The editorial page recently had an editorial headlined “City voting; Anti-fluoridation measure has no place on Durango’s ballot” (Herald, Nov. 8), implying that we the people can’t make rational, informed decisions on scientific questions.
It also stated that there is “overwhelming consensus that fluoridating water is a safe and effective way to boost dental health.”
It then references the Center for Disease Control.
I don’t know who may have a vested interest leading to this editorial position, but information from other reliable, “impressive” scientific sources state otherwise regarding safety.
The American Dental Association itself warns of dental fluorosis in children, brain, nervous system, kidney and bone disorders, cognitive damage, osteosarcoma even with exposure as low as 1 part per million. These dangers are easily documented by “Durango voters who presume to know better” than what is being touted by the Herald as the “world’s leading experts.”
So yes, this does belong on the ballot, and we should sign circulating petitions to see that we have a choice about what we drink, contrary to your advice not to sign petitions.
We have the right to determine whether to expose ourselves to such additives, especially when so controversial.
Any parents who insist on fluoridation for their children should be given that option by their dentists, or if they can’t afford it, by the local health department.
Daphne Ingram
Durango
