Florida Set to Ban Fluoride from Public Drinking Water
Florida will soon become the second state in the US to ban fluoride from its public drinking water systems after the state legislature passed a bill targeting drinking water additives.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, the “Florida Farm Bill” (SB 700) will prevent ‘local governments from using a ‘water quality additive’ for purposes other than meeting drinking standards, improving water quality, or removing contaminants.” The bill was passed in late April and now awaits the approval of Governor Ron DeSantis.
Fluoride was added to US water systems to combat tooth decay. In 2000, 42 of the 50 US states had fluoridated public water systems. Critics of fluoride argue that the substance can cause health defects, including dental fluorisis and neurological problems. Utah became the first state in the US to ban fluoride in late March.
The Tampa Bay Times also reports that, aside from water additives, that the bill “prohibits the mislabeling of plant-based foods as poultry, meat, milk, or eggs.”
“For example, instead of a company labeling a drink ‘almond milk,’ the bill would require it to be labeled ‘almond beverage,’ which opponents argued would cause further confusion for consumers,” the Tampa Bay Times wrote.
State Representative Daryl Campbell opposed the bill, claiming it is based on “bad science” and alleged conspiracy theories.
“It’s not just bad science,” it’s an attack on working people,” Campbell said. “This is a give to conspiracy theories at the expense of common sense and public health.”
A sponsor of the bill, state Representative Kaylee Tuck, clarified that the bill is not concerned with water contaminants:
“Anything that relates to water quality, removing contaminants, things like that, we’re not touching that. It’s anything that has to do with health. So fluoride, vitamins, whatever else it is,” Tuck said, according to The Associated Press.
Miami-Dade County voted to end the addition of fluoride to county water prior to the passing of the Farm Bill. Governor Ron DeSantis agreed with Miami-Dade’s decision, indicating he will likely sign the state bill currently on his desk.
