HomeMy WebLinkAbout49-78 RESOLUTION•
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE INTRODUCTION OF FLUORIDE ION
INTO THE WATER SUPPLY OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS.
WHEREAS, the application of fluoride ion to a water supply to
reduce incidents of dental caries has been approvediby the U.S. Public
Health Service, the Arkansas Board of Healthithe American Association of
Public Health Dentists, the American Water Works Association, and many
others; and
WHEREAS, it is the consensus of opinion among health authorities that
a maximum concentration of one and one-half (1.5) parts per million of
fluoride ion is safe and desirous.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS:
Section 1. That the introduction of fluoride ion in an amount
not to exceed 1.2 parts per million concentration to the water supply
of the City of Fayetteville is hereby approved.
Section 2. That a copy of this resblution shall be sent to the
Arkansas Board of Health.
PASSED AND APPROVED this B -day of . aftiptent 1978.
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ATTEST:Pid.AA 0-A
.1%1% CITY'CLERK
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APPROVED:
Oe'rfrese(0.- di-nea-s-4
MAYOR
MICROFILMED
DATE OcT 2 0 1978
REEL \1
MINIMS OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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August 15, 1978
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4 FLUORIDATION: A request by Director Phil Colwell for an ordinance initiating the
'fluoridation of Fayetteville's water supply. [Materials at 1.01; see also item 16G1
elTRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT; Approval of the Fayetteville portion of the"Transpor-
Citation System Management/Transportation Improvement Program" for the
Fayetteville/Springdale Transportation Study Area. [Elaine Walker of NWARPC
will be present at the meeting to 'splain]
tri STREET NAMING: A request that the street located south of Zion Road (in front
of Urology Associates, P; A.) be named "Venetian Lane". [See 3.01]
A MSP WAIVER: A request for a waiver of the Master Street Plan requirements for
ilea portion of Stearns Road west of Highway 71. [Correspondence at 4.011
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9 BONDS: A public hearing regarding the issuance of $500,000 of "Aet
lndustrial Development Revenue Bonds. [See 5 01: see also item 16G1
Under the terms of this arrangement, the city agrees to issue
approximately 5500,000 in Act 9 bonds to finance the con-
struction and equipping of a trucking terminal expansion for
Arkansas Best Freight.
ABF will pay off all of the costs of the bonds (including both
principal and interest, the cost of issuing the bonds, and
financing and attorney's fees) through a lease arrangement,
and the city will own the facilities until the bonds are paid off.
There will be no general tax liability to the public.
Similar revenue bond provisions were made for hangar •
facilities for Scheduled Skyways, for the expansion of the
D. It Baldwin Piano & Organ Plant, and for the construction
and equipping of the Hackney Bros. Body Company and American
Air Filter plants in the Industrial Park.
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A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE INTRODUCTION OF FLUORIDE
ION INTO THE WATER SUPPLY OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS.
WHEREAS, the application of fluoride ion to a water supply
to reduce incidents of dental caries has been approved by the
U.S. Public Health Service, the Arkansas Board of health, the
American Dental Association, the American Association of Public
Health Dentists, the American Water Works Association, and many
others; and
WHEREAS, it is the consensus of opinion among health authorities
that a maximum concentration of one and one-half (1.5) parts per
million of fluoride ion is safe and desirous.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS:
Section 1. That the introduCtion of fluoride ion of
approximately one (1) part per million concentration to the
water supply of the City of Fayetteville is hereby approved.
Section 2. That a copy of this resolution shall be sent
to the Arkansas Board of Health.
PASSED AND APPROVED this day of . 1978.
APPROVED-
oss wars CRAMMWA P.A.
AW SCRESfleA0
J. B. HAYS. D.D.S.
FRANK C. GRAMMER. D.D.S.. Pail
DIPLOMATES. AMERICAN BOARD OF ORAL SURGERY
Board of Directors
City of Fayetteville
Fayetteville, Arkansas
You are presently offered an opportunity without parallel
in disease prevention. The dental profession, and indeed, the
entire scientific community, is convinced that fluoridation of
municipal water supplies is of major importance in combatting
that most common, painful, and costly of diseases, dental caries.
The dentists of Fayetteville think it is important to eKpress
our conviction that fluoridation of community water oysters is
effective in caries prevention, economical, and safe.
The dentists of the Fayetteville area, through the Fayetteville
Dental Study Club, unanimously endorse fluoridation of the
Fayetteville water system and strongly urge the Board of Directors
to immediately pass an ordinance allowing our citizens the benefits
of this disease prevention measure.
