Has there been any talk of stopping the fluoridation program in our water supply?
Answer provided by Water Utilities Director Terry Lauritsen:
Water fluoridation has been extensively studied and the research shows significant benefits to oral health. Adding fluoride to the water ensures that everyone has access to it, regardless of their ability to access dental care or maintain regular home oral hygiene practices. Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between dental health and overall health.
Major public health organizations, including the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all endorse the use of fluoridated water. The fluoride concentrations used in our water system aligns with the recommended level of 0.7 ppm, as advised by health organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the CDC.
There have been claims that fluoride in water can lead to health risks such as hip fractures, bone cancer, and reduced neurocognitive development in children. However, these concerns have been disproven through extensive research, provided the fluoride concentrations in the water system remain below 1.5 ppm. We closely monitor these levels to ensure that our fluoride concentration stays at the recommended level of approximately 0.7 ppm, which has been shown to be safe and effective for oral health.
We will continue to monitor on-going research and if the data shows that the risks outweigh the benefits, then we will adjust accordingly.