WHEREAS, understanding the importance and influence oral health has throughout the lifespan and its impact on overall health, wellness, and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, the benefits of fluoridation of water in the prevention of dental disease have been scientifically substantiated; and

WHEREAS, fluoride has been shown to reduce cavities in children by 50-60%; and

WHEREAS, fluoride has been shown to reduce root caries and periodontal disease in our senior population by 35% with no adverse affects; and

WHEREAS, fluoridation is the single most cost effective public health measure to prevent dental disease; and

WHEREAS every major professional health organization in the US has endorsed and supported water fluoridation; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED that the Washington State Public Health Association actively endorses and strongly supports fluoridation of the public water systems in the State of Washington.

2. American Public Health Association, Public Policy Statements 55-08, 59-04, 63-13, 69-12, 74-02

3. Public Health Improvement Plan, Washington State Dept. of Health, 1994

*This resolution is a reaffirmation of the Fluoridation Resolution passed by WSPHA in Yakima, Washington on October 8, 1968.

Adopted by the vote of the Membership assembled at the 1999 Annual Business meeting of the Association, October 4, 1999 in Spokane, Washington.