Respectfully submitted for the members
of the Fayetteville Dental Study Club by,
, Ph.D.
Piyetteville D-eaMiat'udy Club
BUREAU OF PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING
Donaghey Building, 13th Floor
Seventh end Main Streets
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Mr., Don Grimes
y 4 City Manager
City Administration Building
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
• Dear Mx. Grimes:
Per Mr. Bill Parette's request, we are enclosing copies of
1. The procedure for inaugurating fluoride.
2. An example of a resolution that should be adopted by the City
Council.
fluoridation cost estimates.
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page 1.04
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Little Rock, Arkansas
CONTROLLED FLUORIDATION OF DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES
PrOcedure to be followed b a munici alit
Considerable interest has developed among municipal water works and health
officials, and the medical, dental and engineering professions concerning the con-
trolled fluoridation of drinking water supplies. Conclukive evidence as to the
beneficial results of the practice probably will not be known for several years,
but initial results indicate that dental caries can be reduced considerably
through the applicatiom of fluorides to the drinking water. The State Board of
Health, on July 26, 1951, adopted a resolution endorsing and recommending fluori-
dation of public water supplies to aid in the prevention of dental caries /mac-
cordance with procedures established by the State Board of Health. '
' A written request for approval of fluoridation must be submitted to the
Arkansas State Board of Health by the proper official or agent of the water works
together with two sets of detailed plans and specifications of the proposed equip-
ment, layout. method of application and means of controlling the fluoride dosage.
The application shall give the following information:
Amount of natural fluoride in the water.
The flouride compound proposed for addition.
Type and capacity of feeding equipment.
Details of storing and handling fluoride Compound, including safety
equipment for operators. .
Point of application for the fluorides.
Outline of proposed operating and laboratory control procedures.
The qualifications of personnel who will be in control of the process
and make laboratory tests.
The request shall also be accompanied by a copy of a resolution by the City
Council approving the application of fluoride.
The responsible water works official shall notify the State Board of Health
of the date proposed for commencing fluOridatiOn in order that an engineer of the
State Health Department can be present at the start of the program.. The engineer
will check the installation for agreement with approved plans and instruct the
operator in making fluoride residual tests.
It is expected that the consulting engineer and equipment manufacturer's
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representative will make final adjustments of the equipment to assure proper opera-
tion and will give full instructions to operating.personnel in the operation and
maintenance of the equipment.
or utilit
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atilL fluoridation
DeSiRfl Criteria
Chemicals
Sodium fluoride, sodium silicofluoride and hydrofluosilicic acid are commonly
used. Information concerning these chemicals is given in Appendix A. The avail-
ability, cost, and ease of application are important factors in the selection of
the chemical to be used.
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Chemical Feed Equipment
, The equipment and accessories must provide for dependable, efficient and
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• accurate fluoride control. The equipment shall have sufficient capacity to main"
lain a fluoride content in the treated water of about 1.2 parts per million. In- 1
, formation concerning feeding equipment is contained in Appendix B. Feeders lust
.. be located so as to provide for easy maintenance, protection against dust hazard 6
and for ready access to the chemical storage area. Feeders must have an accuracy
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tolerance of at least 0 5 per cent. r
" Dry feeders mist be provided with scales for weighing the chemicals used:Ic".
Where loading operations may create dust hazards, special.consideration must be
42(i
# orgiven to dust collection and filtration. Dilution water lines should be equipped ‘
. with automatically operated valves to prevent water wastage when the feederls nor
• in operation. • i r 1/2
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Solution feeders must be provided with two corrosion resistant containeis;
one for making up the stock solution and the other for the solution pump auction.
Containers must be provided with non -corrodible, over -lapping covers, and all
openings must be constructed to exclude the entrance of contamination. A chlorine
residual must be maintained in the batch solution container. -Suitable scales for'.
weighing the chemical shall be provided. Special corrosion resistant parts are
required in the pumps when concentrated acid is fed. 0
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Point of ApplicatiOfl
The point of application shall be selected so as to obtain uniform -distribu-
tion of fluoride. Solution feeders mina discharge against continuout ptesidre in
such a manner that concentrated flUoride solution cannot be hiphoned into the
system.,
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•Si'latilSmItrol
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Automatic start -Stop operation and proportioned feeding ere required. Con-
trols exist eliminate any possible hazard of overfeeding. Separate installations
are required where distribution from individual sources will not peimit fluoridate
ing at a common point. .
