NEWBURYPORT — Public concerns about the potential dangers of adding fluoride to the city’s water supply, have prompted Newburyport Public Health Director Laura Vlasuk to put the topic on the agenda for the next Board of Health meeting.
“We just want to open things up for anyone who wants to express their concerns, either way,” she said.
The meeting will take place Thursday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m. in the Senior/Community Center on High Street.
Although Vlasuk said she doesn’t see any vote taking place that night, the board will explore whether the city should stop adding fluoride to the city’s water, something that has been happening since 1969.
“We will be talking about fluoride levels that are in the water, as well as possibly removing or reducing it or keeping it the way it is,” Vlasuk said.
Fluoride, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay. But according to Board of Health member Dr. Max Tilson, one recent study showed fluoride might be associated with a slight drop in global IQ levels.
That study, along with others, has fueled concern by many across the country that adding fluoride to drinking water does more harm than good and should be stopped.
“The primary concern is that it could be a potential neurotoxin,” Tilson said. “There is also some basic science work that shows fluoride may be associated with liver and kidney toxicity in very high levels.”
Tilson said the average recommended amount of fluoride is 0.7 milligrams per liter.
“We have been around that, maybe a little bit higher here at 1.1 milligrams per liter in Newburyport,” he said.
The Board of Health, according to Tilson has already recommended decreasing the city’s fluoride level down to 0.7 milligrams per liter.
He also said the three-member board has yet to hear from anyone who supports fluoridation.
“I think the reason for that is because it’s the status quo,” Tilson said. “But we’re thinking about a really drastic change here and an informed public is the best public we can get. If there are people who want to come out and learn about this issue or to speak in favor of fluoridation, they should come to the meeting.”
In the weeks leading up to the announcement, Vlasuk said the Board of Health has heard from about a dozen residents who would like to see fluoridation completely discontinued in Newburyport.
“Everyone has really done their homework on this,” she said. “When they come to the meetings, they have studies and facts prepared. It’s not just their opinion, they have a reason. There appears to be a lot of disadvantages as well as a lot of advantages to the practice.”
Most people tell Vlasuk they would rather have fluoride either administered by a dental organization, by prescription or in their toothpaste.
“So far, anyone who has come to a Board of Health meeting wants to see fluoride offered only as an option,” she said.
Original article online at: https://www.cnhinews.com/massachusetts/article_cb9028c2-8fc4-58a1-8215-338974606963.html