Hey Sara, thank you for writing this and for having the courage to stand by your convictions. I was sorry to read that it came at the cost of personal attacks etc. I found this Amazon review to be helpful when considering the book in question: written by "Jake litman"

This book is a classic case of two tactics. First, misrepresent valid research. Second, circulate flawed research. I will share examples of how this book does both. The co-authors cite the National Research Council's 2006 report on fluoride as a reason to fear water fluoridation. But readers should know that the NRC's report focused on unusually high NATURAL fluoride levels in a few areas of the U.S. These levels are significantly higher than the level used to fluoridate a public water system. Why didn't Connett et al share the NRC Committee's own explanation that their report was not intended to pass judgment on water fluoridation? The NRC explicitly stated that its concerns "do not apply at the lower water fluoride levels commonly experienced by most U.S. citizens."

Now, let me touch on the 2nd example -- how the book circulates research that is flawed. The book refers to IQ studies, most of which are from China. These "studies" claim to show a link between fluoride and lower IQ scores in kids. However, this research was seriously flawed. Millions of Chinese cook or heat their homes with high-fluoride coal, and this is one of many factors (including arsenic) that the researchers did not adequately rule out. A highly respected independent British research firm examined these studies and found "basic errors" in them. See the analysis here: [...]

Finally, readers should consider the fact that this book cites fluoride research from a man named John Yiamouyiannis, who co-wrote a book that falsely claimed that HIV does not cause AIDS.

Sounds like a pretty flimsy book.

Have you encountered other examples of policy in your town being dictated by a collective lack of understanding?

Good luck!