The opposition is the most extreme in their beliefs against fluoridation and won’t listen to sound science and reasoning. They use junk science to make unfounded claims and use fear tactics to gain support. Here are a few examples of their extreme claims:

1. Fluoride is a toxic chemical. It’s poison.
2. Adding fluoride to water is a form of forced medication by the government.
3. Fluoridation causes cancer, autism, and other serious health problems.
4. European countries do not fluoridate their water, so why should we.
5. Studies show that fluoridation lowers children’s IQ

See other claims of the opposition and the true facts to counter those claims.

The opposition, though small in number, is very loud, vocal, and persuasive. They are often persistent and will twist or use half-truths to skew information or data to support their view. They are very organized, dominate social media and other user-generated online content, and are willing to speak at local town meetings to spread lies and scare residents. They have been known to tear down or steal lawn signs that are supportive of community water fluoridation, or mail flyers with images such as rat poison likening it to fluoridation. Do not be afraid, but be ready.

Fluoride Action Network

The most prominent opposition organization is the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) led by Paul Connett and his son Michael Connett. FAN’s website is extremely credible looking, yet spouts conspiracy theories linking community water fluoridation with the atomic bomb, and often cite studies by John Yiamouyiannis, who, at one point in time, claimed that HIV was caused by water fluoridation.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT go to the FAN’s website (See the screen shot). The more traffic it receives, the better the search ranking it gets (meaning when someone googles “fluoride” or “fluoridation,” the opposition websites will come first rather than the websites with facts), which will lower the ranking of the trusted, credible sources such as ILikeMyTeeth by the Campaign for Dental Health, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Dental Association, and more.

How to respond

Because the opposition does not listen to sound science and reason, no amount of persuasion will help change their mind. The opposition looks to argue and debate in order to plant a seed of doubt or confusion and scare people into believing their lies. When confronted by the opposition — whether in a public forum, one-on-one, or via social media — stick to your message and talking points. Never use the language of the opposition.

Do not use the following words when talking about community water fluoridation, as they are commonly used by the opposition to create unfounded fear and concerns about water fluoridation:

• Chemical
• Toxin, toxic
• Poison, poisonous
• Medication, medicine

Instead, describe fluoride the correct way. Fluoride is naturally occurring in water. Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the natural levels of fluoride in drinking water (up or down) for optimal oral health. Fluoride is a nutrient similar to vitamin D which we have used to fortify milk for years.

Check out the Myths and Facts around the common claims and “Say this, not that.”

-END-

See Health Resources in Action press release on Community Toolkit

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