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IISS11-2-Maae
Suitable anti -siphon provisions must beAprovided for all make-up end dilution
water lines to prevent any back -siphonage of concentrated fluoride solution into
the supply. Either a free fall atmospheric break or approved siphon -breaker in
the water supply line serving the feeders on the discharge side �t the control
valve must be provided.
Solution Water
Soft water should be used for preparing brch solution and for dry feeder
solution water. If soft water is not available, consideration should be given
to the use of a small softening unit or to the feeding of polyphosphates.
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Chemical Store e
Adequately ventilated and lighted, conveniently located and dry storage
facilities are essential for proper operation.
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leSionnel Protection
lubber glntet and SStvttal respitst ros of an approved type must be provided
Va• tack installation. Dabber aprons and protective goggles should also be made
available.
Facilities most be provided for metering the meter delivered to the diatribe -
tins system.
laboratory Control
:Facilities for the adequate and reliable determinatinstof the fluoride con -
castration shall be furnished. Details of the testing equipment shall be outlined
In the specifications. Sampling taps shall be made available so that representa-
tive samples of treated and untreated water may be obtained. Where the fluorides_
are introduced into a closed pipe the location of the sampling point should be at
It 20 feet downstream from the point of application.
Control tests oust be made at least daily on the rim, treated and distribution
system water. In addition, at least one sample per meek for eight weeks and one
per mouth thereafter must be submitted to the State Ryglesic Laboratory for check
purposes.
Ihnords
locords most be maintained on plant operation. A copy aka, daily record
shill be furnished monthly to the State Sala Department oa proper forms. Sueb
fern shall show the amount of chemical added, the amount of water treated, bind
orchemical used, and the residual fluoride test results. An individual see of
records most be maintained for oath installation. • competent and responsible
oparator most be in charge of the fluoridation process and controls at all OS.
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Fluoride Compounds
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page 1.07
APPENDIX A .
FLUORIDE COMPOUNDS
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inforthation concerning the fluoride compounds available is as follows:
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1. Sodium fluoride (NaF)
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Commercial sodium fluoride may be purchased in various grades containing 90
to 98 percent sodium fluoride by weight equivalent to 40 to 45% aVialable
fluoride ion. Its solubility is 4%. The composition of the salt is such that
the 90% grade requires 20.4 lbs. Per mil. gal. to apply a 1.0 p.p.m. fluoride
ion and the 95% grade, 19.4 lbs. per mil. gal. The cost of this compound has
varied from 11 to 14 tents per lb. delivered; resulting in an average cost for
fluoridation of about $2.50 per M.G. It is packaged in 100 lb. bags, 375 lb.
• barrels or in 125 and 375 lb: fiber drums. The material is in the form of a
fine powder, it is dusty to handle, contains insoluble matter of varying per-
centage and a variable moisture content, though 0.5% is a recommended maximum.
(See ANNA Tentative Standard Specifications for Sodium Fluoride 5N1.90 -T (1950)).
Some operating difficulties have been reported Such as clogging of Solution
piping by accumulated depositions of inert materials, presence of foreign
material in the sodium fluoride resulting in jammed feeders and lumping of
the compound while in storage.
2. Sodium silicofluoride (Na2Si116)
Sodium Silicofluoride contains 592 of fluoride ion as contrasted to the 43.52
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average for NaF. It can be purchased in 100 lb. moisture -proofed paper Saga,
350 lb. barrels or 125 lb. drums in a grade containing 98.52 sodium silica• -
fluoride. Its cost is about 7-9 cents per pound. The material is a white,
free flowing, odorless, non -hygroscopic crystalline powdet containing no Water
of crystallization. It has a low solubility (about '0.42) which limits ite use
in fluoridation to dry feed application only. Sodium silicofluoride has a
tendency to form incrustants also even though the compound formed, calcium
silicofluoride, is more soluble than calcium fluoride. The degree of incrus-
tation is much less and normal maintenance practice should keep ahead of the
difficulty. Some arching of this compound has been encountered in feeder
hoppers. Use of a timer device which allows the feeder to °notate at a higher
rate of feed at intermittent internale or a hopper vibrator are controls for
such a problem. •• •
3. Hydrofluosilidic acid (H2S116)
• Hydtofluosilicic acid is available as a 302 grade which gives 23.752 fluoride
ion, is non-volatile and not irritating to the skin. It is packaged in 50
gallon (420 lbs.) wood barrels and 100 lb: rUbber.drums. Cost a the liquid
SB about 5 cents per pound F.O.B.'shipping point. The overall cost of a
fluoridation program using hydrofluosilicic acid would amount to approximately
$2.25 per m.g. One gallon (10.8 lbs.) o2 hydroflussilicic acid will treat
307,000 gallons of water at 1 p.p.m. fluoride:
The chief advantage in the use of this acid lies in its solubility as compared
to NaF at 42 and Na2 SiF6 at less than 0.4%.
