A discussion is under way that effects every single person in Phoenix. The question, should the city continue putting fluoride in the water?
In 1989 the city council voted in favor of fluoridating the water. Dr. Howard Farran was a key part of that movement. Over the past two decades the practicing dentist says he's seen a remarkable improvement in dental health here in the Valley. Farran says removing fluoride would be a giant step backwards.
"Taking this out of the water would be like taking Vitamin D out of milk and going back to rickets," said Farran.
But some people believe the chemicals being put in the water are doing more harm than good.
"Literally it is an industrial toxic waste. It's the least expensive version of fluoride," said Jody Clute, spokesperson for Fluoride Free Arizona.
Clute was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. She says there's no way to tell if her disease was caused because she lives in a fluoridated community. However, Clute says studies have shown it can make the condition worse.
"The city council is not a science board. The city council is not my doctor and for the city council to continue fluoridating they are basically going against the prescription of my own personal physician," said Clute.
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