(Host) Voters in the village of Bellows Falls decided last night by a wide margin to continue adding fluoride to their water supply.
Bellows Falls has been adding fluoride to its water at state-recommended levels since 1968. State health officials say most major health organizations consider it a safe way to reduce tooth decay.
At a recent series of hearings, some residents– and some experts– challenged those assumptions. Village trustee Luise Light, a nutritionist, says new research suggests fluoride may not reduce
cavities.
(Light) “More than that the health effects included — these are risks which are strong associations — bone cancer risks, thyroid disease risks, risks that relate to bone fractures.
(Host) But at last night’s meeting, most defended what one villager called one of the 10 most important medical advances of the last century.
Nancy McAuliffe was among the defenders.
(McAuliffe) My husband and I grew up in Bellows Falls before fluoride was added to the water. We both have a long dental history of cavities, crowns, extractions. Our four children grew up in the seventies and eighties in communities with fluoridated water and between the four of them there are two cavities.”
(Host) State officials say there’s evidence that fluoride may cause brittle bones, but at much higher concentrations than those allowed in drinking water.