Union County leaders to vote on removing fluoride from water supply - WBTV
Union County leaders to vote on removing fluoride from water supply
Proponents of the measure claim that adding fluoride violates their medical freedoms.
UNION COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - The Board of Union County Commissioners will decide Monday night whether to stop adding fluoride to the water supply.
Adding fluoride has been a common practice in communities across the country for years to prevent cavities, but the debate bubbled up in Union County over the past couple months.
Those against the fluoridation argue it violates their medical freedoms. Dentists and other experts claim the added fluoride has been critical in preventing cavities and other health problems.
”This is the only drug that’s given with no prescription and no consideration for an individual’s health status,” one expert said. “It significantly reduces the cavity rates in all individuals.”
Earlier this month, both sides spoke out at the commissioners’ meeting.
The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) agreed with the experts, saying fluoride in water has been studied more thoroughly than any other public health measure, and listed more than 100 medical and dental organizations that concur.
Others still say there are documented issues with too much fluoride in water, and how it can impact pregnant women and children.
Union County only has control over the Yadkin Water Treatment Plant, so if the measure to remove the fluoride does pass, it would only effect that facility. The rest of the water, which supplies two-thirds of the county, is not controlled by Union County.
During the previous meeting, the vote was 3-2 to stop adding fluoride. Because it was not unanimous, the commissioners will vote again Monday.
Related: Union Co. takes step toward removing fluoride from water
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