How the fluoride debate began in Madison: An inside look
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) — WAFF got an inside look at a Madison City water plant that contained fluoride showed the significant damage caused.
Madison Utilities tells WAFF 48 the damage to this building is what sparked the conversation of taking fluoride out of the city’s drinking water.
WAFF got to see firsthand the rust and damage caused by the fluoride tank.
The specific plant Huntsville Utilities showed is not currently operating, and here’s why.
The surrounding area of where the fluoride tank used to be is rusted, and the chemical ate through the cement.
Madison Utilities employee Reece Lee said the tank was there for a very long time, and the damage is significant.
Fluoride was officially taken out of the city’s water on June 16th.
Alabama Dental Society President Lori Wilson said this change is detrimental to the children here.
“We’re out here in the trenches and we’re telling you that as health care professionals that what you’re doing is going to cause a lot of detriment to the children here in the state,” Wilson said.
Lee did not want to address any public concerns, but believes all this structural damage and rust was caused by fluoride.
It is noted that only minuscule amounts of fluoride were dispersed daily into your water in Madison.
Lee added they haven’t seen any changes to their water systems yet.
Wilson said any amount of added fluoride makes a big difference in oral health.
“I would actually recommend that those people who made these executive decisions come and see a room full of Head Start kids and take a look in their mouths and see what we’re seeing. And then they can have a good representation of why it’s so important to have fluoride in the water,” Wilson said.
No Madison Utilities employee wanted to go on camera, but they did send the following statement:
“We would like to thank everyone who came and voiced their opinions, and encourage them to continue to do so.”
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