Utah is set to become the first state to ban fluoride in public water systems.
Utah is set to become the first state to ban fluoride in public water systems, along with a bill on issues awaiting governor’s approval.
Straight Arrow News
TALHASSEE, Fla. — Florida is set to become the second state in the country that prohibits fluoride from being added to public water supplies after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on May 6 that it planned to sign the bill into law.
In Miami, DeSantis, accompanied by agricultural commissioner Wilton Simpson and surgeon General Joseph Radapop, said he has signed the “Florida Farm Bill” (SB 700). The bill does not expressly mention fluoride, but it bans certain additives in the water system.
The law has done other things, including adding consumer protection and establishing the Florida Aquaculture Foundation, but has attracted public attention and criticism from public health advocates by removing fluoride from local water supplies.
Fluoride helps prevent cavities by strengthening the enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth. It is more resistant to acids from foods like bacteria and sugar. Dental and healthcare professionals say removing fluoride from public water supplies can lead to an increase in dental problems, such as poor residents, poor residents with limited access to dental insurance and dental care, and cavity that can often affect rural populations.
But behind the signs that he said “Free State of Florida,” DeSantis said during the governor’s press conference:
DeSantis’ comments come after Florida lawmakers gave final approval to the bill in late April. The new law is expected to come into effect on July 1st.
Florida officials and health professionals clash with fluoride guidance
DeSantis spent time blowing up his former chief medical advisor into the US, Anthony Forcy and the COVID-19 vaccine before talking about “studies that are concerned about the physical and mental health risks associated with overexposure to fluoride.”
Miami-Dade County Commissioners also moved forward with plans to override Mayor Daniela Levine Cava’s veto and remove fluoride from the county’s water supply.
“I think they voted for the right way, so thank you,” DeSantis said. “In the case of counties that vote on the other hand, the law we sign is to answer that question.”
The legislative move from Florida’s drinking water to fluoride additives is no surprise. Radapop, who heads the Florida Department of Health, supports what the American Dental Association calls “dangerous.” Supporters of the bill argue that fluoride is naturally occurring at water sources and that additional additions are not necessary.
In November, Ladapop instructed the community to stop fluorination of drinking water, citing concerns about fluoride “causing negative effects in children and reducing IQ, cognitive impairment and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.”
However, the Florida Dental Association issued a statement that Ladapo’s guidance on fluoride is “defective and based on unscientific reports,” saying it “continues to support community water fluorination as an effective tool to reduce tooth decay.”
Florida’s latest state raises concerns about the risk of fluoride
Water fluorination has proven to be extremely effective in preventing tooth decay, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is one of the 10 biggest public health outcomes of the 20th century, increasing the average lifespan of Americans by 30 years.
Despite a mountain of scientific evidence supporting careful adoption and public health benefits, the American sentiment surrounding fluoride appears to be waning as many water companies begin to move away from practice amid rising public pressure.
Utah became the first state in the United States to pass a bill banning fluoride in March after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Scientists and dental health groups have warned that Kennedy’s plans are disastrous for public health. The Health Secretary said he would direct the CDC to stop recommending cities and states add fluoride to public water systems.
Adding fluoride to water, a process known as fluorination, is not required by law.
Contributions: Thao Nguyen, Hannah Yasharoff and Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, US Today. Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal
