Toho Water Authority kicked off the first of four public forums Monday night to gain community input on supplementing fluoride in their drinking water. But, with the state legislature moving toward banning water additives, the effort could end up being a pointless exercise.
Only a handful of residents attended the first meeting, held at the Buenaventura Lakes Library. The forum kicked off with a presentation by Carollo Engineers, which Toho paid nearly $70,000 to compile and provide the latest research on the safety and efficacy of community water fluoridation.
The presentation comprised the general pros and cons of adding fluoride to the water system. Toho currently adds supplemental fluoride to raise naturally occurring levels (approximately 0.35 milligrams per liter) to 0.7 mg/L—the amount recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Toho spends $150,000 annually on fluoride supplementation, which equates to roughly 30 cents per person each year across its 500,000 users.
Public health advocates continue to warn that removing fluoride from water systems could result in higher rates of tooth decay, particularly children in low-income populations who may lack access to consistent dental care. Census data shows about one-tenth of Osceola County residents are considered to be living in poverty.
Proponents of eliminating fluoride point to studies that have found that at higher levels than the guidelines, fluoride can impact cognitive development and stain the teeth of children under age 6.
One attendee spoke up in favor of maintaining fluoride in the water system, echoing what appears to be the broader sentiment of limited public input received so far. Toho staff said 11 emails have been submitted on the topic to date, with nine of them supporting the continued addition of fluoride.
The attendee, who asked not to be identified, noted concern about the well-being of family and neighbors if fluoride is removed from the water system. The person noted the importance of the issues, with a spouse on disability, and they cannot afford dental procedures that could be necessitated by lack of protective fluoride.
Toho Water maintains it has not taken a position on the matter and is focused on transparency and education. But while these meetings are designed to help its Board of Supervisors make an informed decision—tentatively scheduled for August—the entire discussion may soon be overtaken by action at the state level.
The Florida Legislature appears poised to pass a provision in the so-called “Farm Bill” that would prohibit all water systems in the state from adding fluoride. Supporters of the bill argue that individuals should have the freedom to make personal health decisions without being subjected to chemicals through public utilities. This pending legislation raises the stakes for Toho’s fluoride discussions and could render any local decision irrelevant.
Residents can weigh in at the remaining one-hour public meetings: Friday, April 11 at 4:30 p.m., Poinciana Library; Sunday, April 13 at 12:30 p.m., St. Cloud Veterans Memorial Library; Thursday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m.,Kissimmee Hart Memorial Library.
Residents can also have their say by emailing fluoride@tohowater.com, including their name, home address, and Toho account number.
Original article online at: http://www.aroundosceola.com/news/tohos-fluoride-forums-may-be-moot