Introduction to the Debate
Miami-Dade County is on course to stop adding fluoride to drinking water, while the mayor is considering vetoing the item.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said she’s weighing her options and has until Friday to do that. She called for a roundtable discussion on Monday, where parents, officials and doctors spoke out.
Concerns from Parents
“Were I to mix powdered infant formula with our tap water, that child will be consuming fluoridated formula for every meal of its life until at least six months of age," said one parent, who has a child on the way and opposed fluoride. Other parents favored fluoride in the water supply. “The importance of me being here is essentially to make sure that not just my daughter, but all the other children in Miami-Dade County have someone that will speak up for them," another parent said.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Aileen Marty of Florida International University gave a passionate plea for fluoride with her personal experience. "I was in a situation where I did not have enough fluoride in the water for my child, and because of that, I gave her fluoride pills, just so you understand the importance of fluoride," she said. The climate notched up when a doctor addressed Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, who sponsored the item to remove fluoride from the county’s drinking water.
The Risks of Fluoride
Gonzalez pointed to studies showing fluoride could lead to developmental issues in children and could be harmful to babies in the womb. Every doctor, dentist and expert in the room called those studies flawed, insisting there’s overwhelming evidence that fluoride is good for kids’ teeth. "We are currently giving the safe level, and that is what my patients need, because the minute you say ‘maybe,’ they start mistrusting what we are saying," said Dr. Cheryl Holder of FIU.
The Future of Fluoride in Miami-Dade’s Water
If this item moves forward, and it’s not vetoed, fluoride will stop being added to the drinking water starting in the next few weeks. Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez stated, “If there is a risk, and if 0.7 could very well be too much, when in doubt, take it out." This statement was met with disagreement from the medical professionals present, who emphasized the importance of fluoride for dental health.
Conclusion
The debate over fluoride in Miami-Dade’s water has sparked a heated discussion among parents, officials, and medical professionals. While some argue that fluoride poses health risks, others insist that it is essential for children’s dental health. The decision to remove fluoride from the water supply will have significant implications for the community, and it remains to be seen whether the mayor will veto the item.
FAQs
- Q: Why is Miami-Dade County considering removing fluoride from its water supply?
A: The county is considering removing fluoride due to concerns over potential health risks, including developmental issues in children and harm to babies in the womb. - Q: What do medical professionals say about the safety of fluoride in water?
A: Medical professionals, including doctors and dentists, argue that fluoride is safe and essential for children’s dental health, citing overwhelming evidence to support its use. - Q: What will happen if the item to remove fluoride is not vetoed?
A: If the item is not vetoed, fluoride will stop being added to the drinking water in Miami-Dade County in the next few weeks. - Q: Can parents still provide fluoride to their children if it is removed from the water supply?
A: Yes, parents can still provide fluoride to their children through toothpaste, mouthwash, and fluoride supplements, but it may not be as effective as community water fluoridation.
