to drinking water because it can prevent teeth demineralization.

The local effort to eliminate fluoride from drinking water has been lead by Jim Forleo, a chiropractor who said too much fluoride can have negative effects such as joint pain.

“They are giving us a drug without our consent,” he said.

However, the panel argued fluoridation helps strengthen teeth and lower the average number of cavities in adults and children.

“This is one of the most cost-effective prevention strategies you can develop,” said Dr. Larry Wolk, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s executive director and chief medical officer................