 |
  |
  |
  |
|
 |
|
|
|
For Immediate Release • January 12, 2011
Staff Contact: Bill Powell, Public Works and Natural Resources, 303-651-8348
View the most recent Press Releases.
JANUARY 12, 2011 - The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have recently announced changes to the recommended level of fluoridation in drinking water. Previously the recommended level was a range from 0.7 to 1.2 mg/l and this has been changed to 0.7 mg/l. There are several reasons for the changes seen over time, including that Americans have access to more sources of fluoride that they did when water fluoridation was first introduced in the United States in the 1940’s. In addition to drinking water, other sources include toothpaste and mouth rinses. This updated recommendation is based on recent EPA and HHS scientific assessments to balance the benefits of preventing tooth decay while limiting any unwanted health effects. More information is available at: www.epa.gov.
Longmont has been adding fluoride to the City’s drinking water since 1958 at levels between 0.9 and 1.2 mg/l based on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and its preceding agencies. The current maximum contaminant level (MCL) for fluoride is 4 mg/l. The CDPHE , who regulates our potable water treatment operations, bases its standards and recommendations on those of the EPA. Longmont has always followed the CDPHE recommendation for fluoride addition, which are well below the fluoride MCL. The City has already initiated actions to move to the recommended level of 0.7 mg/l at our water treatment facilities.
Both the EPA and the HHS reaffirmed the health benefits of water fluoridation, although at a lower level.
The City will post additional information on their website beginning on Wednesday, January 12, 2011. Please visit www.ci.longmont.co.us for additional information beginning January 12, 2011.
-END-