Public water utilities in Kentucky could no longer be required to put fluoride in their drinking water.
Major health groups, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Dental Association, say fluoride in water is good for dental health.
Some lawmakers in Kentucky are challenging whether it should be required in the water supply.
House Bill 16 would remove a state mandate to add fluoride to public drinking water, making it optional for suppliers instead.
During the debate on the House floor, supporters said it amounts to forced medication. Opponents argued decades of scientific evidence shows the mineral prevents cavities and tooth decay.
The Louisville Water Company has put fluoride in its water since 1951.
“We follow the public health regulation and we do that really based on sound science and research. We rely on experts in oral and medical health,” said Kelley Dearing-Smith, vice president of communications with Louisville Water. “And based on the science that we know right now I believe it’s very likely that we will recommend to our board to continue water fluoridation if the legislature makes this a law.”
HB 16 passed in the House with a 68 to 29 vote. It is headed to the Senate for consideration.
Utah recently became the first state to pass a bill banning fluoride in public water systems. The state’s governor has not signed the bill yet.
Original article online at: https://www.wlky.com/article/kentucky-bill-fluoride-optional-drinking-water/63966325