Skagit Clean Water opposes the fluoridation of Skagit County's drinking water. We oppose the addition of Fluorosilicic acid (contains heavy metal contaminants such as lead, arsenic and mercury) to our drinking supply for health and ethical reasons. We believe that Skagit Valley residents value clean and safe water, and we view water fluoridation as a threat to our health. Fluoride has been linked to a long list of health issues, including negative impacts to: the thyroid gland and enzyme systems as well as increases in bone fractures and bone cancers. In August of 2005 11 EPA unions representing 7.000 employees called for a national moratorium on water fluoridation and click here:
Skagit Clean Water believes that ingesting fluoride should be a choice – not something that is forced upon the entire population. It is unethical to drug the entire populace. Fluoride is regulated as a drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and as a contaminant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, fluoride is found in many foods and beverages as well as in industrial pollution. It is impossible to control the dosage of fluoride that each individual receives, as different people drink differing amounts of water, and some populations (children, the elderly and those with impaired kidney and liver functions) are especially sensitive to ingestion of excessive fluoride.
A recent report by the National Research Council (NRC) recommends that the maximum allowable fluoride dosage be reduced, with the effect being a narrowing of the window between “safe” and “unhealthy” fluoride ingestion levels. Many European countries and cities in the US have rejected water fluoridation due to public health concerns. Belgium will not even provide fluoride as a medication.
A 2005 CH2M Hill report estimated costs to Skagit PUD at $2,800,000.00.. This estimate is now outdated. A new estimate will be required due to increases in construction costs (materials and labor).
Water fluoridation will increase our water bills through the increased costs of building and maintaining facilities and increased staff training, as well as the chemicals themselves. In some municipalities PUD staff have come out against fluoridation due to the increased risks of handling toxic fluoridation chemicals.
Dentists are speaking out against fluoridation in our water supply. You can read Dr. Bill Osmunson's Guest Editorial that was submitted but never published by the Skagit Valley Herald, as well as additional research that supports his article. Click here to read the supporting research.
There is no net reduction in cavities as a result of fluoridation. Check out this must-see chart, created by Dr. Bill Osmunson DDS, MPH, comparing dental caries rates in Washington State, which has a relatively high level of water fluoridation, compared to dental caries rates in Oregon, where fluoridation is much less common. No difference! Click here to see the chart.
Dr. Debra Hopkins DDS, a long time practicing dentist in Tacoma who regularly treats dental fluorosis (fluorosis is a sign of fluoride poisoning), wrote this letter opposing fluoridation. Click here to read Dr. Hopkins' excellent letter.
Other respected medical professionals and scientists are warning of long-term health cons equences. Click here to learn more.
Local Fluoride News
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