HARRISBURG, Pa. — The debate over fluoride continues to float downstream and is making its way to the Pennsylvania State Capitol.
Last week, State Senator Dawn Keefer proposed a bill that would ban fluoride from being added to public drinking water. In her co-sponsor memo, Keefer said the bill would promote “individual choice by supporting access to fluoride through supplements or topical applications, backed by state-led education.”
“We’re not taking it away, we’re just saying en masse that we’re not going to publicly medicate all individuals, regardless of what their consent and desires are,” said Senator Keefer (R-York).
Senator Keefer’s memo also cites a recent study by JAMA Pediatrics that linked high fluoride exposure to lower IQ scores in children.
“Really, they didn’t believe the benefit was worth the risk for children,” said Keefer. “Again, with all the information, parents can make those decisions on their own. When you know better, you do better.”
James Boyle, an independent oral surgeon at Susquehanna Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and trustee with the American Dental Association, said he’s critical of any efforts to ban water fluoridation. He said the practice has been an effective way to combat tooth decay for decades.
“There’s no question that it has a true benefit and helps decrease carious teeth,” explained Boyle.
Boyle added that the research cited by Senator Keefer is flawed, and said the researchers used twice the recommended fluoride levels in the study.
“If you look at Tylenol and it’s taken in a large amount, it will cause liver failure. No question,” said Boyle. “But you can still buy it over the counter when it’s used safely, and the same applies to fluoride.”
Senator Keefer’s proposed bill mirrors similar legislation that recently passed in Utah, which became the first state to ban fluoride from its public drinking water in the U.S. In April, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the creation of a new task force to review guidance on water fluoridation.
Keefer said her proposed bill focuses on choice, while health experts warn about the negative health effects of ending water fluoridation.
“If you take the fluoride out of the water, you’ll increase the amount of dental care that will be needed,” said Boyle.
“Again, I like consent,” said Keefer. “I like informed consent.”
Original article online at: https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/york-county-lawmaker-proposes-bill-to-ban-fluoride-from-pennsylvania-drinking-water-politics-dauphin-county/521-86cef96d-b310-459b-84e0-13c1130ff8ca