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The campaign against Measure 26-151, which would fluoridate Portland's water, has received one of its largest single donations—from an Illinois-based alternative physician who makes unusual medical claims.
Dr. Joseph Mercola donated $15,000 in cash to Clean Water Portland on April 28, and the campaign reported the contribution over the weekend.
That's the third-largest single donation to the anti-fluoride campaign, and brings Mercola's total donations to $26,975, including in-kind contributions of polling and a YouTube video.
Mercola runs Dr. Mercola's Natural Health Center in Hoffman Estates, Ill.—a hugely popular health products company and that directly markets items including fluoride-free toothpaste and water filtration systems to remove fluoride from kitchen taps.
WW first reported Mercola's involvement in the anti-fluoride campaign last month.
Mercola has questioned whether HIV causes AIDS, suggests that many cancers can be cured by baking soda, and warns parents not to vaccinate their children. He also says that animals are psychic.
His views have landed him national fame and controversy. He's twice been a guest on The Dr. Oz Show, and last year Chicago Magazine wrote a skeptical profile. It noted how popular his website has become:
WWeek 2015