cies based on biased science. “We have
found that the conclusions drawn by promot-
ers are not supported by the hard data,” she
says.
Most of the fluoride used for water fluor-
idation is industrial waste: sodium fluoride,
sodium fluorosilicate and fluorosilicic acid
from phosphate fertilizer, glass, steel and
aluminum production. Unlike organic fluo-
rine, these compounds come with pollutant
hitchhikers that get a free ride into public
water supplies. Rather than paying to dispose
of these compounds as hazardous waste,
industries sell them to public water utilities.
Injecting hazardous industrial waste into
the public water supply without FDA regula-
tion is, in Campbell’s view, a recipe for dis-
aster. “Forcing populations to ingest a med-
ication laced with lead and arsenic, a known
carcinogen, is antithetical to health,” she
says. “Especially for children.”
Beyond the question of fluoride’s effects
ppm can be toxic to invertebrates, and UO
chemistry professor Paul Engelking main-
tains that even low concentrations of fluoride
in rivers are harmful to salmonids. “I and my
students have been measuring the levels of
fluoride in Oregon waters since [1997],”
Engelking wrote in a letter to former Gov.
John Kitzhaber, an avid fly fisherman who
supports fluoridation. “We now know with
certainty that in some locations, the levels we
have measured are high enough to affect fish
and other aquatic organisms.”
SM
OREGON’S LOW DOSE
In the 1920s, a dentist named Dr.
Frederick McKay noticed that many of his
patients in Colorado Springs, Colo., had
brown stains mottling their teeth — but they
had fewer cavities than most. Research in the
1930s revealed that naturally occurring fluo-
ride in the water likely caused both effects.
‘There’s a difficulty in nailing down the facts on these
issues. There are a lot of questions as to whether the poten-
tial adverse effects of fluoride outweigh the potential bene-
fits. In the end, given the uncertainties, a lot of people
thought we should leave this to the communities to decide.’
— Sen. Charlie Ringo, chair, Senate Environment
and Land Use Committee
on the human body is its impacts on the envi-
ronment. As with other issues related to flu-
oride, credible scientists have different opin-
ions.
A report published in the September 2004
issue of International Journal of
Occupational and Environmental Health
concludes that fluoridation of the public
water supply is safe for the environment as
well as for people. But Environment Canada
found that fluoride levels higher than 0.12
SM
Studies in other communities followed in the
’40s, and by early ’50s, with the blessing of
the Public Health Service, dozens of cities
were rushing to fluoridate. Today, 60 percent
of Americans drink fluoridated water.
But Oregon, with only one in five resi-
dents drinking fluoridated water, is proving
to be among the states most resistant to fluor-
idation. Only Utah and Hawaii have lower
fluoridation rates.
Currently in Oregon, the decision to
SM
OREGONIZE
YOUR
DREAMS
%
FOR 3.99
®
*
APR
Wake up and smell the money.
FLUORIDE’S RUN THROUGH SALEM
Our Home Equity Line of Credit
A chronology of fluoride action this legislative session
comes with a super low rate for
Fall 2004: The Oregon Health Policy Commission recommends a state mandate on
water fluoridation.
the first 6 months. Plus, no closing
Feb. 24, 2005: Senate Bill 852 (the Water Quality Assurance Act), requiring the Food
and Drug Administration’s approval for all substances being added to the public water
supply, is referred to the Senate’s Environment and Land Use Committee, chaired by
Sen. Charlie Ringo (D-Beaverton).
March 7, 2005: House Bill 2426, declaring a dental health emergency and allowing
dental hygienists to prescribe fluoride, passes unanimously through the House and is
referred to the Senate Health Policy committee.
costs. No annual fee until 2007.
It’s a limited time offer, so act now.
You snooze, you lose.
March 29, 2005: House Bill 2025, requiring cities with more than 10,000 residents to
add fluoride to the public water supply, passes in the House by a 36-22 vote. The bill
is referred to the Senate’s Environment and Land Use Committee.
April 2005: The committee holds public hearings on HB 2025, HB 2426 and SB 852.
Oregonize Your Life.
®
Proponents and opponents of fluoridation offer vehement testimony.
April 21, 2005: HB 2426 passes unanimously in the Senate.
May 2005: Former Gov. John Kitzhaber, current Gov. Ted Kulongoski and the
Healthy Smiles Coalition encourage a state mandate on fluoridation. Numerous envi-
ronmental groups and Oregon city governments oppose it, urging the Senate to keep
fluoridation under local control.
541.687.2347 • 800.365.1111
www.OregonCommunityCU.org
May 13, 2005: Kulongoski signs HB 2426 into law.
June 2005 : The Environment and Land Use Committee closes for the session without
reaching resolutions on pro-fluoridation bill HB 2025 or anti-fluoridation bill SB 852.
— Kera Abraham
*Fixed Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for 6 months, then variable based on the Prime Rate (as published in the
Wall Street Journal) plus/minus a margin. APR based on Loan to Value and credit qualification. Minimum $5,000
line of credit, $50 annual fee. Minimum APR is 3.50%, maximum 18%. Oregon Community CU will pay all
closing costs (excludes appraisal). Estimated closing costs may be up to $1346 for $500,000 loan. Prepayment
penalty may be assessed if credit line closed within 12 months of opening. Credit Union membership required.
Minimum $5,000 advance of new money. Other terms and conditions may apply.
JULY 21, 2005 11