LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Nebraska Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair has introduced a bill to do away with a mandate that requires certain communities to add fluoride to its water.
A law passed in Nebraska in 2008 mandated all communities with populations over a 1,000 to have the recommended level of fluoride in its water, but there were ways to opt out at the time.
Hansen wants to get rid of the mandate entirely and make it optional because he says fluoridated water can harm health and IQ, especially in children.
“Because of mounting evidence every year, it seems more imperative that we address this now,” Hansen said. “And we can’t be behind the eight ball on this if it really is causing harmful effects in children, like the evidence is showing.”
It’s a mandate that some leading experts have hailed as a victory for well-being.
“Adding fluoride to drinking water to protect against tooth decay is one of the most successful public health interventions in history,” Dr. Timothy Tesmer, Nebraska’s chief medical officer, said.
Tesmer was joined by several dental and pediatric practitioners.
“It takes a very, very small amount to get the benefit of 25% reduction in tooth decay,” Dr. Jessica Meeske, the president of the Nebraska Dental Association, said.
Last year, Hansen’s bill went much further — putting the issue of fluoridation of local water to public referendums. However, it didn’t get far in a very busy and short session. He’s hoping, by simply removing the statewide mandate, it will still increase local control while not requiring municipalities address the issue.
Supporters of Hansen’s bill say fluoride is good when applied to teeth, but not when ingested in drinking water.
“The CDC acknowledges they have no safety data on water fluoridation,” Stuart Cooper, the director of the Fluoride Action Network, said. “They acknowledge that there’s no benefit whatsoever to the fetus. There’s no benefit whatsoever to an infant.”
But the Nebraska Dental Association says the recommended amount is safe and economical.
“Everybody receives the benefit, and as a society we pay very little for that benefit and avert a lot of dental disease,” Meeske said.
Original article online at: https://www.1011now.com/2025/03/13/bill-would-make-fluoride-water-optional-not-required-nebraska/