Posted on March 30th, 2008 by clairevb
This poem’s personification and descriptive adjectives paints pictures in my mind of being small and innocent. Similar to the poem, when I was a child, summer meant climbing on trees and scraping my knees. Summer back then was so simple. I would play with my friends all day long. We would go to parks and play in the creek. We ate popsicles and ice-cream. I swam in pools to escape from hot summer sun. I was care-free and my imagination could run wild. Even unicorns were a possibility. Outside with my friends, we could come up with all kinds of exciting games to play. We especially loved building forts and exploring. Sometimes I wish I could go back to those happy times, times when everything was so simple and free.
No Comments »
Filed under: English
Posted on February 6th, 2008 by clairevb
There are multiple reasons for as to why some people disapprove of adding fluoride to drinking water. These reasons range from possible risk of cancer, hip fractures, dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, birth defects, and even brown, stained teeth! Here are some more of the toxic effects of fluoride. However, there is no scientific proof to back up these claims so long as the amount of fluoride consumed is of a safe quantity. The EPA has determined that the .7 to 1.2 milligrams of fluoride per liter of drinking water is safe and effectively prevents tooth decay. Here is a website with helpful information and statistics. However, there is question for as to whether this amount of fluoride in the water mixed with other fluoride that we consume through food, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc… adds up to a hazardous amount. The National Cancer Institute claims that there is no relationship between cancer in humans and fluoride in drinking water. However, it is very possible that fluoride in water, mixed with fluoride that we obtain elsewhere, can reach hazardous levels.I, personally, believe that fluoride should continue to be added to drinking water. So long as we monitor the fluoride levels in our toothpaste and mouthwash, we should be okay. One of the main reasons that I support the fluoride in drinking water is that it helps poor people get the fluoride they need for healthy teeth. Some organizations recognize water fluoridation as one of the greatest health achievements of the 20th century. I believe that dental fluorosis, along with all other health risks which accompany over exposure of fluoride, can be prevented by the proper use of fluoride toothpastes.In order for fluoride to be used in toothpaste, companies had to find an abrasive that was compatible with fluoride. Currently there are 3 abrasives used in toothpastes. Also, because of the risk of dental fluorosis, they had to figure out how much fluoride could be put in the toothpaste/mouthwash before they could sell their products. Crest was the first company to find a compatible abrasive, and they got fluoride toothpaste on the market in 1955. Since then advances in toothpastes and abrasives have been made and more toothpaste companies have been created.Overall, I would say that the possible link between high levels of fluoride and cancer are of most concern to me. I suppose this is because cancer is so hard to treat and potentially life-threatening. If it is ever proven that the average amount of fluoride consumed by Americans is hazardous and leads to cancer or any other dangerous problems, then I will be strongly against it. But for now, I believe it to be productive for the health of our teeth. But, because of the fact that toothpaste now contains fluoride, I would have to admit that it is no longer as necessary to add fluoride to our water, and therefore the fluoridated water may just be adding unneeded amounts of fluoride to our systems. The question remains the same… should it stay or should it go? Will we ever know? If we all link together, maybe we will find the answer.~Claire
No Comments »
Filed under: Science
