Fluoridation is widely accepted as a public water treatment, but a Broadway resident wants to change that.

Joan Hulvey set up two meetings this week where she will present information and scientific studies that she says show the detrimental health effects associated with fluoridation.

The first meeting is today at 6:30 p.m. at the Massanutten Regional Library in downtown Harrisonburg.

The second is Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Community Center in Timberville.

The issue has come to light in recent months, as the Timberville Town Council is considering whether to continue treating its water with fluoride.

The purpose of the meetings is not to debate the merits of topical fluoride applications for dental health, Hulvey said in an e-mail.

Hulvey’s goal is to raise awareness about the issue before the Timberville council votes at its Thursday meeting on fluoridation.

Hulvey admits she is not an expert, only a concerned parent.

Timberville held a public forum in September, where dentists with opposing views on the issue presented their side of the story.

Opponents of fluoridation told the audience the practice is not safe for babies and people with specific health concerns. But supporters claimed that decades of research – backed by more than 100 leading U.S. and world public health organizations – proves fluoride is safe and reduces cavities in children and adults.

The town tabled voting on the issue until this month’s meeting to give two councilmen who did not attend the forum a chance to watch a video recording of it.

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