Learn about fluoride

I am responding to the editorial promoting the addition of fluoride to our drinking water (“It’s time to fluoridate Spokane’s water,” Aug. 9).

How nice that the CDC has “dialed back” their recommended level so the toxic effects are not so apparent. Speaking of levels, how can that be standardized? People have different body weights. They drink vastly different amounts of water depending on their personal tastes and activities. They might be using fluoride already, and the increase in the water could push their intake to toxic amounts. Toothpaste already has a warning to call poison control if a child happens to swallow some — and yet some people want everyone to ingest this substance!

Mentioned in passing was the poor dental hygiene habits of certain demographics. Wouldn’t it make more sense to educate those people and perhaps provide them with toothpaste and toothbrushes? Fluoride in some form could be offered to everyone to take as they needed or desired, rather than forcing them to ingest an industrial waste product.

Yes, some “experts” think this is a great idea. However, many other experts — and I’m assuming that means they have a Dr. or Ph.D. attached to their name — think it’s a terrible idea. I’m highly suspicious of people who try to limit others’ legitimate research by yelling “crank,” “pseudo-science” or “conspiracy theory.” Don’t be afraid to find the truth about what someone is trying to make you put into your body.

David Glass

Spokane