Featured photo: Alex from Flickr
A forum focusing on the health impacts of water fluoridation will take place at 7 p.m. tonight in the 3rd floor auditorium of the Cortland County Office building.
The topic came before Common Council in February after city lawmakers discussed the possibility of applying for a $50,000 grant from the New York State Department of Health that would examine whether or not the city’s infrastructure is equipped to handle water fluoridation.
The idea was met with fierce resistance by residents who believed that fluoride can have toxic effects on the developing brain. Despite its potential health risks, fluoridating water remains a widespread practicein major cities across the U.S., including New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Advocates for water fluoridation say the practice will help improve dental health in the community. In Cortland County, 50.1 percent of third graders have had tooth decay or a cavity, with about half of them going untreated, according to the county health department.
"This all began because we've identified in the community that there is a dental health issue for many residents," Tobin said during a Common Council meeting Tuesday.
Pro-fluoridation speakers at tonight's forum include Johnny Johnson, Jr., president and founder of the American Fluoridation Society, and Steven Slott, information director for AFS.
Speakers against fluoridation include Bill Osmunson, a neuromuscular dental practitioner, and Paul Connett, senior advisor to the Fluoride Action Network.
A second forum scheduled for later this year will focus on the ethical issues surrounding water fluoridation.
