WEST SALEM, Wis. (WXOW) – UPDATE: The Village of West Salem board voted unanimously Tuesday night to continue adding fluoride to the village’s water supply, according to Village Administrator Teresa DeLong.
The Village of West Salem held a public meeting Tuesday, to discuss the potential removal of fluoride from its water supply.
The decision comes more than 50 years after fluoride was first added to the village’s water.
Currently, the water supply in West Salem contains 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter, the minimum amount approved by the CDC.
This level aims to maximize oral health benefits while minimizing harm.
“Adults and children going through it continue to keep that enamel tough to prevent dental caries throughout their life,” said Lynette Ender, a retired registered nurse. “As time goes on, it prevents total body infection. As a retired cardiac nurse, I saw a number of heart valves that were destroyed because of infections that were caused by poor dentition.”
The discussion about discontinuing fluoride began as the village sought to update the old wellhouse to comply with DNR standards, which require separating all chemicals, including fluoride.
“The utility department is getting ready to make a large order for fluoride,” said Ashley Bohl, village clerk and treasurer. “Therefore, also with the nationwide push to stop adding fluoride to the water supply, we felt it was the best time to look at it and to allow our board to make a decision and for us to get our residents’ feedback.”
The board’s vote followed public comment at the meeting.
Original article online at: https://www.wxow.com/news/health/west-salem-looks-to-take-fluoride-out-of-the-village-water/article_750eff7e-58b4-48e0-805b-3a2538387381.html