Concord Voters Flush Plan to Remove Fluoride from Drinking Water

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Concord voters on Sunday flushed a plan to remove fluoride from the town’s drinking water.

The fluoride ban was proposed by resident Shelley Moors, who claimed fluoride causes health problems. Her idea was presented as a “clean water resolution” (Article 34) during Town Meeting Sunday. The measure failed to pass.

Fluoridation in the United States became widespread starting around the 1950s.

“Community water fluoridation has been a safe and healthy way to effectively prevent tooth decay,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “CDC has recognized water fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.”

Concord’s Board of Health opposed Moors’ proposal.

“The overwhelming body of scientific evidence and studies show that community water fluoridation is a safe and effective public health measure,” the board said in a statement.

Photo credit: Diana Susselman