Erie is one of the last major cities in Pennsylvania that does not
put fluoride in its drinking water. After years of public debate,
the city will begin adding fluoride this fall. But there are still
some in the area who would rather not put extra chemicals in the water
supply. Brad Linder has more.
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Fluoride
Choosing your fluoride exposure.
August 30, 2002
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By Dan Simon
It's been controversial for more than 40 years now. The argument over
whether drinking water should be fluoridated or not is probably one
that's just not going to go away.
Opponents say fluoridation can lead to a host of health problems,
including
thyroid disorders, cancer, organ failure and doesn't even help prevent
cavities. Proponents say fluoridation has done wonders in helping
to prevent tooth decay, particularly in poor children who don't receive
regular dental care.
Each side is persuasive. Each side is loaded with its facts and figures.
So what's a concerned person to do?
One suggestion would be to take control over the products you consume.
You can either filter fluoride and other possible contaminants from
your drinking water, or chose bottled water that's free of fluoride
instead. Just be aware that many bottled drinks may have also been
prepared using fluoridated water. If you're going to take the filtering
approach, make sure the filter system you use will actually remove
fluoride from your water, not all commercially available water filters
do.
Or do you feel fluoride is a good thing, but just don't want the kind
that's added to drinking water (a byproduct of the phosphate fertilizer
industry). If you're all right with the idea of food-grade fluoride
as part of your approach to dental hygiene, then using a fluoride
toothpaste can satisfy your needs while you avoid the stuff in tap
water.
Finally, if you're a huge believer in the stuff and aren't getting
it from your well or municipal water supply, several companies are
now offering fluoridated bottled water.
The choice is yours.
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