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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Following a public meeting where health officials and citizens had the opportunity to offer their input, the board of the Woodlawn Utility District (WUD) voted to stop adding fluoride to their water supply by Dec. 31.
The WUD has given great consideration to the health ramifications of the chemical for both consumers and employees at the plant who work with large quantities and will now join three other rural providers in Montgomery County that do not fluoridate their supplies, though the urban utilities servicing Clarksville and Fort Campbell will continue to do so.
During Tuesday’s meeting, arguments were heard both for and against removal with objections mainly coming from local dentists and health officials, centered around concerns over dental health.
After hearing about the proposal, the WUD also received letters from the Tennessee Department of Health, the Tennessee Dental Association, and the Tennessee Public Health Association objecting to the removal.
In support of the removal, WUD Operator Paul Clay showed two YouTube videos that supposedly demonstrated the link between fluoride ingestion and many health problems including osteoporosis, acne, clogged arteries, diabetes, ADHD, thyroid dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, liver dysfunction, and lowered IQ.
“We want to give people the option of what they put in their bodies. Once we put it in the water, you don’t have that option,” he said.
Residents also spoke in favor of having a choice about what goes into the public water source. “If someone doesn’t want fluoride in their water, they shouldn’t have to go buy bottled water. They shouldn’t have to go buy extra equipment (such as filters) just to get the fluoride out of their water for their home. It’s just not fair to people who don’t want it in there,” said local and veteran Casey Buchanan.
WUD chief operator Mike Mayo also raised concerns about the risks to employees who work with dangerous chemicals in high quantities, especially if they accidentally get mixed. He referred to an incident in 2000 where a chemical delivery worker died and a WUD employee almost died after fluoride and chlorine came into contact at the plant.
The WUD board members ultimately felt it was better to respect the wish for public choice and safety of their workers and voted unanimously to remove the fluoride.
Even some Tennessee lawmakers have begun advocating for a potential change to the state’s fluoridation policies and may be looking to Florida’s guidance about possible neuropsychiatric risks for inspiration. Sen. Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City-Dist. 3) thinks, “there’s going to be legislation this year that’s going to try and possibly recommend what Florida’s recommending.”
According to the TN Department of Health, approximately 88% of Tennesseans served by community water systems receive fluoridated water. This means that roughly 275 water systems are fluoridated while 185 are not.
Perhaps other utility districts and more lawmakers in Tennessee will look to Woodlawn’s actions and seek to put public interest and wellbeing at the forefront of decision making where potentially harmful chemicals are concerned.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
