Fayette County high school interns working during the summer with Fayette County government will present their findings to commissioners Aug. 14 regarding water fluoridation, offering evidence on both sides of the issue.
Since fluoride was introduced to the American water supply in 1945 it has been a national controversy and increasing concerns have been raised by Fayette County’s citizens in recent years.
The Fayette County Board of Commissioners has decided it is time to take an honest yet careful look at this issue, officials said in a July 25 press release.
County Clerk Floyd Jones said Fayette County School System interns John Hlas and Haider Khan are currently working to determine if water fluoridation for Fayette County is a necessary public health practice.
Khan is a rising junior at Fayette County High School. Hlas is a rising junior at Sandy Creek High School, Jones said.
“Their ultimate goal is to research and provide information to help understand whether water fluoridation should continue to be an ongoing practice for Fayette County,” said Jones.
Organizations such as the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for years have touted water fluoridation as a major milestone in helping prevents dental cavities. Yet the Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/ncct/toxcast/files/summit/48P%20Mundy%20TDAS.pdf) lists fluoride as one of the chemicals with substantial evidence as being a developmental neurotoxin.
“The interns established their rules of research by disregarding any previously held opinions on this matter while evaluating the concerns and findings in an unbiased manner,” the press release said.
Jones said the work performed by the students has progressed in three steps.
First, they began their research by reading books such as “The Fluoride Deception” and “The Case Against Fluoride,” both of which document the connection that led to an industrial by-product being added to toothpaste and drinking water.
Second, they decided that the best approach was to delve into the issue of water fluoridation by understanding the actual mineral, fluoride, Jones said.
Third, the interns researched the history of water fluoridation and its various practices.
Jones said throughout their research, the interns have collaborated with health and water professionals who have extensive knowledge and provided insight on this topic.
The interns will present their findings and options to the Fayette County Commission at the regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting.
