More than six decades after Grand Rapids became one of the world's first cities to fluoridate its drinking water, some local officials say it's time to reconsider the practice.

Municipal officials are talking with scientists at Grand Valley State University about potential long-term effects of exposure to fluoride, which some consider a toxic chemical.

"Because we're trying to eliminate toxins in our community, I thought we should study this issue," Corky Overmyer, the city's director of sustainability, told The Grand Rapids Press for a Wednesday story.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control describes fluoridation of drinking water as "one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century."

Mayor George Heartwell, who cites fluoridation when he boasts of Grand Rapids' progressive history, said he isn't convinced of a need to change.

"We're surely not considering dropping the fluoride from our water," he said. "We would not do that without really hard scientific evidence."

The West Michigan Dental Society is also skeptical, said chapter president Doug Killian, who practices in the rural community of Mecosta north of Grand Rapids.

"The rate of tooth decay in this area is generally higher than areas where there is access to (fluoridated) city water," he said. "It's been well documented and well proven."

Overmyer said he's been receiving "a lot of flak" and information from anti-fluoridation advocates.

Opponents of fluoridation have said the chemical can be toxic, and some evidence shows it might cause weak bones, thyroid problems, bone cancer and other problems. Malfunctioning fluoridation systems in some cities have poisoned residents, they contend.

Grand Rapids starting using the process in 1945 in an effort to improve dental health. Today, the city's system provides fluoridated water to the city and 11 other suburban communities.

Last year, the city commemorated its role as a fluoridation pioneer by dedicating a new riverfront monument and drinking fountain dispensing fluoridated water near the JW Marriott hotel.