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    According to the U.S. Surgeon General, “there are profound and consequential disparities in the oral health of our citizens…” that have resulted in a “silent epidemic” of dental and oral diseases that disproportionately affects low-income and minority populations.

 Unfortunately, not only are these groups afflicted with worse dental health, but are also suffering more extensively from the public health measure carried out under the guise of improving oral health: water fluoridation.

The Environmental Injustice of Water Fluoridation

 One of the goals of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and particularly of its administrator Lisa Jackson, is achieving Environmental Justice for all Americans. According to the EPA (2011):

     “Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. EPA has this goal for all communities and persons across this Nation.

     It will be achieved when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work.”

 Unfortunately, the agencies and associations that continue to promote artificial water fluoridation – including the EPA’s Office of Water, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Oral Health Division, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the American Dental Association (ADA) – have completely ignored racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic differences when stating that the level of fluoride used is “safe” for all Americans to consume in drinking water – on a daily basis, and over a lifetime.