COUNTYWIDE : Fluoridation Bill Sparks New Debate

An assembly bill on water fluoridation was the hot topic at a California Dental Assn. conference where thousands of dental professionals met Thursday at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Fluoridation of community water supplies helps prevent tooth decay.

Proponents say fluoridation also reduces dental costs. Opponents argue that an overabundance of fluoride in water causes cancer, stains teeth and makes enamel brittle.

The bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier (D-Burlingame) in February, would require the state to adopt regulations by 1997 ensuring that 75% of the state will have fluoridated drinking water by the year 2000.

The bill is in the Appropriations Committee and then will will go to the floor for a vote.

Fluoridation costs about 54 cents annually per person, or about $40.50 for a lifetime. The cost to fill one cavity is about $70, according to the California Dental Assn.

“Every major health organization has supported this bill. It is the cheapest, most effective way to prevent dental disease,” said Dale Redig, executive director of the California Dental Assn., who attended the three-day conference. “It is almost inconceivable that a state as progressive as California would not have optimal fluoridated water levels.”

In Orange County, Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach add fluoride to drinking water. Other cities in the state that add fluoride to water are San Francisco, Long Beach and Oakland.

Backed up by research by the National Public Health Service, opponents of fluoridation said problems arise when there is too much fluoride in water levels.

“People should have a choice about being mass-medicated,” said Charlet Blachbourn of the National Health Federation, a consumer rights group.