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Village Reviews Fluoride in Water
Responding to an inquiry of a village resident, Hamilton has
begun an investigation into whether to continue adding
fluoride to its drinking water supply.
Village officials have already spoken with members of the
Madison County Health Department and numerous medical
professionals. They expect to study the issue further and
are seeking comments from village residents as well.
Fluoride is added to the water supplies of many
municipalities to help combat tooth decay. For a number of
years, there has been concern that fluoride could also have
more, unintended health effects.
Ed Hotaling, head of the village's Municipal Utilities Board,
recently said the village will "not make any rash decisions."
Plans are to investigate the issue thoroughly, reviewing
concerns raised by those who favor fluoride in the water
supply and those who do not.
Hotaling, along with Mayor Sue McVaugh and DPW chief
Sean Graham, encouraged residents with valid information
to share it with the village.
"We are looking for the facts regardless of what they are,"
said Hotaling. He added that the village is especially seeking
peer-reviewed data on each side of the issue.
The inclusion of fluoride in municipal water supplies is
common practice, but it is not without its detractors. Most
raise health concerns -- especially for young children and
the elderly -- as the reason for their opposition.
Fluoride has also, in some instances, become a political issue.
Hamilton supplies some 213 million gallons of water to the
village. The system has 850 meters. The water comes from
two wells and is treated with chlorine before being
distributed to residents and businesses.
Posted 2008.4.16
Responding to an inquiry of a village resident, Hamilton has
begun an investigation into whether to continue adding
fluoride to its drinking water supply.
Village officials have already spoken with members of the
Madison County Health Department and numerous medical
professionals. They expect to study the issue further and
are seeking comments from village residents as well.
Fluoride is added to the water supplies of many
municipalities to help combat tooth decay. For a number of
years, there has been concern that fluoride could also have
more, unintended health effects.
Ed Hotaling, head of the village's Municipal Utilities Board,
recently said the village will "not make any rash decisions."
Plans are to investigate the issue thoroughly, reviewing
concerns raised by those who favor fluoride in the water
supply and those who do not.
Hotaling, along with Mayor Sue McVaugh and DPW chief
Sean Graham, encouraged residents with valid information
to share it with the village.
"We are looking for the facts regardless of what they are,"
said Hotaling. He added that the village is especially seeking
peer-reviewed data on each side of the issue.
The inclusion of fluoride in municipal water supplies is
common practice, but it is not without its detractors. Most
raise health concerns -- especially for young children and
the elderly -- as the reason for their opposition.
Fluoride has also, in some instances, become a political issue.
Hamilton supplies some 213 million gallons of water to the
village. The system has 850 meters. The water comes from
two wells and is treated with chlorine before being
distributed to residents and businesses.
Posted 2008.4.16