Produced by:
KBOO
Program::
Air date:
Thu, 11/17/2011 - 12:00am
Voices from the Edge on 11-17-11 Is fluoridation a public health threat or panacea?
Is fluoridation a public health threat or panacea? A conversation with Dr. Paul Connett.
Oregon ranks 48th among states in percentage of residents with fluoridated water and Portland is the second largest metropolitan area without community fluoridated water. Public advocacy groups like Upstream Public Health argue Oregon children suffer from unacceptably high rates of dental decay and tooth loss as a result. The group met with City Commissioner Randy Leonard earlier this fall and is working with political consultant Mark Weiner on the issue.
But there are other voices who say that in the case of fluoridation, the cure is worse than the disease. Dr. Paul Connett, of the Fluoride Action Network has been a vocal opponent to the introduction of fluoride into drinking water, citing extensive research that fluoride is responsible for far more health risks - cancer, Alzheimer's Disease, and damage to developing teeth - than the questionable benefits it brings. Dr. Connett, who is Professor Emeritus of Chemistry (environmental chemistry and toxicology) at St. Lawrence University joins Jo Ann and Dave this Thursday to talk about what should and shouldn't be in our drinking water.
Jo Ann Hardesty is a former state legislator, former executive director of Oregon Action and past board president of Portland Community Media as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a freelance journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights, environmental, labor and peace movements for over 20 years
Join Jo Ann and Dave every Thursday as they bring you guests and conversations on the issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edge by becoming a member of KBOO today (just click the "tip jar" in the upper right corner of the KBOO website to find out how).
Co-Hosts: Jo Ann Hardesty and Dave Mazza
Producers: Dave Mazza and Jo Ann Hardesty
Program Engineer: Steve Nassar
Audio Editor: Alicia Olson
- KBOO
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