Florida bans fluoride in public drinking water, becoming 2nd US state to do so
Fluoride has long been used to prevent tooth decay, but studies link high exposure � higher than levels found in water � during pregnancy to lower IQ and behavioral problems in children
ISTANBUL
Florida has become the second US state to prohibit the addition of fluoride to public drinking water, following a new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday, CNN reported.
Under the new measure, only additives directly intended to address water quality, contaminants, or regulatory standards are permitted, effectively banning fluoride.
“Use fluoride for your teeth, that’s fine,” DeSantis, a member of the Republican Party, said at the signing, banning a health measure seen across American states for decades.
“But forcing it into the water supply is basically forced medication on people. They don’t have a choice.”
According to the report, the move aligns with guidance issued in November by controversial Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who advised against fluoridation of community water supplies due to alleged potential health concerns. Currently, more than 70% of Floridians who use public water systems receive fluoridated water, according to state health data.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral and a byproduct of fertilizer production. For decades, health authorities, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, have supported its controlled use in drinking water to help prevent cavities.
However, some studies have linked high fluoride exposure during pregnancy to lower IQ scores and behavioral issues in children, raising concerns about its potential neurodevelopmental effects.
