The recent Maine Voices column by Norm Labbe of the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells Water District presents assertions about water fluoridation that trouble me.
I serve as coordinator of the statewide Maine Oral Health Coalition, which works to improve oral health via community education and advocacy, and supports water fluoridation.
Previously, I worked in the Oral Health Program of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, answering questions about fluoridation, relying on the most up-to-date and evidence-based information available.
When reports suggested that fluoridation could be harmful, I reviewed them with environmental health experts. We continued to support fluoridation. We were satisfied that it is a safe and effective strategy to prevent tooth decay.
Mr. Labbe’s and the water district’s position contradicts that of the American Water Works Association and a broad consensus of scientific literature. This is distressing, and could have regrettable consequences for the health of children and adults in the seven communities the water district serves.
Judith Feinstein, MSPH
Hallowell
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