Communities With Fluoridated Water example essay topic

When you push the button or turn the faucet, you expect clean, pure water to come out of the tap. That is something that will not be found since unpurified tap water contains more than 500 chemicals. One of the most controversial issues regarding our tap water is the fluoride that is added to it. Approximately two-thirds of the population of the United States are ingesting fluoride into their bodies every day, if they use tap water in any way. There are arguments that support pros and cons of water fluoridation, but the disadvantages raise more concern than the advantages since they involve health risks. In 1938, Dr. General Cox of The Mellon Institute began to promote the addition of fluoride to public water systems, claiming that it would reduce tooth decay.

After tests were ran, in June 1951, dental health representatives from around the U.S. met with dental health officials to discuss the promotion and implementation of fluoride. It was at this conference that the United States Public Health Service formally endorsed fluoridation. Also, from 1946-61, Dr. J. Roy Blarney, founding director of the University's Zoller Dental Clinic, conducted a 15-year experiment in the Chicago suburbs of Oak Park and Evanston that demonstrated the cavity-fighting ability of fluoride in drinking water. This led to the widespread fluoridation of municipal water supplies. The advantage of fluoride in water is that it has been shown to lower cavities. Science Advisory Board concluded that the most recent research summaries indicated 30 to 60 percent fewer cavities in baby teeth, and 15 to 35 percent fewer cavities in adolescents and adults living in communities with fluoridated water as compared to those without fluoridation.

Across the U.S., many communities have been fluoridated for more than 50 years. The Board noted that in communities where fluoridation was stopped, a 30 to 100 percent increase in tooth decay resulted. The Science Advisory Board report states: "The overwhelming body of scientific evidence shows that water fluoridation is effective in preventing cavities... ". There are many disadvantages that overwhelm the advantages. Too much fluoride may make your teeth mottled and chalky white spots in places, a condition known as fluorosis (this condition mostly afflicts children).

The artificial fluoridation of public water supplies may cause of may contribute to the cause of cancer, genetic damage, intolerant reactions, chronic toxicity, and can aggravate malnutrition and existing illnesses. Other toxicity data demonstrate a causative link between fluoride exposures and neurotoxicity (including diminished I.Q. in children, and hyperactivity), genetic damage, bone pathology (including increased rates of hip fracture in fluoridated cities), mental impairment, fertility problems, thyroid conditions, brittle bones, anemia, chronic fatigue, excessive thirst, headaches, skin rashes and dental deformities. Water fluoridation adds additional arsenic as well, and arsenic poisoning has the ability to cause many forms of cancers and also have adverse effects on health. Overall, the health and dental side effects associated with this practice of water fluoridation outnumbers the advantage that fluoride is shown to reduce cavities. Since fluoride is already in many foods and beverages, research shows that fluoridation is unnecessary since we " re already receiving 300% or more of the American Dental Association's recommended daily amount. To further make sure you limit the side effects of fluoride, it is best to find out if your community's water supply is fluoridated.

If so, and fluoridation is a concern to you, use bottled water for drinking and cooking. Boiling will not remove fluoride but it will only concentrate it. Don't use it in baby formulas, or give it to your pets. A water filtration system can also be installed to remove substances to make the water healthier to drink.