Lazaro Aleman: reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Florida has become the second state to ban fluoride in the drinking water, joining Utah, whose ban took effect on Wednesday, May 7.
On Tuesday, April 29, the House voted 88-27 to approve Senate Bill 700, which prohibits the addition of fluoride into public water systems.
The bill, also known as the Florida Farm Bill, does not specifically name fluoride but bans local governments from “using certain additives in a water system.”
The legislation is seen as part of a growing backlash against a longstanding public health measure, with Gov. Ron DeSantis reportedly labeling fluoridation a “forced medication.”
The Florida legislation is in keeping with a national crackdown on fluoride by the federal government, based on what it reportedly calls “evidence of eroding benefits as fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash become widely available, and possible health problems at high concentrations.”
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reported to have recently said that he would direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending water fluoridation.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin also recently indicated that his agency will reexamine research on the possible risks of fluoride in drinking water.
And in Florida, Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo publicly opposes the practice, advising communities to cease putting fluoride in their water.
Dentists and public health experts, on the other hand, dispute the risks posed by fluoride, given the small levels added to drinking water. They argued that the mineral is a proven preventative of cavities and tooth decay.
“Water fluoridation has been researched for more than 80 years, and overwhelming, credible scientific evidence consistently indicates that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and effective at preventing and repairing tooth decay,” Jeff Ottley, president of the Florida Dental Association, is quoted saying in a statement.
Gov. DeSantis officially approved the bill on Monday, May 12, and it will go into effect on July 1.