End water fluoridation? Speak up.

In January 2011, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended reducing the levels of fluoride added to drinking water based on national survey data showing that 41 percent of American adolescents now have dental fluorosis (a visible sign of fluoride toxicity). HHS has proposed reducing the level of fluoride added to water from 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million (ppm) to 0.7 ppm, and is now soliciting public comment due by February 14.

While HHS's decision is a baby step in the right direction, it is not good enough. Even at the new recommended level, millions of infants will continue to be regularly over-exposed to fluoride, millions of American children will continue to develop dental fluorosis, and millions of Americans - children and adults alike - will remain at risk to the health effects caused by fluoride.

On Friday, the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) submitted its comments to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on its proposal to lower the level of fluoride in drinking water. Science clearly shows that even at this level fluoride remains harmful to many Americans. FAN advises HHS to stop fluoridation completely because it is unnecessary, unethical, the benefits wildly exaggerated, and the risks minimized.

It's important that HHS receive as many comments as possible. You can email your comments by February 14th directly to HSS at CWFcomments@cdc.gov.