See Also: Index of all Measures

Water fluoridation is safe. Over 60 years of scientific research has repeatedly confirmed this fact. Consumer Reports say "The simple truth is there is no `scientific controversy' over the safety of fluoridation. The practice is safe, economical and beneficial." The Environmental Protection Agency and California Department of Public Health Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management set and enforce safety standards for fluoridation.

Water fluoridation is fair. It protects the dental health of young and old, well off and disadvantaged alike. It is the safest and most economical way to provide cavity-fighting benefits for all people. Fluoridation will cost water customers only a few dollars a year. This is a small price to pay for improved dental health for our community.

Water fluoridation works. In fact, community water fluoridation has been hailed as one of the top 10 public health measures of the 20th Century by the Centers for Disease Control. More than 100 national and international health agencies and professional organizations as well as many Humboldt County dentists, doctors, nurses, dental hygienists, and educators recognize the benefits of community water fluoridation in preventing dental decay. The Democratic and Republican Parties in Humboldt County have both endorsed water fluoridation.

Don't be fooled by scare tactics, by reported studies that are out of context, or by opinion masked as science that cast doubt on this impressive record of safety and effectiveness. For more information go to: http://www.fluorideinfo.org. Vote YES for social justice. Vote YES for water fluoridation. Vote YES for health.

/s/ Larry Oetker
/s/ Leigh Pierre-Oetker
/s/ John Woolley
/s/ Ann Marie Woolley

The most up-to-date science is raising serious questions about both the safety and benefits of water fluoridation. A 2007 study in the journal Neurotoxicology linked drinking fluoridated water to mental impairment. A 2006 Harvard study linked fluoridation to bone cancer. California-EPA is currently reviewing safety standards for fluoride in drinking water.

Although some fluoride occurs naturally, a 2007 study identified health problems from artificial fluoridation chemicals, such as those being considered for Manila's water.

In 2006, the American Dental Association joined the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to warn that fluoridated water not be used to mix infant formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children under three be limited to the equivalent of one cup of fluoridated water daily. Many families cannot afford an expensive specialized household filter or bottled water.

Although the CDC has promoted fluoridation, they recognize most of the benefit of fluoride is from direct contact with teeth, not from swallowing it. Topical fluoride is cheaply available in toothpaste and mouthwash.

Public resources could be more effectively spent on toothbrushes, toothpaste, nutritional and dental education and care for those who need it.

It is NOT socially just to put fluoride in everyone's water when many don't want it. VOTE NO ON MEASURE B to preserve your right to choose what's added to your water. Confirm the latest science yourself.

/s/ Kathleen Maguire

In 2006, a National Academy of Sciences report linked fluoride exposure to bone fracture, thyroid dysfunction, and other negative health impacts. In 2007, the report's authors concluded that a safe level of fluoride in water would be 0.1 ppm, about 1/10th the concentration commonly used in fluoridation programs. Eleven Environmental Protection Agency unions, representing over 7,000 scientists and toxicologists, are calling for a stop to fluoridation because of human health risks.

Infants, children, the elderly, and people with cardiovascular, kidney or other health problems are especially vulnerable to the toxic effects of fluoride. It was recently discovered that fluoride accumulates in the brain. Peer-reviewed research has linked drinking fluoridated water to bone cancer, brittle teeth and increased levels of lead in the blood.

Fluoridation chemicals contain contaminants such as arsenic. Even after being diluted in drinking water, the average arsenic level from fluoridation exceeds California cancer standards by a factor of 30. Most water district tests will not detect arsenic at this low but still unsafe level.

Five peer-reviewed studies since 2000 found that ending water fluoridation did not increase cavities. It is now accepted that the dental benefits of fluoride are primarily from direct application to tooth surfaces, calling into question the need to drink it.

Fluoride cannot be removed by most filters or by boiling, and cooking concentrates it in foods. Fluoride is the only substance added to drinking water to treat people.

Do you want the right to choose your own treatment? VOTE NO ON COMPULSORY FLUORIDATION VOTE NO ON MEASURE B For accurate information: http://www.humboldtfree.com and http://www.fluoridealert.org

/s/ Nora Winge, Early Childhood Education Teacher
/s/ Kathleen Maguire, Junior Midwife
/s/ Dulcie Cooper, Childcare Provider
/s/ Peter J.R. Moore, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
/s/ Colleen Clifford, Artist