As a consumer, I have choices. I can choose what I want to drink and eat. If I’m suspicious about a product, I can read the label for ingredients, nutrition contents and warnings and decide for myself.

But my consumer rights may be taken away. The Public Health Council will vote on a mandate to add fluoride to existing water supplies in New Jersey. I should choose whether I want fluoride — the drug shouldn’t be forced upon me via the water supply.

A typical tube of toothpaste contains 0.15 percent fluoride ion. The warning label reads: “If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, contact a poison control center immediately.” Fluoride is a known poison that can cause dental fluorosis (stained and brittle teeth) and skeletal fluorosis (arthritic-like symptoms).

Other common products contain alarming levels of fluoride, but they are not required to provide this information on the label. If a soda bottling plant uses fluoridated water, the soda can contain up to 1.12 milligrams per liter. Why aren’t companies using fluoridated water required to put that on the label, since fluoride is considered a poison?

If the Public Health Council votes to allow fluoridation of our water supplies, beer also will be affected. Anheuser-Busch in Newark produces nearly 10 million barrels of beer annually. This company depends on clean drinking water. I have no wish to quench my thirst on a hot afternoon with a cold Bud loaded with industrial grade fluoride.

Consumers must unite and attend the June 6 public hearing — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Department of Health and Senior Services, Suburban Square Shopping Center, 25 Scotch Road, in Ewing Township. Submit written comments to: DHSS, Office of Boards and Council, Market and Warren Streets, PO Box 360, Trenton, N.J. 08625 or visit www.state.nj.us/health/commiss/obc.htm.

Jenny Vickers

ASBURY PARK

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