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There is a greater degree of simplicity in the. use of hydrofluocilicic
not enjoyed by the other compounds so fir mentiOned. Spacial mixing is not
required to obtain a solution of water soluble cOnsistency. The product is,
added as received.,
4. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) • ,
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r Hydrofluoric'acid is obtainuble in either 60 or' 702'coidenttatfOn. HydrOs' 4
.141uoric acid is packaged in 110 gallon (000 110, 55 gallon (450 lb.) and
20 gallon (160 lb.) steel barrels. The use of ihia°aeid tanrbe indtitUted
only upon the expressed permission of the State HealthkDepariment.
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page 1.09
APPENDIX
FLUORIDE FEEDING EQUIPMENT
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Feeding Equipment
Several factors enter into the determination of the feeding method. These
briefly are type and cost of chemical, number of installations required, personnel
available for maintenance, construction and location of stations, budget and
ability to feed within the desired accuracy. It is recommended that a registered
engineer be employed to advise the local responsible officials. Frequently, before
the engineer is employed, equipment manufacturers have long since given the com-
munity excellent guidanc.! to thc above. This Department does not encourage the
use of one method over the other. The method selected by the water department or
utility is subject, however, to the approval of the State Health Department.
1. Solution feed of sodium fluoride
Equipment used for feeding sodium fluoride solution is identical to the
hypochlorite feeder. It is a constant -rate of feed, positive displacement,
diaphragm or plunger type pump with adjustment of both stroke frequency and
stroke length. This feeder has a capacity of about 40 lbs. of concentrated
sodium fluoride per day and will accommodate flows up to about 2 m.g.d. when
applying the fluoride at 1 p.p.m. This equipment can fluoridate the water
under pressures up to 125 p.s.i. Feeding under suction is not recommended.
Automatic feed is obtained when inter -wired to the starting switch of a
pump -motor.
The method of adding the sodium fluoride solution to a water supply is simple.
First, the rate if discharge of the water pump is determined. Second, the
feeder is set to deliver the amount of sodium fluoride required. Third, upon
start of the water pump the inter -wired diaphragm pump starts and draws sodium
fluoride solution from the solution tanks and injects it into the discharge
line. Water pumps usually discharge at a fairly constant volume. However, if
discharge is variable, a flow proportional device can be installed in the line
to insure accuracy of feed. Auxiliary equipment for a sodium fluoride solution
feed set up usually includes two ceramic crocks, 30 to 55 gallon capacity, a
zeolite water softener if the water is moderately hard, a small scale, respi-
rator, rubber gloves and fluoride residual colorimetric tester.
2. Solution feed of saturated solution of sodium fluoride
A potential weakness of the sodium fluoride solution feeding method is the
"human factor" of accurately weighing a fixed amount of compound for adding
to a fixed volume of water. One chemical feeder company, to remove this
factor, introduced an accessory development - the saturator tank - to assure
a simplified procedure. Insteld of weighing out a fixed amount of compound,
an entire barrel of sodium fluoride is added to a tank. A saturated solution
is automatically made up by means of a float valve to last for days and even
weeks. A contact period is provided to produce a saturated solution at draw -
off rate. The size of the tank varies with the.chemical feeder capacity. The
tank contents are sufficient to fluoridate 15 to 20 million gallons before a
recharge is necessary.
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It has been observed that, even with soft water make up, precipitates form in
4 the tanks which if not periodically removed will plug the feeder. Periodic
back -washing of the tank, however, brings the sludge to the top where It can
Y be removed.
