FLORIDA - A recent study linking high fluoride exposure to lower IQ scores in children has prompted Florida legislators to propose a statewide prohibition on adding fluoride to public drinking water.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics on January 6th, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis for the U.S. National Toxicology Program.
It found an association between elevated fluoride levels and reduced IQ scores in children.
However, an accompanying commentary by Dr. Steven Levy, a dental professor at the University of Iowa, cautioned that the study did not find a connection between lower IQ and fluoride intake at levels recommended for community water fluoridation.
In response to these findings, some Florida lawmakers are advocating for a ban on fluoridation in public water systems.
Several Florida municipalities, such as Fort Pierce, Stuart, and Port St. Lucie, have already ceased adding fluoride to their water supplies following recommendations from Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo.
In late 2024, Dr. Ladapo advised removing fluoride, citing potential risks to children and pregnant women.
Despite these legislative efforts, numerous health organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA), continue to endorse water fluoridation as a safe and effective method for preventing tooth decay.
The ADA emphasizes that the fluoride levels examined in the National Toxicology Program report are from countries with naturally occurring fluoride levels more than double the amount recommended in the U.S.
As the Florida legislative session approaches, the debate over water fluoridation intensifies, with lawmakers, health professionals, and communities weighing the potential benefits and risks associated with the practice.