Proposition 1: Fluoride

Fluoride - poison or a benefit to public health?

More than 145 million Americans already drink fluoridated water, but Spokane voters rejected it in 1969 and 1984. It’s back on the ballot as Proposition 1.

Those with strong feelings are polarized: people who see fluoride as a safe and cost-effective way to fight cavities vs. those who think it’s a threat to their health and a government intrusion.

More than 50 years of scientific research supports the safety and effectiveness of fluoride. The Centers for Disease Control ranks it among the 20th Century’s top 10 public health achievements. Some studies show that fluoride can reduce tooth decay by 40-70 percent.

But water fluoridation will cost Spokane about $1 million up front, according to initial studies conducted by the city’s Water Department. Maintaining the system will cost an average of about $300,000 a year.

Fluoride opponents say the cost is too high. Instead of using money to pay for something that not everyone wants, they think the city should spend it on street repair and other priorities.

But dentists and other supporters think fluoridation is worth the price.

The average cost to fill a cavity is $100 per tooth, dentists say. Water fluoridation is considered by some to be socially equitable because it benefits everyone - children, the elderly and those who can’t afford dental care. National statistics show that for every $1 spent on fluoride, people save $80 in dental care.

“It’s so much healthier to prevent disease than to treat it,” said Mary Smith, a Spokane dentist and member of People for Healthy Teeth.

Still, opponents insist fluoride is toxic. There are few studies on its possible adverse effects, say opponents of Proposition 1. A few residents also say they’re allergic to fluoride and would leave Spokane if the initiative passes.

The bottom line for fluoride foes is what they perceive to be government interference with their right to choose.

“We don’t want to make fluoride illegal,” said Proposition 1 opponent Don Caron. “But we don’t want it forced on us.”

This sidebar appeared with the story: PROPOSITION 1

Under Proposition 1, the city of Spokane would spend about $1 million to install equipment that would adjust the amount of fluoride in the water to a level that would prevent tooth decay. The proposition appears only on city ballots.