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3. Liquid feed of hydrofluosilicic acid
h
The very newest approach to fluoridation is the liquid feeding of hydrofluosilicic acid. The feeding of this relatively non -corrosive acid is not a
greatly different from the feeding of any common water works chemicall„solUtion.:.,
The same type of feeder used in sodium fluoride solution application, with ;
minor adjustment, is able to handle hydrofluosiliciC acid directly and accu-
rately without the need for dilution, provided the water pumpage rate is suf.*,
ficiently high. Hydrofluosilicic acid application can only be at a point ‘'".
where positive pressure 14; assured at all times. Reason for this is the much
greater concentration of fluoride ion being fed from the container. Though
the chemical feeder has a spring loaded back pressure valve to prevent back
siphonage through the unit, failure would result in siphonage of a highly
concentrated fluoride solution into the system. Application against pressure
where no negative head can occur is a precautionary control.
4. Liquid f?ed of hydrofluoric acid
The liquid feed of hydrofluoric acid is a highly dangerous procedure And doei
not warrant serious consideration by any city except under extreme circum-
stances, and the use of hydrofluoric acid shall be instituted only upon the
expressed permission of the State Health Department.
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5. Dry feed of sodium fluoride or sodium silicofluoride
A majority of the fluoridation programs to date have chosen the dry feed
method. Either a volumetric or gravimetric feeder can be selected for
measuring the sodium fluoride or sodium silicofluoride. As was true for
solution feed, application methods using dry feeders are of no mystery for
again one could call upon years of experience with such equipment as used in
other phases of water treatment and purification. Besides, manufacturers had,
prior to 1945, developed dry feeders for feeding enriched concentrates in the
flour processing field - a development which required accuracy upon the part
of the equipment.
a. Volumetric dry feed
For the intermediate sized supply up to approximately 5 m.g.d. the
volumetric dry feeder is most popular. This type feeder gets its name
from the fact that compound applied is measured on a volume basis.
Accurately machined grooves in the feeding disc or slow moving polished
stainless feed rolls assure positive volumetric measurement. Feed rate
is adjusted by a calibrated feed slide or disc which varies the feed from
minimum to maximum. The feeder is mounted on a platform scale which
permits almost instantaneous checking on the amount of material fed into
the dissolver or solution mixing chamber.
For application against pressure a constant level tank and a pump Or
ejector must be included in the installation. Each installation must
also include a siphon breaker on the raw water make-up line to prevent
back -siphonage of concentrated fluoride solution. Overflow and drain
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lines frit thole:peanut level box diiehargelisto fres space before
connection with a sewer.
Problems have occurred in dry feed operation most of which, however,
have been attributed to thirchemical. In some installations larger
ejectors were zequired as experience showed incrustants were still
plugging the feed line. The resulting higher velocity through the
ejector has resulted in trouble free operation in those installations
previously troubled with incrustation. Experience has also shown that
having a large amount of water passing through the solution mixing
chamber most of the incrustant trouble is eliminated. For dry feeding
of sodium silicofluoride it is necessary that a,larger mixing chamber
be provided to off -set the lower solubility of the compound.
The second type of dry feed equipment, gravimetric, operates on the
loss -in -weight principle which continuously "Veighs out" material from
a hopper that is carried on the scales. Depending upon application
point the feeder nay or may not be supplied with a dissolving tank.
Generally speaking, the graviMetriC feeder being used for both sodium
fluoride and sodium silicofluoride feeding is considered the ultimate
in equipment, for medium and large size installations.
Cravimetric units installed include a number of features not found in
the less expensive volumetric installations. These include: dust tight,
all enclosed cabinet, large hopper capacity equippc4 with vibrators to.
control arching of the chemical, dust collector at filling chute, chart
recorder and totalizer which mechanically reports operating characteristics,
and alarm to indicate faulty operation.
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• 461SEDDLETION APPROVING Tut lwroommicm cr rumps so Ino
qttorsO minx or Imo •• ISTUI DEPARTMENT OF TIM CITE OF
ARKANSAS,
WHEREAS, the application of fluoride ion to * meter supply to reduce
thie incidence of dental caries hae been approved by the U. S. Public Health
s,
Slivice, the Arkansas State Board of Health., the American Dental Association,
kb* Aterican Association of Public Health Dentists, the American Water Works
Association and many others, and;
WHEREAS, it is the concensus of opinion among health authorities
that a maximum concentration cf one and onembalf (1.5) parte per million of
fluoride ion Is safe and desirous;
NOW, THEREVORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of tht City of
, Arkansas, that thi introduction et fluorids
Aig
• icin cf approximately ono (1) part per million concentration to the
Water Simply, be apiroved.
