County health advisory board to prepare fluoride pros-and-cons packet after public comment

Dozens of residents urged the Saint Clair County Board of Commissioners on July 17 to reconsider fluoridation of public water systems, and members of the county’s advisory board of health voted to ask the health department to prepare a public information package outlining pros and cons of adding fluoride to drinking water. The package, the advisory board said, will be reviewed by the advisory board and then distributed to municipalities that operate public water supplies so local governments and residents can decide whether to request changes. Why it matters: Fluoridation affects which communities receive added fluoride in drinking water and touches questions of public-health policy, local control and regulatory authority. Commenters argued for individual choice and questioned the public-health benefits and risks to children; advisory-board members said the county’s role should inform and not mandate municipal water systems. Residents and advisory-board members filled the microphone during public comment. Sandra Richardson of Fort Gratiot…