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A Florida city has decided to remove fluoride from its drinking water.

Let’s bring you up to speed: Since 1945, fluoride has been added to public water systems in the United States. Initially, adding fluoride to water began in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as part of a public health initiative to combat tooth decay. This decision was based on research from the 1930s and 1940s that showed significant reductions in dental cavities in communities with naturally occurring fluoride in their water.

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What’s the deal: The city of Winter Haven voted 3-2 to remove fluoride from its drinking water with plans to finalize the change by January 1, 2024. Local officials raised various concerns, with Mayor Pro Tem Brian Yates stating that decisions about water fluoridation should rest with individuals and their healthcare providers rather than being imposed by the government.

Commissioner Brad Dantzler, who voted in favor of the removal, cited what he claimed were health risks such as lowered IQ and other developmental concerns in children. He also highlighted recent national discussions, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s opposition to fluoride, as part of a growing movement challenging its use. Dantzler proposed redirecting the city’s $48,000 fluoridation budget toward providing fluoride products, such as toothpaste, to support low-income children.

Here are a couple of different views for you:
Those opposed to water fluoridation argue that adding fluoride to public water supplies poses health risks and raises ethical concerns. They claim that while fluoride may be safe at recommended doses, prolonged exposure to higher levels may contribute to issues such as thyroid dysfunction, skeletal fluorosis, and reduced IQ in children. Some also say that adding fluoride to water is an involuntary medication, and they believe individuals should have the right to choose what substances they consume.

Supporters of water fluoridation argue that it is a safe, effective, and cost-efficient way to prevent tooth decay and improve public health across entire communities. Those supporting water fluoridation point to studies by the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), which show that fluoridated water reduces cavities by about 25% in both children and adults, making it a vital public health measure. Major health organizations, such as the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, strongly endorse fluoridation as a safe and equitable approach to reducing dental disease.

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