Dear Editor:
Columbia is now considering banning fluoride from water sources, and I think it's time the good people of Cole County do likewise.
In all, 97 percent of Western Europe has rejected water fluoridation and over 70 communities in the US and North America (e.g., Witchita, Albequerque, Pinellas County, Fla., and Calgary, Canada, etc.).
Water fluoridation began in the 1940s under the premise it would strengthen teeth, but we now know the main benefit would be derived from topical application and not ingestion. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), between 1970 and 2010 there was no discernible difference between countries who fluoridated and those that didn't use fluoride in drinking water.
Brushing and flossing are best plus regular visits to the dentist. It's time for Cole County citizens to save money and stop the needless fluoride in water.