… In other actions, the CU board [Cleveland Board of Public Utilities]:

Heard a presentation by a new nonprofit organization, the Cleveland Community Coalition, whose leaders are asking the CU board to consider removing fluoride from the utility’s water distribution system. Speakers included Mike Shreve, a 45-year Cleveland resident who pastors “The Sanctuary,” a local church that has formed the coalition with the intent of identifying, and pursuing, community projects that enhance quality of life.

Shreve is the organization’s coordinator and founder. Other founding members include Elizabeth Shreve, secretary and treasurer; Dave Carringer, owner of Abundant Living Health Food Store; Dr. Brett Spradlin, a physician of natural health; and Eileen Garrett, graphic artist and mother of five children.

In the brief presentation, all founding officers spoke to a different aspect of fluoride’s reported effects on human health.

In published literature distributed by coalition members, it was noted fluoridation was added to Cleveland’s water supply on March 1, 1952. This came about apparently at about the time that many American cities and water distribution systems were fluoridating their water supplies in the interest of fighting tooth decay.

Since that time, however, and especially over the past few years, many are questioning the need for water fluoridation because of the presence of fluoride in toothpaste, according to documents presented to board members and news media representatives.

It was also suggested fluoride is considered a medication and that’s why most Western European nations have rejected the practice of placing it in public water supplies.

Board members took the report under advisement and agreed to further research the issue of fluoridation. In answer to one board member’s question, Webb estimated CU’s costs for adding fluoride to its water supply is about $15,000 to $20,000 per year.

Title of article: Uptown to lead study for CU

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