A Change in Florida's Water Policy

Florida might soon say goodbye to fluoride in its public water supply. This isn't a sudden decision. It's part of a bigger trend. The state is on the verge of becoming the second in the country to stop adding fluoride to tap water. Utah kicked things off last month with a similar ban. The move is backed by some big names in politics. U. S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is one of them. He's pushing for a nationwide stop to water fluoridation. Florida's Governor, Ron DeSantis, also supports this change. His administration has been against fluoridation for a while. They worry about the effects of high fluoride levels on kids' brain development. Fluoride has been a hot topic in dental health. It's known for strengthening teeth. The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls water fluoridation one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century. It's seen as a safe and effective way to fight cavities. But not everyone agrees. Some dentists and health advocates are worried. They think banning fluoride could lead to more cavities and oral health issues. Brett Kessler, the president of the American Dental Association, spoke out about this. He said that removing fluoride could hurt vulnerable kids and adults in the long run. It could also cost more money and harm the economy. The bill that could make this change a reality is pretty straightforward. It doesn't mention fluoride by name. Instead, it requires the removal of certain additives from water sources. This includes fluoride and some vitamins. The bill's sponsor, Republican state Rep. Kaylee Tuck, clarified this. She said the bill is about water quality and removing contaminants. It's not about touching anything related to health. Some local officials in Florida have already taken steps to remove fluoride from their water systems. This is ahead of the state's potential ban. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is one of them. She's disappointed by the bill's passage. She thinks it ignores the advice of dentists, doctors, and medical experts. She also believes it will have long-lasting health consequences, especially for vulnerable families. Levine Cava argues that the decision to fluoridate water should be left to local communities. About one-third of community water systems in the U. S. add fluoride to their water. This serves more than 60% of the population, according to a 2022 analysis by the CDC. The debate over fluoride in water is complex. It involves health, politics, and economics. As Florida moves closer to a ban, the rest of the country watches. The outcome could influence other states and the nation's water policy.