Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan said Fairhope is considering removing fluoride from the city’s water system, which serves about 22,000 residents, citing employee safety concerns and annual costs of $80,000–$100,000. If approved, Fairhope would become the seventh Alabama city since 2024 to end fluoridation. Sullivan plans to consult local dentists before making a decision, while health experts, including the Alabama Department of Public Health’s dental director, warn that such a move could harm long-term oral health and increase tooth decay, especially in children. The issue reflects a growing national debate over fluoride’s safety and effectiveness, with some cities and states dropping it amid political and health concerns. Most Fairhope City Council members remain undecided, awaiting community and dental input, while some support removing it due to potential worker hazards and skepticism about its benefits.
Original article online at: https://www.lagniappemobile.com/news/fairhope-considering-fluoride-removal/article_17baa7af-1285-4e65-a9e9-4dc569f8c46c.html