Water Additive Safety Act

Sponsor: Protect Our Waters (POW)

Additives (such as fluoride) could continue if the product is proven safe (by initiative standards).

Water Additive Safety Act [Text]

A YES vote for clean water!

The Purpose of the WASA

This initiative would provide that, when water is used for medication, the medication must meet FDA approval. In addition, all other chemicals (included in a specific additive product) must meet water quality standards protective of all users--all ages--for lifetime exposures.

The intent of this initiative is broad. Although some examples deal with fluoridation, they do so only to demonstrate the need for better standards for ANY drugs added to our water to treat mind or body. The initiative does not apply to substances required to insure potability.

Years ago--on the basis of studies that do not meet today's scientific criteria--dentists began advocating for adding fluoride to drinking water in an attempt to prevent tooth decay. At that time, fluoride was primarily only in the water. Now fluoride shows up in virtually all processed foods. The tragic result is that people are getting overdoses of fluoride. For example, a bowl of Wheaties with milk doubles the fluoridation goal of 1 mg per day. Fluoride is also in soda pop, juices, fruits, vegetables, as well as other foods. Fluoridated water increases our dosage still more.

Port Angeles is adding FSA to the water they supply their citizens. The present fluoride additive is an industrial waste product of the phosphate fertilizer industry, contaminated with lead, arsenic, and other pollutants which have never been reviewed by the FDA either for safety or for efficacy (ability to produce a desired amount of effect). Contamination varies from batch to batch.

And current water quality standards do not take into account the cumulative effects of these additives over a lifetime of exposure. Nor do they always account for the effects on vulnerable segments of the population (infants, persons with poor kidney function, the aged, etc.). Standards don't include exposure to these substances from other sources such as processed foods and pesticides. 

What is Safety?

Safety is defined different ways. And the various definitions change over time. Thalidomide and asbestos---once considered safe--now have proven otherwise by subsequent research.

We have learned that exposure levels safe for one individual can be dangerous for others. Children and the elderly are often particularly susceptible to substances that are generally tolerated by adults.

Whatever is added to water is NOT our total dose!

Dosage Safety?

Substances introduced into the water system do not give anyone a controlled dosage level. Rather, dosage depends upon the amount of water consumed as well as the exposures from other sources (foods, drinks, bathing, pesticides, workplaces, etc.). Soda pop, fruit juice, and other processed foods often contain fluoride.

Stricter standards have been defined by the EPA but are not currently enforced. These stricter standards--Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLG)--would become the enforceable standard for medicinal substances added to water in Port Angeles if this initiative becomes law. Medicinal treatment of water would then have to be approved by the FDA.

Infant Safety?

Citizens of all ages should be protected. Yet fluoridated water is not safe for infants!

Fluoride additives are not effectively reviewed for cumulative, overall effect. And baby food has some of the highest fluoride levels of all foods.

"All health professionals should understand the risks of  preparing infant formulas with optimally fluoridated water and give precise recommendations to their patients." ~~M. Buzalaf et al., Risk of Fluorosis Associated with Infant Formulas Prepared with Bottled Water.  Journal of Dentistry for Children,  2004.  71:110-113. 

Pet Safety?

Many people and veterinarians have reported serious problems--even the death of horses, dogs, fish, as well as other pets.

One family's horror story

Wouldn't you enjoy drinking as much water as you want without worrying about overdosing?