Stop the fluoridation of the Shrewsbury public water supply
To the Editor:
Adding fluoride to the water supply has never been shown to cause a reduction in tooth decay. All the so-called “evidence” is anecdotal. But, adding fluoride to our water supply has been proven to damage teeth. A World Health Organization study of dozens of countries has demonstrated tooth decay has gone down in all the countries whether or not fluoride has been added to the water supply. A study of 55 New York State counties showed no significant difference in tooth decay between fluoridated and non-fluoridated counties.
Doctors and dentists warn parents to make sure children don’t swallow fluoride tooth paste because it is poisonous. The EPA categorizes fluoride as a hazardous waste. Recently, the Center for Disease Control reduced the amount of fluoride recommended in water supplies by 30 percent.
Fluorosis, a fluoride overdose, is damaging Shrewsbury teenagers’ teeth causing discoloration, streaks and pitting. There are a number of ongoing studies investigating the link between fluoridation, mental development and lowering IQ.
Alternatives include over-the-counter mouth rinse and topical application by your dentist. After permanent adult teeth are formed, there is NO benefit from water supply fluoridation. Eliminating fluoridation would save the town $25,000 per year spent buying the hazardous waste, poisonous chemical.
The evidence shows fluoridation of the water is not causing the decline in tooth decay. It is causing fluorosis in teenagers, is linked to other afflictions and is ineffective after permanent teeth are fully formed.
For more information, go to http://vp.telvue.com/preview?id=T01028&video=235146
VOTE YES on Article #14.
Benjamin Tartaglia
Shrewsbury