New Jersey
New Jersey dentists call for fluoridated water as debate about the chemical continues
In the early 1900s, public health officials concluded discolored teeth among residents of Colorado Springs were caused by high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in the spring water. However, the residents also had lower rates of tooth decay. Health experts determined that adding low levels of fluoride to drinking water could prevent cavities with little side effects.
Towns and cities across the U.S. began fluoridating their water, following Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1945. In a few years, health officials documented a 60% reduction in tooth decay.
Since then, numerous studies have shown fluoride can reduce cavities because it strengthens enamel during the formation of teeth, and it can remineralize adult teeth.
Conspiracy theories about fluoride have been around since the beginning. However, the anti-fluoride movement was amplified in recent months as President Donald Trump’s Health and Human Services secretary nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called for removing fluoride from public drinking water. Kennedy has alleged the chemical can cause health problems such as bone cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders.
During his confirmation hearing this week, he referenced a recent study that found an association between fluoride and lowered I.Q. Researchers have cautioned none of the study’s analyses were conducted in the United States, where recommended fluoridation levels in drinking water are very low.
Exposure to high levels of the chemical could impact a person’s health, said Dr. Mary Beth Giacona, a professor of pediatric dentistry at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. However, she said there are no health effects associated with the very low levels of fluoride found in drinking water in the U.S.
“I think the evidence is there to say that at the levels that we are fluoridating our water supplies, it does not cause harm,” Giacona said.
Last year, another study linked fluoridated water during pregnancy and increased neurobehavioral problems in children. One of the study’s authors, Howard Hu, has since advocated for some policy changes, such as limiting fluoride exposure during pregnancy and the first year of a child’s life.
“As a precaution, I think women during pregnancy should try to limit their known exposures to sources of fluoride,” said Hu, a professor of preventive medicine at the University of Southern California,
Some opponents of fluoridated water believe toothpaste, mouth rinses and professional treatments are a safer alternative. However, dentists argue fluoridated water ensures everyone has access.
“There are large segments of our population that cannot afford to and don’t have access to other interventions,” Giacona said. “Whereas, if you fluoridate a community’s water supply, everybody, no matter what the household income is, no matter what race or religion or ethnicity they are, has access to this effective preventive measure.”
Velazquez expressed concern that warnings about fluoride in drinking water might also reduce the use of fluoridated dental products in New Jersey.
“They hear … someone’s telling [them] fluoride is not good, then they stop everything,” she said.
Velazquez encourages people to discuss best dental practices with their providers.
“There’s so many factors, and that’s not something that should just be Googled,” she said. “That should be something that each parent talks to their dentist about for that individual child.”
Yellowcard played the Stone Pony Summer Stage on Friday June 12th. It was an astounding set. The band performed nineteen tracks from every era and iteration of the band. It was a special night for anyone who is a fan.
Openers Plain White T’s and New Found Glory also deserve special credit for fitting the bill flawlessly. It was the perfect way to set the stage for the show to come. Both bands have a strong stage presence and were able to captures the crowd’s full attention.
Yellowcard opened with a video of the Paramount stars. They continued their set by playing interlude snippets of other major movies such as “Back To The Future,” “Top Gun,” “The Goonies,” and the “Ghostbusters.” It really felt like we were watching a cinematic experience as well as a concert. The production was second to none. There was even pyro during certain moments of the show.
The band played six tracks off their new album Better Days. This was a huge highlight of the show. Better Days is not only the best Yellowcard album since Ocean Avenue, it’s one of the best pop-punk releases of the decade. The band worked tightly with Travis Barker, Avril Lavigne, and Alkaline Trio to enhance all aspects of the genre. The new tracks warranted even more of a reception than older tracks. We were truly watching a band in their prime.
Overall, Yellowcard are showing us the new heights bands can reach within the pop-punk genre. Their breakup and triumphant return displays to us that anything is possible. Please enjoy our gallery below from photographer Anthony Vito Cosentino.
