[dropcap]B[/dropcap]uda voters have a fairly simple choice on one issue. The wording on the ballot:
FOR/AGAINST Shall the Code of Ordinances of the City of Buda, Texas be amended to adopt an ordinance resuming the use of fluoride additives within the allowable level as recommended and regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in the City of Buda municipal potable water supply?
Addition of fluoride to water was introduced in the 1940s, but during the 1950s and ‘60s, it became a cry of conspiracy theorists that it was part of a communist plot. Today’s decryers seem to be of the libertarian persuasion saying that the chemical is used in fertilizers and that the use of fluoride causes health problems in children and also causes cancer.
But the Center for Disease Control reminds people that fluoride in water keeps teeth strong and helps to reduce cavities. Travel through countries that don’t promote good oral health and look at the children. Rotting teeth and more awaits your senses. Sure, not all of this is part of non-fluoridation, but there is a reason that fluoride was added to water since the 1940s.
The use of fluoride is recommended by all kinds of public health, medical and dental organizations and more. The American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, the U.S. Public Health Service and the World Health Organization all support fluoridation.
Heck, even Buda’s long-time dentist – Dr. Don Taylor – wrote earlier this year that he is in support of fluoride in water.
We recognize that the idea of adding anything to the water scares some people. For that matter it’s legitimate to call for more study on the fluoride question to better understand subtle influences over time. But, in the meanwhile, the scientific consensus is pretty clear – and overwhelming. We have a hard time taking a stand against established science without unimpeachable evidence to the contrary. There is lots of evidence that fluoride in moderate amounts has positive health benefits for the community and no real evidence that it would do harm.
The amount of fluoride that the city of Buda had proposed is set at the minimum level set by the EPA.
The common good of all residents should override the theories of the few.
If you want to join the scientists on this issue, then vote yes to allow fluoride in water.
