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Most praise
fluoridation of isle
water at hearing
Advocates say the additive
By Helen Altonn
is widely used, is safe and
helps prevents cavities
Star-BulletinHealth experts presented legislators with a barrage of testimony today about fluoridation's merits, while opponents such as Bobby McClintock warned, "Do not be fooled."
McClintock, speaking with a mask over her nose and mouth because of a chemical injury, was the first to testify at a House Health Committee hearing on a bill to fluoridate public water systems.
She cited studies questioning the scientific data on fluorides and their safety. She said she has had cancer twice "and been chemically injured by a product which was supposed to be safe."
But overwhelming testimony describing the benefits of fluoridation was offered by virtually all medical organizations, as well as doctors, dentists and others.
Bruce Anderson said he is "ashamed" as state health director that tens of thousands of Hawaii children and residents are suffering from dental decay when it can be averted by fluoridation.
"I grew up in Hawaii and I have cavities to prove it," he said.
Adding fluoride to drinking water to prevent dental disease is no different than adding Vitamin C to fruit drinks to prevent scurvy, or adding iodine to table salt to prevent goiter, said Dr. Michael W. Easley, a fluoridation specialist.
Easley, director of the National Center for Fluoridation Policy & Research at the School of Dental Medicine of the State University of New York, said 55 years of experience with fluoridation shows it's safe and economical.
The cost is about 50 cents per year per person on a national average, or a lifetime investment of $37.50, compared to $62 for a small filling, he said.
Dr. Carl Lehman, a pediatrician and allergist, noted in written testimony that he once favored fluoridation of community water but now strongly opposes it because of patients who react adversely.
He said this disadvantage "far outweighs the advantages of forcing all individuals to comply with fluoride ingestion."
His recommendation: "Minimize sugar contact on teeth, brush teeth regularly with fluoridated toothpaste, administer appropriate doses of fluoride to infants and children through age 13 years in vitamins or as fluoride drops or tablets. "
Among other opponents was Milton Pavao, manager of the Big Island's Department of Water Supply. He acknowledged the benefits of fluoridation, but said the public water system isn't the appropriate place for it.
"Introduction of fluoride into our water supply at this time contradicts our mission of keeping our water supply as pure as possible and in conformance with all applicable regulations," he said.
The Hawaii Medical Association, representing more than 1,700 physicians, residents and medical students, pointed out that Hawaii has the worst dental health in the nation, which is "shameful in light of our nationwide recognition as the "Health State.' "
Dr. Phil Hellreich and Heidi Yeager Singh, representing the medical association, asked legislators to "disregard the alarmist, unproven claims made by opponents of fluoridation and pass this important public health measure."
The bill to require fluoridation of public water systems with 1,000 or more service connections drew about 70 people to the hearing in the state Capitol auditorium.
The committee, headed by Rep. Alex Santiago (D, Waialua-Kahuku), was expected to move the bill to the House Finance Committee for further discussion.
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee has scheduled a hearing on the bill at 1 p.m. Monday in the Capitol auditorium.
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