Fluoridated water supplies growing despite concerns

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More American communities than ever have optimally fluoridated water, according to a report published late last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the report, the percentage of the U.S. population served by water systems with optimal fluoridation increased from 62% in 1992 to 69% in 2006. This isn’t as high as federal health officials would like, but they say it’s heading in the right direction.

Others aren’t so sure ‘up’ is the direction. The health effects of fluoridated water have been debated for years and show no signs of abating. Though the American Dental Assn. stands firmly behind water fluoridation, other health experts think too much fluoride could alter other body functions, such as thyroid and neurological function, according to the Fluoride Action Network.

Fluoridation in California, by the way, is much lower than in many other states. According to the new CDC report, only 27% of Californians reside in areas with optimal fluoridated water. See the full report on water fluoridation at the CDC website. You can see if the water supply in your community is fluoridated by going to the California Department of Health Services fluoridation page.

-- Shari Roan