Non-flat-earther speaks out

Shawn Vestal’s July 28 opinion column implies that anyone opposed to adding fluorosilicic acid (phosphate fertilizer industry byproduct) to our water supply is an ignorant, paranoid “flat-earther” with a disregard for science.

Speaking for myself (generally non-tin-hat-wearing) and not for any organized group, I have valid concerns about water fluoridation, supported by opinions of actual scientists. One such group, Environmental Protection Agency employee unions representing thousands of public health professionals, has twice in the past 10 years called for a moratorium on drinking-water fluoridation (www.organicconsumers. org/foodsafety/flouride090105.cfm).

In 2004, the Spokane City Council considered a Water Quality Assurance Ordinance which would have protected our water from corrosive water additives contaminated by heavy metals. While it did not pass, this approach gained support from some City Council members and did not call for a ban on fluoridation. The goal was to make sure that, should any kind of health treatment be administered via public water, products used must meet certain minimum health standards.

I know a few of the Sandpoint citizens who recently asked for an end to the practice of adding industrial byproducts to their drinking water. They are rational, concerned mothers who want to protect the health of their children.

Angie Dierdorff

Spokane