Three municipalities in southwest Washington are reconsidering the addition of fluoride to their drinking water in an effort to prevent cavities, joining a national conversation on the topic.
The Longview City Council is set to hold a public workshop on the subject this Thursday, as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting. Earlier this month, the Battle Ground City Council began engaging in discussions about fluoridation, while the Camas City Council has plans for a hearing in March. So far, all the meetings related to this issue have been purely informational in nature.
This renewed discussion comes in the wake of a federal ruling from last year, in which a judge in California directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to enhance its regulations concerning fluoride levels in drinking water. The ruling emphasized concerns over potential risks to children’s intellectual development associated with high fluoride concentrations. The debate is further complicated by the Senate’s deliberation regarding President Donald Trump’s choice of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has voiced his intention to recommend that local governments consider avoiding the fluoridation of drinking water.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 70% of Americans who rely on public water systems receive fluoridated water that helps in preventing tooth decay.
During a study session of the Battle Ground City Council on January 6, Deputy Mayor Shane Bowman analyzed the financial implications of the city’s potential investment in fluoridation, estimated to be between $10,000 and $15,000 annually, against the benefits of better oral health among residents.
Bowman argued that the cost is minimal compared to the significant impact it could have on children’s access to dental care, stating, “I don’t know if you’ve taken your kid to a pediatric dentist, but that’s very minimal — $10,000-$15,000 — when you think about the difference it is for the kids that maybe don’t have access to dental health.”
On the other hand, opponents of fluoride in drinking water argue that its addition is an outdated practice and that individuals should have the autonomy to make choices regarding its use. It’s noteworthy that Portland, Oregon, stands out as the largest city in the United States that does not include fluoride in its water supply.
