Jim Forleo, in a recent letter, proposes, once again, to end all public water fluoridation in Durango based on a small study recently reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics (“
His reasoning is couched in a false understanding of real science and reflects the ideology and misrepresentation of fluoride science by a conspiracy group called the Fluoride Action Network.
This well-done study was funded by the Canadian government and the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Science. It looked at maternal exposure to fluoride during pregnancy and subsequent IQ scores. Fluoride concentration was measured in the urine of 500 pregnant women in Canadian cities with and without water fluoridation and their individual recollection of fluoride consumption in toothpaste, foods and black tea (very high in fluoride).
The IQs of the children at 3 and 4 years of age were a few points lower in boys, but not girls, of mothers with higher concentrations of fluoride in their urine.
Prevention of dental caries through fluoridation is a major public health achievement based on thousands of studies. Any chemical in large quantities can be neurotoxic. But, the amount of fluoride in drinking water is regulated and minute – 0.7 mg./liter. Higher levels with potential toxicity come from other unregulated sources.
Fluoride is an emotional issue and stirs controversy. However, may we continue to base public policy on sound evolving science rather than misinformed reactions to one small study?
Sherrod Beall
Durango
