Florida Passes Ban On Fluoride

Florida lawmakers have passed a bill that could soon make the state the second in the nation to ban fluoride in public drinking water. The bill, which now awaits Governor Ron DeSantis’s signature, follows Utah’s recent fluoride ban and reflects a broader reevaluation of health priorities and the role of government in public health.

Supporters of the Florida measure have emphasized consumer choice, health transparency, and scientific findings that challenge older assumptions about water fluoridation. The bill does not mention fluoride explicitly. Instead, it restricts local governments from using any water additives beyond what is necessary to meet baseline drinking water standards.

Revisiting Fluoride’s Role

Fluoride first entered the public water supply in the mid-20th century as part of a nationwide effort to reduce tooth decay. However, its roots trace back to an industrial byproduct. Fluorosilicic acid, the compound commonly used in water fluoridation, is a byproduct of aluminum and phosphate fertilizer manufacturing. It is collected from industrial scrubbers, then processed for municipal use.

While this method has been approved by federal agencies, some experts and officials have questioned the wisdom of using a chemical byproduct in daily public consumption. Critics argue that, given its industrial origins, fluoride may carry risks that were not fully understood when mass fluoridation programs began.

One of the strongest arguments for removing fluoride from drinking water is that most people already get sufficient fluoride from daily brushing. Fluoride toothpaste became widely available by the 1970s. Since then, dental professionals have shifted much of their prevention advice toward regular oral hygiene practices, rather than systemic water exposure.

The Cochrane Review, a respected medical research body, has noted that the benefits of water fluoridation have likely declined since the proliferation of fluoride toothpaste. As such, many now see drinking water fluoridation as a redundant measure.

Growing Concern Over Fluoride’s Health Impact

Recent scientific findings have also contributed to the push for fluoride-free water. In 2024, the US National Toxicology Program released a review that found, with “moderate confidence,” an association between high fluoride exposure in children and lower IQ scores. The review focused on fluoride concentrations of 1.5 mg per liter, twice the recommended limit of 0.7 mg.

The CDC continues to support water fluoridation, citing a lack of conclusive evidence linking fluoride at recommended levels to health problems. However, the toxicology report has sparked renewed debate. As the saying goes in toxicology, “the dose makes the poison,” meaning even beneficial substances can become harmful in excess.

This finding aligns with fluoride’s classification as a neurotoxin by organizations such as the Lancet Neurology, which included it in a 2014 list of industrial chemicals that damage the developing human brain.

Some officials have voiced concerns about the potential consequences of removing fluoride. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava described the bill as ignoring medical consensus and harming vulnerable families. However, others argue that it restores control to local communities and reflects an evolution in health science.

State Representative Kaylee Tuck clarified that the legislation aims to protect residents from unnecessary additives. “Anything that relates to water quality, removing contaminants, things like that, we’re not touching,” Tuck said. “It’s anything that has to do with health. So fluoride, vitamins, whatever else it is.”

This shift toward autonomy aligns with recent federal decisions. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pushed to halt federal support for fluoridation. In April, he disbanded the CDC’s Office of Oral Health and canceled grants not aligned with the administration’s goals. These moves further signal a rethinking of long-held positions on water additives.

Historical Debate Renewed in Modern Context

The debate over fluoride isn’t new. In the 1950s, groups like the John Birch Society opposed fluoridation as a form of government overreach. Today, the concern has evolved from political ideology to scientific scrutiny and individual rights.

With about 60% of Americans still receiving fluoridated water, the actions of states like Florida and Utah may prompt broader reevaluation. Communities are beginning to weigh the historical benefits of fluoride against emerging data and the increasing availability of alternatives like fluoride toothpaste and professional dental treatments.

Remove Fluoride From Your Home In Any State

For those concerned about fluoride and other potential contaminants, reverse osmosis (RO) systems offer an effective solution. RO filters remove over 99% of dissolved substances, including fluoride, heavy metals, and other impurities. These systems are especially useful for households that want complete control over their water quality.

Whole-home water conditioners can complement RO systems by softening water and protecting plumbing from scale buildup. While conditioners don’t remove fluoride, they improve overall water quality and extend the life of household appliances. Together, RO systems and water conditioners provide a robust defense against both chemical additives and natural minerals that may affect health or home systems.

Source: Washington Post