The evidence that fluoride has reduced the severity and frequency of tooth decay is overwhelming.
Water utilities must constantly measure the amount of fluoride added to the water to meet standards set by non-profit, non-governmental agencies (the American Water Works Association and the National Sanitation Foundation) since the amount needed to be effective and safe varies from community to community.
When I moved to Iowa in the mid-1960s, communities across the state were voting on whether to add fluoride to their water. The controversy was heated and dentists all across the state were arguing for the benefits of fluoridation. But not in my town. My dentist explained, “We don’t need to add fluoride. Our water supply comes from a very deep well and it contains the right amount of fluoride naturally.
“Incidentally,” he added, “that’s why there aren’t as many dentists in Grinnell as in other towns. Children have fewer cavities, and so do adults who have lived in this community all their lives.”
As one of many county residents who get our water from the city and pay our water bills to the City of Durango, I am sorry I can’t vote in the upcoming city election.
I urge those who can vote, to vote against Question 1A.
Shaila Van Sickle
Durango
