Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Backs Removal of Fluoride from Drinking Water
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently commended the initiative led by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo to urge localities to eliminate fluoride from drinking water. Governor DeSantis anticipates that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will soon endorse this move.
Ladapo issued a warning last November advising municipalities and government bodies against fluoridating drinking water. This recommendation aligns with the advocacy of Stand for Health Freedom, a libertarian group that has been campaigning against fluoride for the past two years, influencing multiple localities to discontinue its use.
The push to ban fluoride gained momentum amid the rise of the Medical Freedom movement, especially as DeSantis and Ladapo opposed Covid-19 restrictions imposed by the previous administration.
Concerns Over Fluoride and Health Effects
Historically, fluoride has been added to public water systems since the 1940s to prevent tooth decay, particularly in children. However, recent studies prompted Ladapo to reevaluate the practice, citing potential links between fluoride exposure and lower IQ scores and behavioral issues in children.
DeSantis, a native of Dunedin where fluoride was first introduced into the water supply in 1992, has become wary of the additive’s effects. Despite his athletic background and preference for sports drinks over water during his youth, DeSantis now emphasizes the need to protect child development from possible harms associated with fluoride ingestion. He advocates for individual choice in fluoride consumption and expects Secretary Kennedy to follow Florida’s lead in this matter.
Legislative Actions and Future Directions
The discussion around fluoride extends to the legislative arena, with proposals to ban its addition to drinking water. Bills such as HB 651 and SB 700 aim to differentiate between additives for water quality improvement and those for health purposes like fluoride.
This legislative move would centralize control over fluoride regulation, overriding local decisions that have resisted the calls for removal. Notably, some areas like Hillsborough County and Delray Beach have opted to retain fluoride in their water supply despite the growing opposition to its use.
House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, representing part of Hillsborough County, supports the local autonomy in retaining fluoride but cautions against excessive state intervention in local affairs.
Expert Opinions and Counterarguments
While DeSantis argues that fluoride intake through toothpaste suffices, dental experts like Florida Dental Association President Jeff Ottley advocate for its presence in drinking water to enhance dental health, especially in children. Ottley emphasizes the benefits of systemic fluoride in strengthening teeth beyond surface protection offered by toothpaste.
As the debate on fluoride continues, the impending decision by federal regulators and the state legislature will shape the future of water fluoridation in Florida. Stay informed on the latest developments and potential impacts of this significant health policy shift.
