Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has enacted a new law that makes the state the second in the U.S., following Utah, to ban fluoride and other additives in drinking water.
Last month, the legislation sparked concern among health professionals who argue it could lead to increased dental issues, particularly in children.
This law aligns with the views of some controversial figures, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Florida’s health secretary.
Brett Kessler, the president of the American Dental Association, shared his dismay last month, stating that removing fluoride could severely affect patients, particularly vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, the CDC continues to advocate for fluoride as a means to protect and repair teeth, asserting its benefits when maintained at low levels.
Research from Israel indicates that discontinuing fluoride in drinking water has resulted in a significant rise in dental treatments.
The bill signed by DeSantis went into effect on July 1, and was presented as a “forced drug protection law.” Although fluoride is not explicitly mentioned, it prohibits “the use of certain additives in water systems.”
During a press conference in Dade, DeSantis expressed skepticism towards medical professionals’ authority over individual choices, stating that while fluoride in toothpaste is acceptable, imposing it through water supplies is equivalent to forced medication.
The Florida Department of Health reports that approximately 100 public water systems in the state currently fluoridate their drinking water.
