Florida’s Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, announced on Friday that communities in the state should not add fluoride to drinking water due to potential risks associated with fluoride exposure. While fluoride is proven to reduce tooth decay, Ladapo cited concerns about neuropsychiatric risks and reductions in IQ associated with systemic fluoride exposure. However, organizations like the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the CDC support fluoridated water, citing its benefits in reducing tooth decay by 25%.
Despite the controversy, some communities are reintroducing fluoride into their water systems. For example, in Buffalo, New York, demand to reinstate fluoride arose when parents noticed an increase in cavities despite previously believing their water was fluoridated. City leaders responded by reintroducing fluoride into the water supply, acknowledging the importance of fluoride in preventing cavities, especially in vulnerable populations with limited access to dental care.
While some studies suggest possible risks associated with fluoride exposure, the scientific community emphasizes the importance of ongoing research to address safety and efficacy concerns regarding community water fluoridation. The debate over fluoride in water systems continues, with concerns about potential health risks prompting calls for further investigation and potential regulation adjustments by government agencies.
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