NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WJMN/WBUP) – During a recent city council meeting, residents of Negaunee took to the public comment section to express their concerns regarding the municipal fluoride additives in the city’s water supply. Members of the community presented their opposing views on the topic.
In an interview earlier this year with My UP News, Dr. Bob VanHowe, Medical Director at the Marquette County Health Department, provided background information to general concerns raised by Negaunee residents. He emphasized the historical context and health benefits of fluoride in drinking water.
“Well, what happened is that we started putting it in the water first in Grand Rapids, Michigan. And we’ve seen a decrease in the number of cavities as a result because people had it in the water,” said VanHowe.
Dr. Vanhowe addressed fears surrounding fluoride, particularly regarding studies suggesting potential IQ decreases in children.
“Most of the attention has been based on a study of all the studies that are out there that found that there may be a decrease in IQ scores in kids who had water with levels that were well above any of the levels that we put in the water in the United States,” said VanHowe. “So the study that they’re referring to really doesn’t apply to us because we don’t give that much. We don’t put that much in our water here.”
Despite Dr. Vanhowe’s reassurances, residents remained divided on the issue. One resident expressed apprehension about fluoride being an additive in drinking water, equating it to a medical treatment.
“Yes, fluoride is an additive,” said a Negaunee resident. “It’s used as an additive as for a medical treatment. So it is like a drug. It is a very good comparison to that.”
She voiced her concerns about the long-standing recommendations for fluoride levels.
“The HHS recommended fluoride over 50 years ago… it was 1.5 parts per million,” she said. “And in about 2015, they recommended 0.7. So this is a significant reduction, realizing that that recommendation or optimum level was dangerous.”
Dr. VanHowe and a member of the city council have questioned the veracity of studies that indicate harmful levels, noting that concerns were originated in countries with over-fluoridation.
Supporters of fluoride in the water argued that it provides essential dental health benefits, especially for low-income families.
“I just think fluoridating water is such a good thing,” said Marquette resident, Dave Campana. “At 0.7 parts per million, there’s no problem. It’s effective. There’s no argument. What it does, it reduces cavities, the chance cavities of kids and adults. There’s no argument to that. This is especially beneficial for lower income people because they don’t have the advantages that people with more money have.”
Conversely, others at the meeting called for the right to choose whether to consume fluoride.
“We just want a choice,” a resident urged. “If people want to use fluoride. There are many ways to do it.”
A resident noted that municipalities in Utah have opted to discontinue fluoridation and offer residents free supplemental topical fluoride.
Members of the city council acknowledged the ongoing discussion regarding fluoride additives. They say have reviewed the data and information presented by residents, expressing a commitment to being good stewards of taxpayer money.
During a phone conversation with My UP News, a member of the Negaunee City Council highlighted the importance of the council being attentive and responsible with taxpayers’ money and opinions. They emphasized that residents’ voices were heard, their comments were appreciated, and that the issue remains open for discussion.
As the debate continues, residents on both sides of the issue are eager for further discussion and consideration of their opinions regarding fluoride in Negaunee’s water supply.
Original article online at: https://www.myupnow.com/news/negaunee-residents-voice-concerns-over-municipal-fluoride-additives/article_17969e94-0451-11f0-9c01-c78a80ab7298.html