Florida Surgeon General Recommends Stopping Fluoride Addition to Water Supply
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo issued guidance on Friday recommending that communities throughout the state stop adding fluoride to their water supply, citing “neuropsychiatric risk.”
Guidance Cites Neuropsychiatric Risk
In a post on X Friday afternoon, Ladapo said the naturally-occurring chemical compound “increases the risk of neuropsychiatric disease in children and reduces their IQ.”
Water Fluoridation Debate
Water fluoridation has been a topic of debate in recent months around the country, including in several Florida cities in the past few weeks. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who President-elect Donald Trump has tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, said earlier this month that Trump’s administration will call for fluoride to be removed from water systems nationwide. In September, a federal judge ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency needs to further regulate the amount in water due to potential risks.
Florida’s Current Fluoridation Status
Fluoride is added to all 27 public water systems in Broward County, according to a list maintained by the Florida Department of Health. Water is fluoridated in about a third of the water systems in Palm Beach County, according to data maintained by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach are among those that are fluoridated, while Boca Raton’s is not.
Opposition to Fluoridation
More than 70% of Floridians who are supplied by community water systems are getting fluoridated water, according to Ladapo’s guidance. However, Ladapo cited in a news release Friday a “neuropsychiatric risk” from being exposed to fluoride, “particularly in pregnant women and children.” He linked to studies and reports that say there are risks of ADHD, reduced IQ, and cognitive issues in children linked to fluoride exposure, as well as prenatal concerns, sleep, thyroid, and bone issues, and the possibility of causing girls to enter puberty early.
Support for Fluoridation
The CDC says that studies continue to show water fluoridation has widely and significantly prevented cavities since it began being added to water supplies in 1945. The practice has been considered “one of 10 great public health interventions of the 20th century,” according to the agency. The American Dental Association is one of many health organizations that supports the practice and considers it safe.
Conclusion
The debate over water fluoridation is ongoing, with some arguing that the benefits outweigh the risks, while others believe that the risks are too great. As the discussion continues, it is essential to consider the potential impact on public health and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the recommended level of fluoride in water?
A: The recommended level of fluoride in water is 0.7 milligrams per liter, according to the CDC.
Q: Is fluoride safe for consumption?
A: The American Dental Association and other health organizations consider fluoride safe for consumption, but some studies have raised concerns about potential risks.
Q: What are the potential risks associated with fluoride exposure?
A: According to Ladapo’s guidance, potential risks associated with fluoride exposure include neuropsychiatric disease, reduced IQ, ADHD, and cognitive issues in children, as well as prenatal concerns, sleep, thyroid, and bone issues, and the possibility of causing girls to enter puberty early.
Q: Will the state of Florida stop fluoridating its water supply?
A: According to Ladapo’s guidance, communities throughout the state are recommended to stop adding fluoride to their water supply, citing “neuropsychiatric risk.”
