Policy Order Resolution

COUNCILLOR MAZEN

WHEREAS: Water fluoridation is the practice of adding industrial-grade fluoride chemicals to the public water supply for the purpose of preventing tooth decay; and

WHEREAS: The Cambridge Water Department has fluoridated its public water supply at a level of 1.0 ppm for more than 20 years; and

WHEREAS: Most developed countries besides the United States, including 97% of western Europe do not fluoridate their drinking water; and

WHEREAS: Comprehensive data from the World Health Organization reveals that there is no discernible difference in tooth decay between the minority of western nations that fluoridate water, and the majority that do not; and

WHEREAS: Fluoride is classified by the FDA as a drug, not a nutrient, with many side effects and known neurotoxicity and therefore it is not appropriate to add to a city’s water supply; and

WHEREAS: Fluoride’s main benefit comes from topical contact with teeth and not from ingestion, and many large scale meta-studies have shown no statistically significant difference in the cavity rates of individuals in fluoridated or non-fluoridated areas; and

WHEREAS: Fluoridation is causing millions of children to develop dental fluorosis, a discoloration of the teeth that is caused by excessive fluoride intake; and

WHEREAS: More than 33 studies have reported an association between fluoride drinking water concentration and reduced IQ; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with community experts, local universities and the Cambridge Water Department to produce a research study determining the possible harmful effects of continuing to fluoridate the city’s water supply; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityclerk/PolicyOrder.cfm?item_id=44043

See response from the Cambridge Public Health Department on September 3, 2014

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