Florida Governor Ron DeSantis approves controversial law eliminating fluoride from drinking water
Florida is set to become the second state in the U.S. to ban fluoride from its public water systems, as Governor Ron DeSantis announces plans to sign a bill that prevents the addition of fluoride to local water supplies.
Florida is poised to be the second state in the U.S. to ban fluoride from public drinking water. Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that he will sign the highly debated bill that would ban fluoride from public drinking water shortly. The fluoride prohibition is part of the "Florida Farm Bill." Regional authorities would not be able to use fluoridation in their water utility systems, and although research on its health impact may never be announced, fluoride remains a debate in public drinking water.
The bill will have national implications with opponents citing that fluoride is critical in preventing cavitation of teeth not seen by a dentist or not having reasonable access to a dental professional. The Governor defended the bill, calling the fluoride in public water systems “forced medication” and with opponents who cite numerous potential health issues associated with excessive exposure to fluoride.
Florida will ban fluoride on drinking water
Florida is set to become the second state in the U.S. to make it illegal for public water supplies to contain fluoride after Ron DeSantis announced on May 6 he would sign the legislation.
DeSantis with Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo explained that the new law - called the "Florida Farm Bill" (SB 700) - would make it illegal for local governments to add fluoride to their water systems.
It does not specifically name fluoride but bans other additives in the water. The bill addresses other topics as well, including consumer protection and establishing the Florida Aquaculture Foundation. Removing fluoride from public water has stirred debate nationally, especially among public health advocates.
Miami-Dade County commissioners also voted to override Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's veto and take an independent approach to disenfluoridate the county's water supply. The decision was supported by DeSantis, who said, "I think they voted the right way, so thank you." He also mentioned that the new law would apply to similar situations elsewhere in counties that voted against removing fluoride.
Fluoride is often added to public water sources because it effectively prevents tooth decay by adding strength to tooth enamel and aiding in resistance to acids produced by bacteria and sugars. Public health authorities have cautioned that removal of fluoride as it could increase dental abscesses in lower income and rural areas with less access to dental care, but DeSantis, when asked questions in a press conference, claimed that when fluoride is added to water, it is "forced medication."
Florida decided to stop fluoride use in drinking water after months of meetings with DeSantis, and Florida's top health officials, including Dr. Joseph Ladapo, advocating for fluoride cessation. Ladapo even mentioned concerns about fluoride and potential health risks that allegedly lead to a reduced IQ, developmental impairment, and possibly contribute to medically diagnosed ADHD in children.
With that said, the Florida Dental Association dismissed the claims made previously about fluoride, and deemed it as "flawed and unscientific conclusions," and continues to promote water fluoridation as an established strategy to reduce dental decay.
Florida lasted state to raise concerns about fluoride risks
Water fluoridation has long been considered an effective means of preventing tooth decay, and made the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's list of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Americans' life expectancy increased 30 years over that period as well.
While there is substantial scientific evidence promoting the public health advantages of fluoride, public perception regarding its use appears to be changing. As public pressure mounts, water utilities are also beginning to phase out the practice.
In March, Utah became the first state to pass a bill banning fluoride in drinking water, after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. began efforts to eliminate use of fluoride in drinking water.
The bill has drawn backlash by public health workers, who warn it will have terrible ramifications on public health. Kennedy stated that he wants to pressure the CDC to stop recommending adding fluoride to municipal water systems, although scientific and dental health organizations have stated removing fluoridation will negatively affect oral health.
It is important to note that adding fluoride is not a law.
