Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority customers can weigh in on whether they support the continued use of fluoride in water coming through their faucets.
In November, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo issued a recommendation against water fluoridation due to the neuropsychiatric risk associated with fluoride exposure. Some municipalities in the state have elected to remove fluoride from drinking water, while others continue to mull the idea while gathering public input.
Like other public water treatment and distribution systems, the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) is evaluating the continued use of fluoride in its drinking water. FKAA has been adding fluoride to its drinking water since 1989, but its use in the system dates back to the early to mid-1940s.
“There is scientific information and data that support both the use of fluoride in drinking water and the removal of it,” said FKAA executive director Greg Veliz. “We highly value feedback from our customers and want their input to guide this important decision. If we choose to remove fluoride, we may explore options to give customers the choice of adding it back.”
Community water fluoridation is a process that adjusts the amount of fluoride in drinking water to a level recommended to prevent tooth decay. Historically, community water fluoridation was considered to be a method to systemically, through ingestion, deliver fluoride to all community members.
In his guidance order, Ladapo said municipalities across the U.S. and several European countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Norway and Sweden have eliminated water fluoridation. Recently, he said, Floridians should be aware of safety concerns related to systemic fluoride exposure including adverse effects in children, reducing IQ, cognitive impairment and causing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. He added that accumulation of fluoride in the pineal gland could cause sleep cycle disturbance.
“It is clear more research is necessary to address safety and efficacy concerns regarding community water fluoridation,” Ladapo 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.”
The American Dental Association stated its objection to Ladapo’s stance.
“The ADA believes in the use of proven, evidence-based science when making public policy decisions. 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,” said ADA president Brett Kessler.
The Florida Department of Health says it supports oral and overall health through operation and expansion of school-based preventive dental services, county health department dental clinics, which provide dental services to communities, screening and treatment referral in pre-school and school settings and promotion of healthy habits, with emphasis on a reduction in sugar consumption, through oral health education to communities.
FKAA is encouraging all customers to share their thoughts and feedback on whether fluoride should remain in the water supply by sending an email to community@fkaa.com. Their feedback will help guide FKAA in determining the best course of action moving forward. Updates and additional information, as it becomes available, will be shared on FKAA’s website at www.fkaa.com and social media.
Original article online at: https://keysweekly.com/42/fluoride-or-no-fluoride-keys-water-provider-seeks-public-input/