The concern over arsenic in the water fails to address the compound used by the Everett Public Works Department when fluoridating water. Arsenic additives to drinking water have been associated with an increased risk of bladder, lung, kidney, liver, skin and prostate cancer.
This compound, a fertilizer waste product called hydrofluorosilicic acid and supplied by LCI, Ltd., contains an array of heavy metals. This substance has been connected with increased levels of contaminants in the water supply, some of which are not subject to EPA guidelines for water testing. Increased health problems, and damage to salmon habitat are also documented when this additive is utilized.
The additive contains hydrofluorosilicic acid, fluorine, phosphorus, hydrogen fluoride, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, iron, iodine, lead, mercury, selenium and silver. This chemical mix is similar to the fertilizers banned some years back by the state after a problem in Moses Lake.
The public clearly was not asked whether or not they wanted arsenic, lead, and other hazardous waste added to the water supply. Those who did not want fluoridation, and those who did, seem to have had the right of informed consent denied them.
Perhaps it is time to properly inform the public of the health risks associated with these additives, and call for a new vote.
Granite Falls
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