Environment Archive

Fluoride in Water Debate Continues

February 17th, 2010. By AbiK

As the debate on fluoride in water continues to rage in towns across America, it’s interesting to go back and watch this clip from the US Senate Hearing on Safe Drinking Water Act (June 29, 2000); yes, it’s ten years old now, but it’s still relevant; case in point, the current debate going on in Watsonville, CA where on the one hand, health officials note a dental decay epidemic and opponents to fluoridation refer to studies linking it to bone cancer, thyroid problems, kidney malfunction, fetal damage, and of course, fluorosis.

If you’re wondering whether your own water supply has fluoride in it, check with your local water company. Ask what the level of fluoride—it’ll be in parts-per-million (ppm)—in the water is. According to the ADA, the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water that has been proven to help reduce tooth decay is 0.7 – 1.2 ppm. While the ADA supports community water fluoridation, the ADA website also notes:

Naturally occurring fluoride may be below or above these levels [0.7-1.2 ppm] in some areas. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires notification by the water supplier if the fluoride level exceeds 2 parts per million. People living in areas where naturally occurring fluoridelevels in drinking water exceed 2 parts per million should consider an alternative water source or home water treatments to reduce the risk of fluorosis for young children.

Tags: Drinking Water, EPA, Fluoride, Fluorosis
Posted in Drugs/Medical, Environment | No Comments »

Pollution on Tap

December 17th, 2009. By Hunter West

You would think that a developed nation with the size, strength and clout of the United States of America would excel at the basic provision of clean drinking water for its citizens. Indeed, when Americans see images of under-developed countries around the world, with residents having to grapple with filthy sources of water for drinking, washing and bathing—our hearts go out to them. 

Little do most Americans know that such images hit just a little closer to home. 

The Clean Water Act passed in 1972 was an attempt to upgrade the nation’s aging sewer system. Over two decades in the 1980s and 1990s more the $60 billion was distributed by Congress to various cities and municipalities around the country in an attempt to shore up antiquated sewers. 

But it doesn’t seem to have helped. According to a recent New York Times investigation, sewers around the country are frequently overwhelmed resulting in raw sewage spilling into waterways. 

In the last three years alone, according to the Times investigation, more than 9,400 of the 25,000 sewage systems that exist in the US have reported violations via the dumping of Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: New York Times water study, Tap Water, Water Pollution
Posted in Environment, Food Illness | 1 Comment »