Letter: Appalled over reaction to OPUD fluoridation's end

I am appalled at the reaction by many regarding the discontinuation of fluoridation with the Olivehurst Public Utility District.

The fact of the matter is that science, evidence and facts have been presented which give valid concern to the safety and effectiveness of fluoridation, especially as it pertains to children. That is exactly what three OPUD board members based a common sense decision on. Dr. Joseph Cassady's objective of "we are putting a dentist in everyone's sink" is the most irrational and unethical way of addressing a disease, period.

Per the FDA, ADA, AMA, etc., tooth decay is a disease; per the FDA, fluoride is a drug. As an American and simply anyone with common sense, when is it ethical, legal and simply OK to treat a disease by administering a medication in the drinking water? Well, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women, so should we administer statin drugs in the water systems to prevent this disease? Fact: Nov. 9, 2006, the ADA published an eGRAM recommending that infant formula not be reconstituted with fluoridated water.

Quote: "The evidence is quite convincing that the addition of sodium fluoride to the public water supply at one part per million is extremely deleterious to the human body" — Chief Justice John Flaherty, of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (presided over litigation involving fluoridation).

Quote: "EPA should act immediately to protect the public, not just on the cancer data, but on the evidence of bone fractures, arthritis, mutagenicity and other effects." — Dr. William Marcus, senior toxicologist at EPA.

I invite Joseph Cassady, Mike Kennedy, Lindsey Robinson or any other individuals to a public debate. Any effects of fluoride are topical and not systemic.

Justin DeVorss

Plumas Lake