National Environmental
Health Association Resolution Regarding

Community Water Fluoridation

 

 

Resolution Regarding Community Water Fluoridation

            Whereas:

•     fluoride is a naturally occurring element, and adjusting the fluoride content of community water supplies is the single most effective and safe public health measure to prevent tooth decay and to improve oral health for a lifetime;

•     community water fluoridation is a public health measure that benefits individuals of all ages and socioeconomic groups, especially those without access to regular dental care;

•     an additional 30 million people must receive optimally fluoridated water from public water supplies to meet the year 2000 national health objective of increasing to at least 75 percent the proportion of persons served by community water systems providing optimal levels of fluoride;

•     the average cost for a community to fluoridate its water is estimated at 51 cents per year per person, which, over a lifetime translates to less than the amount required to treat a single cavity; and

•     fluoridation of community water supplies is supported by the American Dental Association, the U.S. Public Health Service, the American Medical Association, and the World Health Organization;

            Therefore, be it resolved that NEHA recognizes the public health value of community water fluoridation for protection against tooth decay.