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Biomedical subjects

T G Reeves

Publications and source records attributed to T G Reeves.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

US drinking water: fluoridation knowledge level of water plant operators.

OBJECTIVES: We determined the knowledge level of water plant operators who fluoridate drinking water, and we compared small and large water plants. METHODS: A pretested survey was sent to 2,381 water plant operators in 12 states that adjust the fluoride concentration of drinking water. A z-test for proportion was used to test for statistical difference between small and large plants at alpha = 0.05. Small water plants were those treating less than 1 million gallons of water daily. RESULTS: Eight hundred small and 480 large water plant operators responded, resulting in a response rate of 54 percent. Two-thirds of water plant operators correctly identified the optimal fluoride level, but more than 20 percent used a poor source for choosing the optimal level. Only one-fourth of operators were able to maintain the fluoride concentration to within 0.1 mg/L of the optimal concentration. A significantly greater proportion of operators at large water plants than at small water plants reported that they were able to maintain a fluoride concentration to within 0.1 mg/L of the optimal concentration (33.5% vs 21.3%, z = 4.74, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although most operators correctly identified the optimal fluoride level, small water plant operators were less likely to use accurate reasoning for choosing that level and in maintaining fluoride concentrations within 0.1 mg/L of that level than large water plant operators.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1996

Status and strategic plans for fluoridation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention perspective.

This paper summarizes the current status of water fluoridation in the United States and discusses the strategic plan developed by the Division of Oral Health (DOH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to meet the Healthy People 2000 fluoridation objective. This objective proposes to: "Increase to a least 75 percent the proportion of people served by community water systems providing optimal levels of fluoride (baseline: 62% in 1989)." The CDC strategic plan defines the nature of the problem with attainment of this objective, sets CDC priorities, and establishes six major components for future action: (1) assessment, evaluation and surveillance; (2) consultation; (3) state and regional efforts; (4) professional education and involvement; (5) public education; and (6) quality assurance. Actions in each of the components of the plan to help in the attainment of priorities are detailed. Finally, the broader picture of the federal role in a national fluoride plan is discussed.

Cariostatic Agents↗
PubMed1996

The US experience with fluoridation.

This paper reviews the progress of the campaign for community water fluoridation in the United States, the current extent and impact of fluoridation, and lessons learned from the endeavour. Deliberate addition of fluoride to community water supplies to prevent dental caries began in 1945. At present, 62 per cent of the US population who could receive fluoridated water are doing so. A target has been set to achieve 75 per cent by the year 2000 and this target has already been achieved by 20 states and the District of Columbia. However, to achieve the objective nationally, at least an additional 30 million persons will have to receive fluoridated water. This will require considerable effort, including substantial public education and advocacy, as vigorous opposition to fluoridation continues to exist in the US. Lessons learned from the US experience include: 1) Fluoridation of community water supplies dramatically reduces the incidence and prevalence of dental caries. 2) The benefits of fluoridation for exceed the risks. 3) The benefits of fluoridation should be brought to more people around the world.

Child↗
PubMed1996

Technical aspects of water fluoridation in the United States and an overview of fluoridation engineering world-wide.

This paper summaries the technical aspects of water fluoridation in the United States, and gives an overview of the engineering aspects of water fluoridation world-wide. The status of water fluoridation in the USA is summarised. Fluoride chemicals used in the USA are discussed, as well as the equipment used to deliver these chemicals. A brief overview of fluoridation engineering world-wide is also presented.

Asia↗
PubMed1985

The availability of fluoride chemical supplies.

The availability of adequate supplies of fluoride chemicals is a critical factor in consistently maintaining the optimal fluoride concentration in water supply systems. The most recent shortage of fluoride chemicals occurred in 1982. The factors precipitating and contributing to periodic fluoride chemical shortages are discussed and recommendations for preventing future shortages are outlined.

Fertilizers↗