MELBOURNE, FL – A Melbourne resident spoke in favor of removing fluoride from Melbourne’s drinking water, stating that fluoride is an “unnecessary medical intervention done without consent” at the Dec. 10 city council meeting. Florida State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo’s November 22 guidance statement“recommending against community water fluoridation due to neuropsychiatric risk associated with fluoride exposure” was also referenced by the resident.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states the opposite opinion :“CDC promotes the safety and benefits of community water fluoridation as an effective, cost-efficient method for preventing tooth decay and improving overall oral health.” The CDC also states, “Community water fluoridation is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay, and it can reduce cavities by about 25% in children and adults. This results in less mouth pain, fewer fillings or teeth pulled, and fewer missed days of work and school.” The recommended amount of fluoride in water according to the CDC is 0.7ppm, and hazardous effects can occur if levels reach above 4ppm.
According to the City of Melbourne’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report of 2024, tap water has been found to have a level of fluoride at 0.74ppm, which is well within the range given by the CDC.
The City of Melbourne is one of four water providers in Brevard County that fluoridate their water, according to this Florida Health webpage.
Original article online at: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/melbourne-slash-melbourne-beach/articles/melbourne-s-water-fluoridation-opposed