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Commissioners Plan to Put Fluoride Back in Drinking Water

Newly-elected "pro-fluoride" commissioners Janet Long and Charlie Justice attended their first Pinellas County Commission meeting last week, where commissioners unanimously decided they'll vote Tuesday to put fluoride back into the c

Fluoride appears to be making a comeback in Pinellas County, now that the commissioners who voted to remove it about a year ago have themselves been voted out of office.

Newly-elected "pro-fluoride" commissioners Janet Long and Charlie Justice attended their first county commission meeting Nov. 20, where commissioners unanimously decided to put fluoride back into the county's drinking water, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

"When we come back here after Thanksgiving, we are prepared to take that vote and flip that switch," said Long.

The Times reports that commissioners John Morroni and Norm Roche, who opposed fluoride last year, have changed their minds and will vote to put it back in the drinking water.

The Pinellas County Commission plans to vote on the matter during its meeting Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Do you think fluoride should be put back in Pinellas County's drinking water? Post your comments below.

Morgan "HOLLYWOOD" Monroe November 27, 2012 at 03:09 pm
It should not be the decision of our government to decide what we the people need to do with our dental care. Adding fluoride to the entire body is not okay. Even at the dentist office he will tell you not to swallow after a fluoride treatment. Most people don't even know how harmful Fluoride:is to us and how it's risks Totally outweigh its benefits. Read this.
http://www.fluoridation.com/calgaryh.htm
Bert Halle November 27, 2012 at 04:31 pm
Constitutional and Civil liberty issues regarding the forced mass medication of the population when alternative means of reducing cavities are easily available, such as tooth brushing. Even so-called mandatory school immunizations provide exemptions for parents who wish not to participate.
The chemicals used for fluoridation are not high purity, pharmaceutical quality products. Rather they are byproducts of aluminum and fertilizer manufacturing and contain a high concentration of toxins and heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and chromium. All proven to be carcinogens. There have been many government sponsored reports - U.S., England and Canada - which have reviewed the various aspects of fluoridation and all have questioned the practice. even UNICEF.
Maureen November 27, 2012 at 05:00 pm
I am against putting fluoride in our drinking water. Fluoride is already in toothpaste. We do not need to add it to water. There are several health concerns that should be looked at.
Questions are now increasing in regards to the safety of such a program. Fluoride may actually weaken the bones [Source: Limeback, Phipps]. Fluoride is also known to cause a cosmetically damaging effect called fluorosis, a staining of the teeth that experts say does not attribute to any physical problems. Fluoride may affect dietary allergies and protein digestion and intolerance. Fluoride has also been linked to symptoms of stomach pain and indigestion. This leads to further medication and doctor visits to treat symptoms while the underlying problem persists. Fluoride may also damage joints, connective tissue, the brain and the testicles. Fluoride treatments in male rats are associated with bone cancer. Concerns have also been raised for increased risks to the thyroid and liver. (Read more at http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/procedures/fluoride1.htm)
-Ed Harris- November 27, 2012 at 08:33 pm
Thank God! Finally!!!! Thank you for using common sense and doing the right thing!
Maureen November 28, 2012 at 01:37 am
How is forcing the population to accept fluoride the right thing? Clean water, yes, but adding fluoride, no. I have no choice concerning my acceptance of its use when it is in city water. People need to take responsibility for their own health, such as oral hygiene, which would make this addition not only superfluous, but potentially harmful.
-Ed Harris- November 28, 2012 at 01:28 pm
Maureen, if you think your water is clean....well I can't help ya, Fluoride is the least of your worries, but hey it sounds good and makes for lovely sound bytes. In the meantime, Fluoride is a benefit when handled properly. In Pinellas it IS handled properly, we exceed FDA standards as does Dunedin. In other words were doing it right. The day they skimp on product and procedures with Fluoride I will be the first in line to yell! But for now it IS being purchased, handled and administered properly.
Lisa November 29, 2012 at 10:17 am
Just means I'll use less water from the tap. This is one instance where I will not shop local!
-Ed Harris- November 30, 2012 at 01:49 pm
Great article in the Tampa Bay Times this morning by Sue Carlton titled "Fluoride fever is finally finished". Sue says it all! In summary.....well.....Tea Stains Removed! lol WTG Sue!

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