BE IT ruRTHL1 RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be spread on
the minutes of the City Council and copies sent
to the Water Department and the Arkansas
State Board of Health.
ADOPTED;
at'
To feed SOdium Silicofluoride
**W 6 T A 690 Dry Feeder
Platform Scales
**Lightening mixer
Test Kit
igiao
Current Price Deliveredr04.23/1b.
F $.38/1b.F
To feed Hydrofluorosilicic acid*
**W& T A 747 Solution Feeder ru800
Platform Scales ni375
Test Kit r.#100
$1275
Current Price DeliVered00$0.24/111.*
V23.75% F $1.01/1b.F
At a dosage Of 1 mg/1, 1 lb: F will trent
1200 people for 1 day.
For Sodium Silicofluoride,
$0.38 X 365/1200 Illc
For Hydrofluorosilicic Acid
$1.01 X 365/1200 0 31c
N °A
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*available from Pioneer
Salt CoMpany, Philadelphia Pe.:
*Includes freight to
i Hamburg, Manua ? “
1,1,__i .». T • 9 • 4 '
120400 gallons oUwiter, which will
...,:
the annual per person cost would be
;
theihnual per Person cost would boo
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** ftanufaCturers mews are used only to identify types Of 4401pment tejUliOd.
ak
(from survey of 120 physicians and dentinteln Pilyetteville) 00 1.14
NWMautely yes"
',feel fluoridation is important -as you know I routinely prescribe fluoride to newborns but
a survey would show 50% or less compliance."
‘flitim a medical viewpoint, there is no evidence of harmful effects of fluoridation but mUch
Iiiidence of benefits as regard to teeth."
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for it -good luck!"
1) need to prevent dental caries 2) good evidence now that fluoridation.prevents post-
m,opausal osteoporosis (and compression fractures) in elderly women,"
It is a shame that our community -which should be a leader in these affairs is so primitive
and backward in denying this to the people."
toed going! Evidence shows it would be of tremendous benefit to the children of our community."
"Good luck on this."
"Without question, it is needed."
I believe fluoridation would be an asset to the City of Fayetteville."
"We do need it."
"Yes, I am in favor. Feel very strongly -appreciate your poll."
"Beljeve it is an effective agent to reduce dental caries -likely will raise all kinds of
orPOPition from naturalists, John Birchers, and others viewing this as an invasion of their
rights of choice.( Some of us feel that way about Social Security, etc.)"
"Strongly believe this is important. It's hard to believe we ban things of unproven harm
and neglect things of proven value."
"Reports in literature confirm it's a safe procedure and effective in decay prevention."
"Recommended by pediatric and dental icademies-no harmful effects known- this IS
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE."
"Should have been done years ago."
"Badly needed."
"Long overdue."
"I hope we can get it through."
"Many people who move here from areas that do have fluoride in their water supplies find it
hard to understand how a city like Fayetteville does not already have this health adjunct.
The cost of installation and service cr such an addition is infinitely small when you consider
the amount of pain and suffering reduced and/or eliminated."
"Fluoridation of Fayetteville water would help reduce tooth decay."
"Yes, I an in favor. I can understand why some people oppose this, though. Mass medication
for all when some do not benefit."
"Hope to see all incorporated city water supplies fluoridated by federal law."
4.
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tit)) 1.0b.„`.).k, tr. v4rmlits'
noes City have the right to "treat" its citizens with fluiride? Otn• City Witer
needs' to be kept pure and unadulterated." •41. J 4 4, f 144( tA 4 t .A:
4' a •04•1 •
'I will be glad to get you aB the anti -material You might want." A * * 4Lt
6 4 V ers g
4t44 ..iot 4 •
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SUPSTIL
A PUBLICA
CONSUMERS U
NO ADVERTISIN
ONE DOLLAR
. JULY 1978
. ••• $
PART ONE OF A TWO-PART REPORT
1,47A
MICLIZIZOLATEU[i\AL
The CE12tC27 Sccre
On the evening of February 10, 1976, millions of Dutch
television viewers were watching their sets with more than
customary attention. News of a bribery scandal in the United
States had just reached Europe, along with rumors that
Prince Bernard of Holland was imPlicated. Those who
tuned in were unaware, however, that an unrelated inter-
view later in the newscast would soon affect many of them
more directly than the scandal.
The interview involved Dean Burk, Ph.D., an American
biochemist formerly with the National Cancer Institute, the
Federal agency that conducts or sponsors much of the cancer
research in the U.S. Dr. Burk's message was a troubling one.
