In Grand Forks, a topic as routine as water took center stage for a contentious debate. The issue? Fluoride—hailed as a public health hero by some, viewed with skepticism by others. While the city council voted 4-3 to keep a touch of fluoride in the tap, the discussion reflects a broader national split. Some experts cite potential health risks, others champion its cavity-fighting prowess. At heart, this debate isn’t just about water chemistry; it’s about weighing public health benefits against potential risks for communities.
And there are more of these fights coming. What’s happening in Grand Forks is a sign of a debate that will begin in many communities in the future.