Fluorides, facts and fanatics
Public health advocacy shouldn't stop at the courthouse door
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11029963 |
|---|---|
| Authors | T Christoffel (corresponding author) |
| Year | 1985 |
| Volume | 75 |
| Issue | 8 |
| Pages | 888-891 |
| Publication date | 1985-08-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | American Journal of Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0090-0036 • E-ISSN: 1541-0048 |
| Publisher | American Public Health Association (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.2105/ajph.75.8.888 |
| PMID | 4025650 |
| OpenAlex | W2079866605 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 5 |
| References cited | 5 |
One of the more controversial American public health issues is\nfluoridation of municipal water supplies. Opponents occasionally succeed in\nhalting fluoridation through local referenda, but the courts usually uphold\nfluoridation laws. In 1982, however, an Illinois trial judge ruled that a\nstate law authorizing fluoridation was unconstitutional. Although unimpressed\nby the plaintiff's evidence purporting to show fluoridation's risks, the judge\nwas compelled to rule against the state because it had failed to counter with\nevidence on the safety of fluoridated water. Christoffel analyzes the trial\ncourt's decision and its subsequent reversal by the Illinois Supreme Court. \nHe urges public health professionals to assume advocacy roles by ensuring that\nthe scientific rationale behind public health regulations becomes part of the\nlegislative record and by forcefully supporting public health policies in all\nforums, including the courts. (KIE abstract)
Legislature · Plaintiff · Political science · Public health · State (computer science) · Supreme court · Water fluoridation · Law · Medicine · Nursing · Public Administration · Public Health Policies and Education
| Citations per year | 0.13 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 1986 - 1989 (4) |
| Highly cited | No |