Letter to the editor: Water concerns in Brackenridge

The Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health, a nonprofit working to improve oral health for all Pennsylvanians, has concerns regarding recent developments in Brackenridge.

For nearly 75 years, water fluoridation has been recognized as a health measure to safely prevent tooth decay that reaches everyone. Benefits of water fluoridation are particularly pronounced for families who have limited access to dental care and higher risk of dental cavities. Only half of our low- income kids see a dentist annually, and many families can’t afford oral hygiene items like fluoride toothpaste. With 22% of Brackenridge residents living below the poverty line, the long-term effects of discontinuing fluoridation will only cause a bigger divide in residents’ health.

A decision was made to cease the benefits of water fluoridation without any customer input, public discussion or even a public voting meeting by the borough. A permit has been filed to discontinue adjusting fluoride, with potentially devastating effects for the community. By ceasing water fluoridation without public transparency, Brackenridge has deprived community members of their right to participate in decisions that directly impact their health.

We urge residents to talk with the water system and ask for reconsideration of this decision with an inclusive process that involves input from community members, public health experts and other stakeholders.

Helen Hawkey

Delmont

The writer is executive director of the Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health.