U.S. Health and Human Services secretary-nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Florida Surgeon General Joseph Lapado are sounding alarms about the addition of fluoride to drinking water, but at least in Northeast Florida, whatever fluoride exists in tap water comes straight from Mother Nature.
Fluoride strengthens teeth and protects against cavities. The Centers for Disease Control has hailed the addition of fluoride to tap water as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the last century. The American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association all support water fluoridation at recommended levels.
Critics of fluoridation claim it poses health risks to children such as lowering IQ and increasing rates of ADHD. Lapado calls fluoridation “public health malpractice.”
Here is a rundown on what to know about fluoride in your drinking water.
What utilities actively put fluoride into drinking water?
A Florida Department of Health report shows 122 public water systems operating in 36 of Florida’s 67 counties add fluoride to their water during the treatment process.
None of those that add fluoride are in the Northeast Florida region comprised of Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Putnam and Flagler counties.
“JEA does not and has never added fluoride to our drinking water,” the utility says on its online site.
Why does JEA water have fluoride if utility doesn’t add it?
JEA says the fluoride in its drinking water is naturally occurring and is at levels that are within “current recommended ranges.”
Fluoride, a mineral, is naturally present the Florida aquifer, the underground reservoir of water that is the source of water the supplies utilities across the state. That amount of fluoride in water piped by JEA to its customers varies depending on the location in the utilities network of water treatment plants.
“At this time, we are not planning to do anything different from our current water treatment,” JEA said. “JEA will continue to comply with all Safe Drinking Water Act rules. If fluoride regulations are reassessed, we will make appropriate changes to ensure we are complying with any new rules.”
What is the fluoride level in JEA water?
JEA says recent tests of its water shows the amount of fluoride ranges from 0.385 parts per million to 1.22 parts per million, depending on the location of the water treatment plant.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency puts its limit for the maximum amount of fluoride at a much higher concentration of 4 parts per million.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says the “optimum level” of fluoride is 0.7 parts per million, which is in the middle of the range of fluoride levels in JEA supplied drinking water.
The federal agency says the 0.7 level “prevents tooth decay and promotes good oral health.”
Where can I find information about fluoride levels for my utility?
Public water utilities do annual reports on the quality of their drinking water.
JEA’s reports are at jea.com/about/water_supply/water_quality_reports/.
The Clay County Utility Authority report is at clayutility.org/wqr/. Its most recent report shows that depending on the location, the level of fluoride ranged from none to 0.22 parts per million.
St. Johns County posts reports at sjcfl.us/water-quality-reports/. Its latest report found fluoride levels ranging from 0.49 to 1.06 parts per million.
Nassau-Amelia Utilities has its reports at nassaucountyfl.com/DocumentCenter/Index/1118. Its report showed a fluoride level of 0.2 parts per million.
Why do Kennedy and Lapado oppose water flouridation?
Kennedy claims fluoride has links to health maladies.
“On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S?. water systems to remove fluoride from public water,” Kennedy said in Nov. 2 post on X. “Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease.”
Lapado issued guidance Nov. 22 recommending against community water fluoridation in Florida. He called it “medical malpractice.”
“It is clear more research is necessary to address safety and efficacy concerns regarding community water fluoridation,” he said. “The previously considered benefit of community water fluoridation does not outweigh the current known risks, especially for special populations like pregnant women and children.”
Winter Haven officials voted voted last month to stop adding fluoride to the city’s drinking water, citing concerns about the impact on young children’s mental development. Some commissioners pointed to Kennedy’s warnings.
The city of Stuart put a freeze on adding fluoride to its drinking water after Lapado issued his guidance.
What is the American Dental Association’s position?
The American Dental Association called Lapado’s comments “misinformed and dangerous.“
“The ADA believes in the use of proven, evidence-based science when making public policy,” American Dental Association President Brett Kessler said. “For Dr. Ladapo to call community water fluoridation ‘medical malpractice’ and call on all municipalities to end its practice is a dangerous statement that stands to harm the oral and overall health of all Floridians.”
The American Dental Association said some studies show “sustained exposure” to fluoride levels above 1.5 parts per million might cause health concerns, but noted that is more than double the recommended level of 0.7 parts per million for community water fluoridation.
“In a time during widespread misinformation and biased interpretation of research, the ADA remains committed to optimally fluoridating water at levels that are proven to be safe for the public,” Kessler said.
Original article online at: https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/local/2024/12/04/what-to-know-about-fluoride-in-jea-drinking-water/76564034007/