Fluoridation of the municipal water supply was the focus of a public meeting held on June 2 in Trenton, following the city council’s recent decision to begin the process of ending the practice.
The forum featured speakers both supporting and opposing fluoridation. Trenton resident Luanne Oneal and Gwen Sullentrup with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services were the primary speakers. Several community members also contributed remarks, and a question-and-answer period followed.
Oneal opposed fluoridation, citing claims that communities across the political spectrum have opted out of the practice. She referenced studies alleging higher cancer mortality rates and increased bone cancer in young males in fluoridated communities. She also cited research linking fluoridated water to higher hip fracture rates, genetic damage, and compromised immune systems.
Oneal added that in societies with little or no exposure to fluoride, 80 to 90 percent of individuals experience no tooth decay, which she attributed to low-carbohydrate diets. She argued that dental health depends more on nutrition than fluoridation.
Sullentrup presented evidence supporting fluoridation, stating fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. She reported that fluoride levels at the Trenton water treatment plant were measured at approximately 0.25 to 0.3 parts per million on June 2. She noted the effective level is about 0.7 parts per million.
She said fluoride has helped reduce tooth decay and emphasized that poor oral health can lead to broader health complications.
Sullentrup cited more than 10,000 studies affirming fluoride’s safety and effectiveness. She referenced research estimating that halting fluoridation nationwide would result in 25.4 million additional cavities in five years, with dental treatment costs increasing by $9.8 billion. She added that both the Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency support fluoridation under regulatory guidelines.
Sullentrup noted individuals in fluoridated areas can use filters to remove fluoride if desired.
Other speakers in favor of continued fluoridation included Elizabeth Gibson of the Grundy County Health Department, former Trenton Water Plant Chief Operator Roger Sullivan, dentist Paul Cox, state-certified teacher DeAn Ferguson, and former public health nurse Mary Sue McCullough.
Those opposing fluoridation included Galt resident Dennis McDonald, who receives rural water supplied by Trenton, and Trenton resident Denise Felderman.
Mayor Jackie Soptic commented that water fluoridation remains a national topic of debate. She stated Trenton adds 10 chemicals to its water supply, with fluoride being the only non-mandated additive.
City Administrator and Utility Director Ron Urton said the city has not yet officially informed the Department of Natural Resources of the council’s vote to initiate the process of ending fluoridation.
Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Steve Reid reported at the last council meeting that if Trenton intends to discontinue fluoridation, it must provide at least 60 days’ public notice once DNR is formally notified.
Original article online at: https://www.kttn.com/public-meeting-in-trenton-weighs-arguments-for-and-against-fluoridation-of-water/