Of fluoride, vaccinations

The City Council of Sandpoint, by a 4-2 vote, recently ended fluoridation of local water. While one might question whether or not a council vote reflects people's wishes, that power is vested in the council; I don't complain when decisions go my way so I won't complain now. Besides, I haven't lived in Sandpoint in nearly 20 years.

Both the American Medical Association and the American Dental Association have unequivocally endorsed fluoridation of public water supplies for a long time. Here is what the ADA says: "Throughout more than 55 years of research and practical experience, the overwhelming weight of credible scientific evidence has consistently indicated that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe. The possibility of any adverse health effects from continuous low-level consumption of fluoride has been and continues to be extensively studied. Of the hundreds of credible scientific studies on fluoridation, none has shown health problems associated with the consumption of optimally fluoridated water."

From the AMA: "Early investigations into the physiologic effects of fluoride in drinking water predated the first community field trials. Since 1950, opponents of water fluoridation have claimed it increased the risk for cancer, Down syndrome, heart disease, osteoporosis and bone fracture, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, low intelligence, Alzheimer's disease, allergic reactions and other health conditions. The safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation have been re-evaluated frequently, and no credible evidence supports an association between fluoridation and any of these conditions."

OK, so doctors and dentists agree fluoride is safe, effective and a great medical advance. So why did Sandpoint disregard such powerful evidence? Simply stated, people are influenced by ideological agendas.

While I find it bizarre that politics trumped medicine, the same mentality has opposed immunizations; consequently, we are in the midst of a worrisome pertussis (whooping cough) epidemic.

One is hard pressed to find an MD, DO or public health official who opposes routine childhood immunizations; but North Idaho has very low vaccination rates, nonetheless. Some alternative medical providers - chiropractors and naturopaths, mainly - and a few mainstream doctors and nurses recommend against some vaccinations. They frequently cite studies that do not measure up to "credible scientific evidence" standards of the AMA and ADA; this is not simply a matter of where one obtains information.

I trust doctors and dentists who have completed medical and dental degrees at accredited institutions, residencies, licensure and board certification; those in research submit publications upholding established standards to refereed journals. I suspect vaccinations are opposed mainly by practitioners not permitted to provide them. If you only sell Fords, you might not be quick to praise Chevrolets.

One argument supports the Sandpoint decision. In DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA, published in 1835 and 1840, Alexis de Tocqueville, a Frenchman, spoke of the "tyranny of the majority," in which "the 51%" pass laws they have no right to impose. Liberals might cite rules on abortion, homosexuality, prayer in the schools and immigration. Ironically, de Tocqueville likely supports a person's right to be fluoride free.

But a Sandpoint doctor friend told me that same argument can be used to discontinue chlorination of public water, which would be insane. I wish Sandpoint had kept fluoridation. I think out-of-state businesses will be reluctant to relocate to a town without it and low vaccination rates are not exactly thrilling, either. But I suppose the people of Sandpoint have a right to determine such things even when they appear to ignore credible scientific evidence. It is too bad children without adequate dental care will bear the brunt of the council's decision.

Tim Hunt, the son of a linotype operator, is a retired college professor and nonprofit administrator who lives in Hayden with his wife and three cats. He can be reached at linotype.hunt785@gmail.com.