Florida lawmakers passed a bill that would ban fluoride in public drinking water, setting the stage for the state to become the second in the U.S. to prohibit the widely used dental health additive.
Mirna Alsharif reports for NBC News.
In short:
- Florida’s House passed SB 700 by a vote of 88-27, a measure that effectively bans fluoride in public water systems by prohibiting unspecified “additives.” The bill awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature.
- Utah became the first state to enact a similar ban earlier this year. Other states, including Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin, are considering legislation.
- Major health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Dental Association, oppose the move and continue to support community water fluoridation as a key dental health measure.
Key quote:
“This bill doesn’t hurt the wealthy. They’ll keep seeing private dentists, getting their expensive treatments and flashing their perfect smiles.”
— Daryl Campbell, Florida state representative
Why this matters:
Water fluoridation has been a cornerstone of public dental health in the U.S. since the mid-20th century, credited with reducing cavities and protecting children’s teeth, especially in low-income communities with limited access to dental care. The CDC calls it one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century. However, a growing body of research links it to health risks, particularly for children and pregnant people. While opposition to fluoride has long existed, its recent rise in popularity tracks closely with broader distrust in public health institutions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics argue that removing fluoride from tap water puts more vulnerable populations at risk for tooth decay, while others are calling for regulations that better protect babies and small children from fluoride's potentially detrimental effects.
Related EHN coverage: Op-ed: It is time to protect kids’ developing brains from fluoride
