The Fluoride Wars : How a Modest Public Health Measure Became America's Longest-Running Political Melodrama

A lively account of fluoridation and its discontents Since its first implementation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1945, public drinking water fluoridation and its attendant conflicts, controversies, and conspiracy theories serve as an object lesson in American science, public health, and policymaking. In addition to the arguments on the issue still raging today, the tale of fluoridation and its discontents also resonates with such present concerns as genetically modified foods, global warming response, nuclear power, and environmental regulation. Offering the best current thinking on the issue, The Fluoride Wars presents a witty and detailed social history of the fluoridation debate in America, illuminating the intersection of science and politics in our recent past. This reader-friendly assessment explores the pro- and anti-fluoridation movements, key players, and important events. Full of amusing and vivid anecdotes and examples, this accessible recounting includes: A careful and non-condescending look at the hard science, popular science, pseudo-science, and junk science involved A look at fluoride issues including dosage, cost, financial and funding interests, fluorosis, and problems of risk-cost-benefit analysis The back-and-forth drama between pro- and anti-fluoridation factions, with all its claims, counterclaims, insults, acrimony, and lawsuits Case studies of various cities and their experiences with municipal water fluoridation initiatives Fluorophobia and popular conspiracy theories involving fluoride The colorful characters in the debate including activists, scientists, magicians, and politicians A richly and considerately told tale of American science and public life, The Fluoride Wars offers an engrossing history to both interested general readers and specialists in public health, dentistry, policymaking, and related fields.Content: Chapter 1 A Story of Our Times (pages 1–8): Chapter 2 A Clash of Absolutes (pages 9–43): Chapter 3 A Tale of Two Cities (pages 44–70): Chapter 4 Two Women (pages 71–91): Chapter 5 The Road to Fluoridation (pages 92–126): Chapter 6 Fluorophobia (pages 127–169): Chapter 7 Look, Ma. No Cavities: Fluoride and Teeth (pages 170–218): Chapter 8 Fluoride and Health (pages 219–254): Chapter 9 EPA and The MCLs (pages 255–277): Chapter 10 Riding the Tiger: The Dosage Issue (pages 278–297): Chapter 11 Science and Not Science (pages 298–328): Chapter 12 Money, Motive, and Risk (pages 329–355): Chapter 13 The Light at the End of the Tunnel (pages 356–364): Offering The Best Current Thinking On The Issue, The Fluoride Wars Presents A Witty And Detailed Social History Of The Fluoridation Debate In America, Illuminating The Intersection Of Science And Politics In Our Recent Past.--back Cover. A Story Of Our Times -- A Clash Of Absolutes -- A Tale Of Two Cities -- Two Women -- The Road To Fluoridation -- Fluorophobia -- Look Ma. No Cavities : Fluoride And Teeth -- Fluoride And Health -- Epa And The Mcls -- Riding The Tiger : The Dosage Issue -- Science And Not Science -- Money, Motive, And Risk -- The Light At The End Of The Tunnel. R. Allan Freeze, Jay H. Lehr. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. The Flouride Wars offers a witty retelling of a highly debated scientific conflict in our past. It contains a variety of anecdotes regarding the history of tooth decay and the start of the use of fluoride, as well as the beginning of water fluoridation in the Unites States.