Race Day Live Manatee County, Florida, is considering a major change to its water treatment practices. Local officials are set to discuss whether the county should continue adding fluoride to its public drinking water.
This debate comes amid growing concerns about the health effects of fluoride, especially for children.
The discussion was sparked by new studies and public statements, which have led to some communities reevaluating their fluoride practices.
The National Debate on Fluoride
The national debate over fluoride’s safety has heated up recently, especially after a government report raised questions about the potential effects of high fluoride levels on children’s IQ.
Florida’s state surgeon general, Joseph A. Ladapo, has added to the controversy by suggesting that local governments stop fluoridating their water altogether.
Fluoride has been used in public water systems for decades as a way to prevent tooth decay. Health organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics have endorsed its safety, citing its role in reducing cavities.
However, some recent studies have raised concerns about the effects of fluoride exposure, particularly on developing children.
Some influential figures, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have further fueled the debate. Kennedy has described fluoride as an “industrial waste” and linked it to several health problems, even stating that he would work to end fluoridation if he were in a position of power.
His comments have sparked mixed reactions, with some agreeing with his views and others dismissing them.
What Happens When Communities Stop Fluoridating?
Several communities that have removed fluoride from their water supply have seen negative effects.
For example, a study in Juneau, Alaska, showed a rise in dental issues among children after the city stopped adding fluoride to its water in the early 2000s.
Children from low-income households were especially affected, leading to more dental visits and increased costs for Medicaid.
Other places, like Calgary, Alberta, and Buffalo, New York, have reversed their decisions to stop fluoridation after seeing similar results.
In Calgary, cavities among children increased significantly after fluoride was removed in 2011.
In Buffalo, a class action lawsuit revealed that the city had not added fluoride to its water for years, resulting in a public outcry and a return to fluoridation.
Despite these examples, there are still many communities that continue to debate whether fluoride is worth the potential risks. In Florida, counties like Miami-Dade and Broward still add fluoride to their water.
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Is There Any Benefit to Removing Fluoride?
Some argue that removing fluoride from water could have benefits, but the evidence is not clear.
A 2024 review of scientific studies found no major health improvements in communities that stopped fluoridating their water. One study showed that using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash reduced the need for fluoride in public water supplies.
Fluoride’s effects on children’s IQ remain uncertain. Some studies suggest that high levels of fluoride might be linked to a decrease in IQ, while others have found no such connection.
For instance, a study in Queensland, Australia, published in December 2024, found that children who had been drinking fluoridated water since birth had higher average IQ scores than those who had not.
The scientific community is divided on the issue. While some experts say more research is needed, they also agree that current levels of fluoride in public water are not likely to cause significant harm.
The National Toxicology Program has acknowledged that more studies are required to fully understand the potential risks, especially at low exposure levels.
Conclusion
As the debate continues, communities like Manatee County are left to make difficult decisions about the role of fluoride in their water supplies.
While the safety of fluoride is supported by many health professionals, concerns about potential risks have led to increased scrutiny.
For now, officials are looking at the evidence to determine whether fluoride should stay or go in their drinking water, and this decision could set a precedent for other counties across Florida and the United States.
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