While water is the most abundant compound in the history of the Earth, it is also regarded as the most critical and fundamental element supporting our lives on this planet. For this reason, we must take special care to ensure that we are keeping our water clean and free of pollutants, and be conscious of the quality of water that we allow into our bodies. While natural pollutants such as certain m
icrobes and uranium from the erosion of natural deposits will inevitably make it into our potable water, something far more controversial and far less natural makes it in as well—a hazardous by-product of the aluminum and fertilizer industries, fluoride. While the majority of the United States’ local municipalities (including Durango) endorse the practice of fluoridating the public water supply, more and more people are becoming aware of—and taking action against—this dangerous practice. This irresponsible practice is based on nothing more than the misleading claim that it helps to prevent tooth decay. But do the supposed benefits outweigh the numerous dangers of medicating a population with fluoride? There is far more evidence showing the dangers involved, including mental disorders brought on by the biochemical disruption of hormone and neurotransmitter production, as well as an increase in the incidence of bone fractures, impaired immune function, and skeletal and dental fluorosis. Durango residents must come together to stop the mindless practice of fluoridating the public water supply; not only is it toxic and ineffective in preventing tooth decay, but the fact that we allow our community and our loved ones to be mass medicated (often unknowingly) is inherently wrong. According to a 2015 survey of over 100 Durango residents: 71% are aware that there are adverse health effects associated with the ingestion of fluoride, and the majority of Durango residents participating in this survey indicate they would vote to eradicate this dangerous and immoral practice if it were on the ballot. If you are part of this majority and wish to help eliminate fluoridated water in Durango I urge you to take action at the local, grassroots level, just as communities all around us have already done, including Colorado Springs, Pagosa Springs, Telluride, Montrose, and Cortez! The Clean Water Advocates of Durango are currently in the process of passing legislation that will outlaw the addition of industrial grade fluoride to OUR municipal water supply. In the meantime, call Mayor Sweetie Marbury at (970) 259-0218 and urge her to stop the fluoridation.
