Denver officials have voted to continue the city's 60-year policy of fluoridating community water supplies, citing the recommendations of public health agencies about its benefits.
The decision was made August 26 after the Denver Board of Water Commissioners heard from supporters and opponents of fluoridation, reviewed scientific research, and considered the recommendations of national, state, and local public health agencies and medical professionals, according to the Denver Water Administration.
Nearly 1,200 comments were received from individuals and organizations.
Community water fluoridation levels recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service provide substantial health benefits, while providing a safe, cost-effective, and common sense contribution to public health, stated Denver Water Commissioner Greg Austin in a press release. Community water fluoridation provides dental health benefits across all socioeconomic communities in a predictable and uniform manner, officials said.
Because Denver water's source contains natural levels of fluoride, the water provider supplements fluoride as necessary to achieve an average concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter, the target set by the U.S. Public Health Service earlier this year.
