We would like to express our support for the use of fluoride in the water systems of Colorado. Community water fluoridation has been cited as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century by the Centers for Disease Control. In the United States, approximately 145 million people in more than 10,000 communities benefit from drinking fluoridated water. Over 300 million people in more than 40 countries worldwide also enjoy the benefits of fluoridated water.
From an economic standpoint, fluoridation is not costly. Depending on a community’s size, the type of equipment used and labor costs, water fluoridation costs approximately 20-50 cents per person per year. Over a lifetime, this is less than the cost of one dental filling to repair one decayed tooth.
The health benefits of fluoride are even greater. Studies show that optimal fluoridation can reduce the amount of decay in children’s teeth by as much as 60 percent, and nearly 35 percent in adults. Community water fluoridation benefits everyone, especially those without access to regular dental care. This is the most efficient way to prevent dental disease, while at the same time promoting good oral health in Colorado communities. The science on this issue continues to evolve and we, like you, are committed to protecting public health.
/s/ Wayne Allard, US Senator
/s/ Ken Salazar, US Senator
/s/ Diana DeGette, Member of Congress
/s/ Mark Udall, Member of Congress
/s/ John Salazar, Member of Congress
/s/ Marilyn Musgrave, Member of Congress
/s/ Joel Hefley, Member of Congress
/s/ Tom Tancredo, Member of Congress
/s/ Bob Beauprez, Member of Congress
This message is from the Vote No on 2B Committee,
supported by the many very concerned health professionals serving the people of Boulder.
