Public health, not politics

To some people,the assertions and arguments from the vocal minority opposed to having the optimal level of fluoride in our water might seem reasonable. They say that there is such and such a study or statement that “proves” their points, but on closer inspection those studies and statistics have been found to be greatly flawed or biased by design. It is interesting that their studies have not been replicated, meaning that they don’t stand up to the standards of the scientific community!

Rather argue about studies, perhaps using a little common sense should settle things. Community water fluoridation has been around for nearly 75 years and if there was any real concern about safety, why would three-quarters of Americans continue to drink water with the optimum level of fluoride?

This is a proven public health measure, not a political one. We would never ask to vote on whether to add chlorine to our water to make it healthier. We need to trust our City Council members to make a decision based on science and research, not hearsay and conspiracy theories.

Jim Sledge

Spokane

*** This article has been archived for your research. The original version from The Spokesman-Review can be found here ***