The residents of Waterloo Region have an important job to do on October 25, 2010. On that day, when we cast our votes during our municipal election, we are also being asked to vote "yes" or "no" to whether we want our water to continue being fluoridated. The Region will abide by what the majority of voters say they want.
This is a blog so I don't have to be objective. That's good because I am not.
I visited the Region's web site. Their backgrounders say that there is not enough Fluoride in the water to affect our oral health ie to prevent cavities. Why bother on that basis alone? Nevermind the fact that there is a strong bank of research that says that fluoride does not prevent cavities at all. For those who are disinclined to believe this research and want Fluoride on their teeth, the dentist will be glad to apply it. He or she will (even though their fluoride is not the same as the hydrofluorosilicici acid (HA) the Region adds, caution you not to swallow it.
The Region's backgrounders also say that although the Region's water, courtesy of the HA with which it is fluoridated, contains measurable levels of arsenic and lead, those levels are well below the maximum allowable levels. Arsenic is a known carcinogen. It causes cancer. How can there be a safe level of arsenic? Lead is also known to wreck havoc with the human body and is thus noticeably absent from the recommended daily doses of vitamins and minerals.
According to waterloo watch and fluoride alert, HA also contains mercury and other contaminants and is deemed to be a pollutant if it reaches the air or natural bodies of water. Why then would be want it in our drinking water?
But let us leave the chemistry aside for a moment and consider that those jurisdictions - much of Europe for example - that do not or no longer fluoridate their water, have similar tooth decay levels as we in the North American areas were fluoride is added.
I encourage you to do your own research. See what both sides are saying and especially look at the variety of risks associated with fluoridation ie fuoride senitivity, thyroid disruption, reduced IQ, dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis and several more) and then decide if the risks are worth it.
Please think about if you want the Region deciding if you and your children will take these risks.
I apologize to my regular readers. I usually to try to keep this blog upbeat and hopeful. I like it that way. It's more fun to write. Unfortunately there is nothing upbeat and hopeful about having other people tell us that our water must contain a dangerous compound.
I hope you will go out and vote on Monday, October 25.
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