NEWS · C1 Level - Part 2

Why is Fluoride in our Water

We begin today in Utah, which this week became the first US state to ban the use of fluoride in public water.

Level: C1 · 16 sentences

Transcript

1. We begin today in Utah, which this week became the first US state to ban the use of fluoride in public water.
2. Fluoride is a natural occurring mineral that can be found in soil, plants, and food in tiny amounts.
3. And studies show that at optimal levels, it helps prevent tooth decay, helps prevent cavities.
4. The US has added it to public drinking water systems since the 1940s to improve dental health,
5. and the practice is considered to be one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century.
6. But it's created some contretemps with debate over adding fluoride to public water ramping up.
7. And some states like Florida are following in Utah's footsteps to pass laws to ban it.
8. Those in favor of banning fluoride in drinking water point to research that shows consumption of high levels of fluoride...
9. could cause adverse health effects in children.
10. But exposure to levels that concentrated are rarely seen in the US.
11. Proponents of the ban add that...
12. when it comes to fluoride improving dental health, evidence is mixed
13. and some studies find that our modern dental hygiene routines like brushing and flossing regularly...
14. have had more of an impact than fluoride in drinking water.
15. Other advocates of the ban acknowledge that fluoride does have benefits, but...
16. people should have the individual choice to not have it added to their drinking water.