Article 2: 3 Charts That Aid in Clarifying Fluoride in Drinking Water (CNN)
Before Reading
1. New Vocabulary: Fluorosis: A condition caused by too much fluoride, resulting in problems in
the mouth or bones. Epidemiological, relating to the scientific study of how diseases affect
populations. Neurobehavioral, referring to behavioral effects of the nervous system.
Public Water System: The Community-managed water delivery system.
2. Questions:
• What percent of Americans drink fluoridated water?
• How do fluoride levels differ across states?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of fluoridation?
• Does the same process exist in other countries?
3. Prior Knowledge: Fluoride is added to water to prevent cavities.
There are concerns about overexposure. The CDC has been endorsing it for a long time, but
some states are now reversing course.
During Reading Main Point + Support: - Main Point: Water fluoridation causes a reduction in
cavities, though with less necessity today because of other fluoride sources.
Support: CDC: fluoridated water reaches 72% of Americans
WHO: Excess fluoride leads to skeletal fluorosis
Studies: Some show strong associations between high levels of fluoride and decreased IQ or
neurobehavioral problems in kids International trends: Tooth decay decreases even in countries
without fluoridated water
5. Main Idea (Stated/Implied): - It implies: Fluoride helps oral health; however, concerns about
overexposure are on the rise.
- Paraphrase: Fluoridation helps dental health, but re-evaluating both necessity and safety has
not comfortable proven so because it is globally realized effective alternatives
6. Author's Position: - Balanced, but leaning a little to caution on the continued use of fluoride in
water. Paraphrase: The writer acknowledges fluoride benefits but points to new research and
international trends questioning the practice
7. Audience: - The public in general, more particularly the people really interested in health,
science, and politics in variation
8. Style: - Clear, data driven (charts + stats), formal yet accessible. - Uses visuals and
comparisons to simplify complex info.
9. Bias: -Direct institutional suspicion with caution-they leave space for concerns without
dismissing benefit. - Makes you think whether fluoridation is actually necessary in today's age.
