USA - Arguments for fluoride don’t hold water

Monday, August 29, 2016

Editor:

Mayor Steve Skadron deserves kudos for informing a presidential candidate about Aspen’s efforts and reputation for climate change. Unfortunately, there is a glaring significant hypocritical incongruency that Aspen continues to carry out. Aspen (and Snowmass) continue to pour a highly toxic substance into our drinking water. This disrespect to the environment is based on antiquated beliefs based on junk science and an unwillingness to respect an individual’s right to choose what they put into their body.

There are numerous studies which conclude that fluoride is lethal to the aquatic environments of streams. Yet, Aspen refuses to accept current research about fluoride and its dangerous impacts on our health as well as the planet’s health.

Our planet is being poisoned to death. Numerous communities around the world are coming to the realization that it is no longer right to put this toxin into the water. They are making the decision to stop this pollution. Aspen has not come to this realization.

With Aspen being at the headwaters for many, our actions are having an impact on all of those who are downstream. Many people like to thump their chests about Aspen’s environmental reputation as a leader.

The definition of pollution is the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects. According to definition, Aspen (and Snowmass) are polluters.

If the strength of our local economy is directly related the health of our natural environment, then the appropriate action is to stop contaminating our waters. This would benefit both our economy and our health.

Our mountain values do include respect of our natural environment. Basic tenets of going to our back country to enjoy nature are to pack out what you pack in and to leave no trace. The less we add to nature, the better we are. We should not be adding anything to our natural environment. The arrogance to continue doing this needs to change.

People can still put fluoride into their bodies by other means if they still choose to do so. Our drinking water should not be used as a delivery system for any substance, especially one that is an unapproved drug by the FDA and is a toxin.

It is time for Aspen and Snowmass to stop polluting our waters. If not, then we have to admit that we are not walking the talk. We are still part of the problem when it comes to polluting our planet.

It is time for this craziness to stop. The arguments to put fluoride in the drinking system no longer hold water.

Dr. Tom Lankering
Basalt