Experts talk benefits, harms of fluoride after increased levels found in Richmond water
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Experts are sharing their thoughts about the benefits and potential harms fluoride could have on drinking water.
This comes after the Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) confirmed no fluoride was added to drinking water prior to April 23rd for three months due to the January water crisis.
Later, an unknown amount of fluoride was added on April 24th and DPU was not notified until four days later, according to Director Scott Morris.
According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), fluoride levels detected at the Water Treatment Plant were 2.67 milligrams per liter (mg/L), which is below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4.0 mg/L, the highest level that is allowed in drinking water by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The recommended optimal target level of fluoride is 0.7 mg/L.
Data from the Center for Disease Control says too much fluoride can cause bones to become more fragile and diseased. The Virginia Dental Association said that adding fluoride can be toxic in massive quantities.
On the flip side, the Virginia Health Catalyst is an organization that ensures that people across the commonwealth have access to oral health care.
Vice President of Policy Ben Barber said fluoride is one of the nation’s greatest health achievements and prevents infections in the mouth that can spread to the brain.
“Water fluoridation is our first and best, line of defense against tooth decay, which can and often does lead to much more significant overall health problems,” Barber said. “We've seen significant, tremendously significant decreases in tooth decay among adults and children in the country.”
Barber said infrastructure issues at the plant go beyond physical repairs.
“It comes down to decades of systemic neglect and disinvestment in our water systems,” Barber said. “Managerial skills, financial skills, communication skills, these are all things that I think it's easy to forget about when we're talking about something as, physical or something as infrastructure, heavy as water.”
Director Morris did not mention any possible consequences for staff not communicating the spike.
