Disappointed in fluoride level

Editor, Smithfield Times
I was disappointed to read the water report in the May 29 issue of the Smithfield Times. It showed that the level of fluoride in town water was over the recommended limit, ranging from “just over” to twice the recommended amount, 0.90-1.47 vs. the 0.7 recommended.
In 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HYPERLINK “http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2015pres/04/20150427a.html”issued a recommendation for the optimal fluoride level that should be in drinking water to prevent tooth decay. This new recommendation is for a single level of 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water, opposed to the 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams per liter recommendation issued in 1962, which is now the standard.
With the new standards in mind, the EPA is reviewing the maximum amount of fluoride allowed in drinking water, which currently is set at 4.0 mg/L (HYPERLINK “https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3491930/#r41″U.S. EPA 2011). Hopefully they will lower the “violation” amount to be a standard in line with what the US Department of Health and Human Services has determined to be safe. Too much fluoride can lower IQ levels as well as create fluorosis, a chronic condition caused by excessive intake of fluorine compounds, marked by mottling of the teeth and, if severe, calcification of the ligaments.
While there is no “violation” recorded, residents should be aware of the higher than recommended level of fluoride in their water Sandy Schlaudecker
Smithfield

Honey bees in kindergarten

Editor, Smithfield Times
No amount of words can express my shear gratitude to Carrollton Elementary School and the kindergarten class. The Nansemond Beekeepers Association was invited in to talk honey bees for the second year in a row. To interact with the children and their teachers was invigorating. To see all of the painted hive bodies the children painted was inspiring. To be invited back to see each one last time for the year leaves me speechless.
They not only invited us back to thank us, they also gave us precious gifts — a plaque made by Smithfield High School students as well as a beautiful card and check to help with bee education. The greatest gift was being greeted by all the smiling faces of the children we met through the year.
Thank you, Carrollton Elementary, Ms. Mann and the entire kindergarten class for such a yeart year.
Jane Schweiger
NBA Painted Hive Body Chair
Smithfield