What is that stuff? Flouride
1. Why do some people disapprove of adding fluoride to drinking water?
Some people claim that fluoride can lead to cancer and bone damage such as calcification and abnormal growth. Others claim it can lead to genetic mutations and chromosome aberrations. In July of 1997 the National Federal of Federal Employees (NFFE) co-sponsored the California Safe Drinking Water Initiative with other environmental professionals. The NFFE stated: “Our review of evidence from the last 11 years including human studies indicates a causal link between fluoride and cancer, genetic damage and neurological impairment. Of particular concern are studies linking fluoride exposure to lowered IQ in children.
2. What would your position be on adding fluoride to drinking water?
Based on my research, my position would be to add fluoridation to drinking water. My research has shown that fluoridation of community drinking water is a major factor for the decline in dental caries during the second half of the 20th century. Some might argue that toothpaste alone is enough in preventing dental caries, but its effectiveness depends on frequency of use my persons of the caregivers In contrast, water fluoridation reaches all resident of communities and generally is not dependent on individual behavior. I also found the American Medical Association’s policy statement concerning fluoridation. This well respected organization states: “The AMA urges state health departments to consider the value of requiring statewide fluoridation (preferably a comprehensive program of fluoridation of all public water supplies, where these are fluoride deficient), and to initiate such action as deemed appropriate).
3. What technological advances in toothpaste had to be made before fluoride could be widely used in toothpaste and mouthwashes?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for approving over-the counter fluoride products marketed in the United States and or setting standards for such items as toothpaste and mouthwash. In 1996, toothpaste labeling regulations were mandated by the FDA. It directs parents of children aged < 2 years of age to seek the advice of a dentist before introducing their child to fluoride. It was found that children less than 2 were susceptible to enamel fluorosis which it the development of enamel opacity if ingested early in tooth development. The current standard for fluoride in toothpaste is 1,000-1,1000 ppm.
4. What side effects of using fluoride in drinking water are of most concern to you? Why?
The side effect that is of most concern to me is the bone damage/ abnormal growth. I would be weak for my whole life, not being able to run or exercise my legs. I would eventually be overweight because of the lack of exercise, and I would be just plain unhealthy. However, the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation have been re-evaluated frequently by the National Research Council in Washington DC, with no credible evidence supporting an association between fluoridation and any of these conditions. I do think that there needs to be constant monitoring and research in this area.
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