Many people who know me, know that I am conservative, support and love my country to a fault, and I am anti-bigpharma. I personally believe it’s all about the money and they do not cure anything, only cover it up. 

I am also against the government forcing us to do things. I do not want government healthcare and I personally prefer my holistic and functional doctor who doesn’t just prescribe pill after pill. I’m actively involved in my healthcare by asking questions and doing some research when necessary. Everyone should actually practice that when it comes to personal healthcare. 

There are always government mandates that require our local government to implement procedures, etc. whether they want to or can afford it or not. Many times costs for these mandates are passed on to the taxpayers.

The EPD (Environmental Protection Division) is now going to require fluoride in our water system which will cost the city and government more money in extra supplies, monitoring and manpower. Whomever came up with this bright idea, I don’t know but it’s just another costly mandate which can also affect your health.

I do not even use toothpaste with fluoride and thankfully I am on well water but do not want to be subjected to fluoride in my water elsewhere. Some water systems already use it but not Crawford.

Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water and foods but when added to a water system, used in toothpaste, mouth washes and other products, it is synthetically produced.  Natural is one thing, synthetic another.

Fluoride is supposedly added to reduce tooth decay. However, they do not tell you the risks and side effects. It can cause and damage your teeth and cause dental fluorosis. as well as effect calcium levels and cause neurological problems.  The thyroid can also be damage by fluoride which has happened to me personally. 

Recent studies have suggested that babies exposed to fluoride before birth may have poorer cognitive outcomes in the future. In 2014 fluoride was documented as a neurotoxin that is hazardous to child development.

It also can cause skin problems, cardiovascular problems, reproductive issues, conditions affecting the joints and bones and possibly leads to ADHD. 

A high level exposure can lead to seizures and muscle spasm along with other problems. Of course not all fluoride exposure comes from drinking water but from other sources like untested bottles water and waterproof and stain-resistant items with PFCs.

Proponents of fluoride will tell you its no different than fortifying milk with vitamin D, orange juice with calcium or cereals with B vitamins and folic acid. Some studies also show it does help with dental health provided you aren’t allergic to it or don’t get too much. Some people are particularly susceptible to fluoride toxicity. If you are one who drinks a lot of water daily, you are ingesting more and more fluoride.

Since water has some natural fluoride I don’t see the need to add more. 

Even the World Health Organization (WHO) sets a lower standard that EPD. WHO states that drinking water that contains more than 1.5 ppm fluoride leads to health problems. EPD sets the maximum allowable at 4 ppm.The FDA requires a warning label on fluoride toothpaste. That says something in itself.

If you are against EPD mandating fluoride be added to the local water supply a petition is going around to be signed by voters. If enough signatures are gathered it can be put on the ballot to be voted upon and if everyone says no, then the county and city does not have to participate in adding fluoride. I say risks outweigh benefit.

VICTORIA SIMMONS Is a columnist, author, motivational speaker, minister and publisher of The Georgia Post/Byron Buzz. Contact her at: vsimmons54@gmail.com