Citizens-Opposing-Fluoridation

Citizens Opposing Fluoridation is a group of concerned individuals who have
come together to raise awareness about the health risks of fluoridation and
organize efforts to repeal Louisiana's mandatory fluoridation law enacted last
year.

On July 6, 2008, Governor Jindal signed ACT 761 into law which mandates that all Louisiana
communities with water systems that have at least 5,000 service connections add fluoride to their
water supply.

The new state law does not require a city to begin a fluoridation program. however, until the state
has identified funding for fluoridation equipment. The state would also fund the cost of the fluoride
and other materials needed for the program for at least six months before the city must assume
responsibility.

Fortunately, the state budget has been too restricted this year to provide financial support for
this program, but that won't always be the case, so we need to organize efforts to protect
Louisianans from this toxic chemical being added to our water.

Our efforts to raise awareness so far have included letters to the editor and appearances at local
group meetings, talk radio and television. We invited Dr. Paul Connett from Fluoride Action Network
to be the keynote speaker at a community awareness event at the University of Louisiana in April.
He also spoke at the Lafayette City-Parish Council meeting that same evening as well.

On April 21, 2009, the Lafayette
City-Parish Council voted 8-1 to
urge the Acadian legislative
delegation to seek repeal of
Lousiana's mandatory fluoridation
law enacted in 2008. Cost was cited
a the primary reason for opposition
to the law, as the cost to fluoridate
Lafayette's water would be
approximately $530,000 per year.