Adding fluoride to drinking water as a dental health mea-
sure, he .asserted, was causing thousands of cancer deaths
annually in the U.S. He claimed that statistical studies done
by himself and another biochemist, John Yiamouyiannis,
Ph.D., showed a link between fluoridation and cancer. Dr.
Burk expressed no reservations , about his conclusion.
"Fluoridation," be told the audience, "is a form of public
111813 murder."
Copies of the Burk-Yiamouyiannis report had been cir-
culated to memlxrs of the Dutch Parliament before the TV
appearance. Soon after, a proposal by the Minister of Health
to fluoridate all drinking -water supplies in Holland dicd in
Parliament. By September 1976. a Royal Decree ended
fluoridation in Rotterdam and other Dutch cities that had
been treating their water for years.
A GROWING SENSE OF ALARM
What happened in Holland is not an isolated incident.
Despite widespread endorsement of fluoridation by medical,
dental, and public health officials, the practice has come
under increasing attack both in the United States and
abroad as a potential cause of cancer and other diseases.
Three years ago, after a publicity campaign linking fluoride
to cancer. Los Angeles voters defeated an ordinance to
fluoridate the city's water supply. Since 1973, voters in
hundreds of smaller U.S. cities and towns have taken simi-
lar action, often out of fear of cancer or ocher disorders
attributed to fluoridation.
How valid are those fears? Is there a genuine scientific
392
st.corst-srr(1:.s.v.— r.
controversy surrounding the safety of fluoridation? Accord-
ing to Representative lames 1. Delaney (D., N.Y.), chair-
man of the powerful House Rules Committee, the answer
is an emphatic "yes." A long-time opponent of fluoridation,
Delaney has urged Congress to halt the practice, pending
further investigation of its safety. Last fall, a subcommittee
of the Houses Committee on Government Operations held
hearings on the issue. Drs. Burk and Yiamouyiannis testified,
as did representatives of the American Dental Association,
the National Cancer Institute, and authorities on fluoride
research. An extensive array of scientific studies and expert
commentaries on fluoridation was also presented:
What emerged from the testimony, in CU's opinion, we.
an unmistakable sense that millions of Americans are being
grossly misled about an issue important to both their health
and the cost of their dental bills. Water fluoridation is the
.only public-health measure that many Americans vote on
directly. Yet last fall's hearings received only scant coverage
by the press, except in publications that commonly run and -
fluoridation stories. Accordingly, in this two-part report we
will tell you the facts about fluoridation—what it is, how it
developed, and what it does. This month we will also ex-
amine the claims about fluoridation and cancer and consider
the people behind those claims. Next month we'll take a look
at other charges frequently leveled at fluoridation. includ-
ing claims about allergies, birth defects, and hcan disease.
ON THE TRAIL OF COLORADO STAIN
Fluorides are compounds containing the element fluorine.
In its various forms, fluoride is found in practically all soils,
plants. and animals. as well as in human blood. bones, and
teeth. les also present in at least trace amounts in all natural
water supplies. Thc concentration in water varies widely,
however. In the U.S.. natural fluoride levels range fmni a
high of about 8 parts per million (ppm) in areas of the South.
west to as little as 0.05 ppm in the Northeast.
Fluoridation is simply an adjustment of the natural fluor
ide content to about I ppin—a level of intake that strengthens
tooth enamel and sharply reduces dental decay. especially
among those exposed to fluoridated water from early chilit•
hood., The nominal 1.pons teve! (acittally 0.7 lo 1,2 nim,
A
4
•
page i.17
itemeffing to load conditions) isn't an arbitrary one. Its
selection Involved a scientific detective story complete with
e hvist ending.
The initial clue was uncovered early In the century by
two scientists investigating a eminent defect F.S. McKay
and G.V. Black were trying to find out what caused a mol-
ding of tht tooth enamel, a discoloration variously known n
"Colorado brown stain" and "Texas teeth." By 1916 they
had narrowed the search to something in domestic water
BIPPiiett. The next step was to identify the substance and get
it out et the water. It took until 1931, however, before the
sobstame was identified as fluoride.
Meanwhile, McKay bad noticed something else. A prac-
ticing dentist, he observed that patients with mottled teeth
also had remarkable resistance to tooth decay. The concern
of Public health officials at the time was still how to get
fluoride out of the water. But McKay's observation also
ironed further research by the Public Health Service to
learn more about fluoride's effect on teeth.
