Dartmouth hosts forum on the Science and Public Policy Surrounding Fluoridation

Posted 02/08/02

Media Advisory / Calendar Listing

WHAT:

Media and the general public are invited to attend a free forum convened to discuss the issue of fluoridation in public drinking water supplies.

WHEN:

Thursday, Feb. 14, 2002, at 7 p.m.

WHERE:

Dartmouth College, Rockefeller Center, Hinman Forum Area

WHY:

The addition of fluoride compounds to drinking water to reduce tooth decay is controversial. Advocates promote its benefits, while others say the science is incomplete at best. The discussion will highlight recent scientific findings that have not received great public attention and focus on what the organizers believe are harmful effects of the fluoride compounds now being used. Each panelist will speak and then take questions from the audience.

WHO:

Hardy Limeback , Ph.D., D.D.S., Head of Preventive Dentistry at the University of Toronto and Past President of the Canadian Association of Dental Research, was a prominent advocate for fluoridation. In 1999, he reversed his position, stating "For the past 15 years, I had refused to study the toxicology information that is readily available to anyone. Poisoning our children was the furthest thing from my mind."

Roger Masters , Ph.D., is Research Professor, Department of Government, Dartmouth College. His current research includes an analysis of neurotoxicity associated with pollution, poor diet, and lifestyle as risk factors in violent crime, health, and social behavior.

Myron J. Coplan , Registered PE, Intellequity Technology Services of Natick, Mass., has studied all aspects of water fluoridation for over 40 years.

The event is sponsored by: Foundation for Neuroscience and Society; Department of Government/Dartmouth College; and Second Look, a national non-profit offering a rational approach to controversial public policy issues.