Plain White T’s
New Found Glory
Yellowcard
All Photos by Anthony Vito Cosentino
From Camden and Cherry Hill to Trenton and the Jersey Shore, what about life in New Jersey do you want WHYY News to cover? Let us know.
The borough of Lawnside in Camden County will be honored with a historical marker from the New Jersey Historical Commission as part of the state’s Black Heritage Trail.
A ceremony unveiling the marker will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at Lawnside Borough Hall on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Road.
Marsharee Wright, aide to Lawnside Mayor Mary Ann Wardlow and long-time resident, said everyone is thrilled about the marker unveiling.
“We’ve invited the entire community and neighboring towns to come share the celebration with us,” Wright said.
Linda Shockley, president of the Lawnside Historical Society, said it’s “an extreme honor” for the borough to be included in the state’s program, especially as Lawnside is amid a year-long celebration of its centennial.
“It really lifts our profile and hopefully more people will understand and know what Lawnside is about and what it means in the nation,” Shockley said.
Lawnside was one of six sites selected in Camden County in 2024, including “The Point,” a historic Black neighborhood in Haddonfield. Its marker was unveiled last June.
During the ceremony, the borough’s history will be showcased, along with the original documents signed by Gov. A. Harry Moore in 1926, which made way for the borough’s creation.
Though there are many Black enclaves in South Jersey, the borough is the state’s only incorporated antebellum Black community. First known as Free Haven, and later Snow Hill, it was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Peter Mott built a three-floor dwelling in 1844 that was once part of sprawling farmland where he helped slaves escape.
Mott’s house, now owned by the Lawnside Historical Society, serves as an Underground Railroad museum.
See the Roxbury warehouse scouted by ICE as possible deportation site
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were in Roxbury recently apparently scouting a Rt. 46 warehouse as a possible migrant deportation facility.
Federal officials are considering abandoning plans for a controversial immigration detention facility in Roxbury, New Jersey, according to a June 18 report by The New York Times, prompting local leaders and state officials to declare a victory after months of legal and political opposition.
The proposed facility, a warehouse property purchased to serve as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, faced intense criticism from local residents, environmental advocates and elected officials who argued the site was unsuitable for housing detainees.
In a joint statement issued Thursday, Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the Department of Homeland Security appeared to be backing away from the project following legal challenges that halted development.
“Today the New York Times is reporting that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is backing down on its mass detention center in Roxbury,” the statement said. “That is a big win for public safety, for the township of Roxbury, and for New Jersey.”
According to the Times report, the Roxbury facility is one of seven ICE is planning to dispense with by transferring ownership to other federal agencies or selling them.
Opponents argued the warehouse was designed as a logistics facility and lacked the infrastructure necessary to support a large detention center. They also raised concerns about the potential strain on local water and sewage systems and the impact on environmentally sensitive land surrounding the site.
State officials said they joined Roxbury Township in court to challenge the project, contending that federal plans violated local regulations and posed risks to the community.
“DHS’s plans were always illegal,” the statement said. “The Roxbury warehouse is a logistics center fit for packages, not thousands of people.”
Rep. Rob Menendez said in a statement on Thursday: “We are working to confirm reporting that ICE is abandoning its Roxbury warehouse plans, but if true, this would be big news. From day one, we have fought to stop this facility, bringing together thousands of New Jerseyans in opposition. Now we are on the cusp of an important win for our state.”
The detention center was expected to become part of the federal government’s broader immigration enforcement and detention network. However, the project became a flashpoint in New Jersey, drawing opposition from both local officials and residents concerned about public safety, environmental impacts and the facility’s compatibility with surrounding land uses.
Federal officials have not publicly confirmed whether the property will be sold or formally removed from consideration. The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the reported change in plans.
Opponents vowed to continue monitoring the situation until the project is officially terminated.
“This isn’t a partisan issue,” the statement said. “We’re grateful for our partnership with the Roxbury community as we keep DHS’s feet to the fire to ensure this facility is never opened.”
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