In Portland, fluoride debate is ideological clash

Upcoming decision » The emotional topic across the country finally hits the Oregon city.

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"Over the last 50 years, as we have fluoridated more water, the overall IQ of Americans has gone up," he said. "I don’t suggest a cause-and-effect, but I also think it shows the reverse isn’t true."

The ordinance to be voted on Wednesday calls for the water to be fluoridated by March 2014 at a projected upfront cost of $5 million.

Mayor Adams, who is not seeking re-election, said he planned to take time before the vote to research how people with the health conditions described at the public hearing live in cities that fluoridate. But he has yet to hear anything persuasive enough to change his opinion that it is a safe and effective way to help children born into families that can’t afford dentists or don’t stress dental health.

"Science is about the preponderance of evidence," he said. "There are very few proofs in this world."

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