Over the next ten years, research teams led by Dr. WT.
Dean of the Public Health Service studied the dental status
of 7257 children in 21 cities having various levels of natural
fluoride in their water. The results were unequivocal. The
Un fluoride in the water, the fewer dental cavities the chil-
• dren experienced. When the water contained approximately
1 ppra or more of fluoride, the children developed about 60
pereat fewer cavities than did those who drank water with
negligible fluoride content. Furthermore, at thc 1 -ppm
level, the unattractive mottling did not occur. It was asso-
ciated with levels above 2 ppm. Thus, I ppm of fluoride
beanie the benchmark level.
Tooth decay was no minor health problem. During the
war year of 1942 some 2,000,000 men were examined as
potential members of the armed forces. Almost 10 percent
of them were rejected because they didn't have 12 sound
teeth in proper position out of • possible 32.
$ Although the potential dental advantages of fluoridation
*ere obvious, there was a natural reluctance to add a chemi-
cal to community water supplies. In the early 1940's. there
was no background of scientific data about possible side
effects. There were some practical reassurances, though.
People Md been ingesting nuoride in food and water since
the 'dawn of the human race. Many Southwesterners had
ken drinking water containing several times the 1 -ppm level
• of fluoride for a lifetime without arty discernible side effects
except mottled teeth. Eventually, a few cities decided to
take the chance.
THE NEWBURGH-KINGSTON EXPERIMENT
Among the pioneers was the New York Slate Department
of Health. Before attempting any widespread introduction
01 fluorldation, the department proposed a long-term. c -m -
trolled study of a limited group of children who would be
• Carefully monitored by physicians. Aker considering vari-
ant communities, the department chose the cities of NOV..
burgh and Kingston as ideal candidates for the study.
• Located some 35 miles apart near the Hudson R ker. bOth
a cities had populations of about 30.000 and were similar in
racial, economic, and othcr demographic characte r i %% ics.
Each also used reservoirs with water deficient in fluoride.
CONSUMER REPORTS
•
91
•
One airs water supply was to be fluoridated, the other
not. Meanwhile, matched groups of children from the two
cities were to he followed from infancy onward by means
of comprehensive pediatric checkups to detect any side
effects from fluoride. Special attention was to be given to
growth rates, hone development, blood chemistry, the skin,
the thyroid gland, vision, and hearing. Each child would
also receive meticulous, regular dental exams.
In March 1944, the City Council of Newburgh agreed
to participate in the study and approved the fluoridation
of its water to 1 ppm. Kingston agreed to serve as the con-
trol city and use its fluoride -deficient water without change.
A total of 817 children were enrolled in the Newburgh group
and 711 in Kingston. Although most entered at the start of
the study, several infants were added during each of the first
three years to ensure having some children whose mothers
were exposed to fluoridated water throughout pregnancy.
The study went on for 10 yean, and a majority of the
children in both groups participated through the final ex-
amination. The findings can be summarized briefly: The
examinations disclosed no differences of medical signifi-
cance between the two groups that could even remotely be
attributed to fluoride. There was one difference of dental
significance, however. The Newburgh children experienced
nearly 60 percent fewer cavities Man the Kingston children.
Numerous studies have since confirmed the benefits of
fluoridation. "Fewer cavities" means fewer costly fillings,
fewer lost teeth, and, eventually, fewer dentures or partial
dentures. The cost of fluoridation to a community, according
to • report last year in the New England Journal of Medi -
eine, is only about 10 to 40 cents a year per capita.
THE EVIDENCE FOR SAFETY
Since the early days of the Newburgh -Kingston project,
literaIly thousands of scientific studies have examined the
effectiveness and safety of fluoride. Virtually every doubt or
question that has been raised, however scanty the evidence,
has been studied in depth by one or more groups of re-
searchers. As ‚dentist representing the American Dental
Association noted in the House subcommittee hearings last
Water fluoridation is the only public-
health measure that many Americans
vote on directly. And since 1973, hun-
dreds of towns and cities have voted
against fluoridating the water supply.
v"vt:is
tafl.'fluoridation may well be the most thoroughly storied
community health measure of recent history.**
In the late 1960s. the World Health Organization accom-
plished the Herculean task M pulling much of the known
information together. The objective Was to provkk an int- i!
partial review of the scientific Intimate en fluotidaticat—
a Va‘i international aggregation of population studies, n-
periinental research, animal studies, and clinical invemiga-