USA - LETTER: Fluoridating water is contradictory to MAWA's mission statement

Meadville Area Water Authority's (MAWA) Mission Statement reads: To provide high quality, safe, dependable water service with sound water management practices at rates that encourage economic development, emphasize customer service, and protect our environment.

Dr. Anthony Cipolla, a dentist from Williamsport, a veteran and former commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service, writes the following: “Adding hydrofluorosilicic acid to Meadville's water supply violates their mission statement. The highest quality water is just H20. The addition of chlorine is needed for safety — part of their mission statement.

“The people of Meadville should be outraged at the prospect of receiving lower quality water. Fluorine is a very reactive halogen and competes with essential iodine for proper thyroid health. Fluoride is an enzyme disruptor, and should never be taken systemically. Its primary action orally is topical — much of its anti-cavity effect comes from its anti-bacterial action due to its enzyme disruption capabilities. If Fluoride is added, then I would recommend that the water only be used as a mouthwash.

“If MAWA wants to prevent tooth decay (and at the same time many metabolic diseases, such as Type ll diabetes), they should petition for proper nutrition in schools. The average American consumes 40 teaspoons of sugar a day. The root fix is addressing the root cause, i.e., sugar consumption.”

In Pennsylvania, Johnstown, Gilford Township, Bellefonte and Ford City water suppliers have quit fluoridating for various reasons, including science and freedom of choice, not politics or emotion. Other U.S. cities have voted to quit fluoridation. Notably Portland, Ore., in one of the most liberal areas of the country.

This is not 1930 but 2017. Science has evolved to recognize fluoridation is mass medication with no dosage control that is not as effective as once claimed.

Bellefonte provides fluoride supplement prescription reimbursement to residents that want fluoride.  It's a plan which keeps fluoride out of the environment and offers freedom of choice to their water customers.

SUSAN WALTER

Meadville