CONAWAY/GREENWALD BILL TO REQUIRE FLUORIDATION OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES CLEARS ASSEMBLY PANEL

CONAWAY/GREENWALD BILL TO REQUIRE
FLUORIDATION OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES CLEARS ASSEMBLY PANEL

(TRENTON) –  Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Herb Conaway Jr. and Louis D. Greenwald  to require the fluoridation of all public water supply systems in New Jersey cleared an Assembly panel today.

The “New Jersey Public Water Supply Fluoridation Act” would require all public water systems in the state be fluoridated within a year of the bill becoming effective.

According to the CDC, in 2006 only 23 percent of New Jerseyans served by community water systems were getting fluoridated water.  New Jersey was ranked 49 nationally for having the least water fluoridation only Hawaii ranked lower with eight percent. 

“Water fluoridation is safe, effective and healthy,” said Conaway, (D-Camden/Burlington), who is a practicing physician. “More than six decades of use, countless studies and the experience of millions of Americans tells us water fluoridation is effective in preventing cavities and is safe for children and adults.”

“Community water fluoridation has proven to be the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay,” Greenwald said. “Studies show that water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by as much as 40 percent.  Knowing this and how safe and helpful fluoride is, how can we not finally move forward with this common sense legislation?”

The bill (A-3079) was released 10-0 with one abstention by the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee and was sent to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

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