Miami-Dade debates whether to keep fluoride in drinking water

Concern in Miami-Dade over fluoride levels in drinking water: Impact on children's health and pregnant women

Miami-Dade is becoming the scene of an increasing debate over the effects of fluoride in drinking water, following recent studies that highlighted potential health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women.

On Monday, Florida's Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, appeared before the Miami-Dade County Health and Safety Commission to discuss concerns regarding the concentration of this mineral in the local water supply.

It has been proven that fluoride helps protect teeth because it strengthens the outer surface of the tooth, known as enamel.

But according to scientific studies, high levels of fluoride compounds could have negative effects, such as a reduction in IQ in children and behavioral problems like attention deficit. Additionally, potential brain damage has been reported in pregnant women exposed to the mineral. Dr. Ladapo emphasized that, based on these studies, his goal is to eliminate fluoride from drinking water in the state.

Commissioner Roberto González, who chairs the health committee, organized the meeting and announced that he plans to propose legislation to eliminate fluoride from the drinking water in Miami-Dade in light of recent findings.

González emphasized that a discussion was underway based on scientific studies linking high levels of fluoride in water to adverse effects on the intelligence and behavior of children.

One of the cited studies, conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services, showed that fluoride levels above 1.5 milligrams per liter of drinking water could have negative effects. However, in Miami-Dade, the current fluoride level in its water systems is half of that figure.

In contrast, Dr. Rick Mars, a dental health expert, stated that the safe level of fluoride in water is 0.7 milligrams per liter, a figure supported by the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Mars, from the Dental Care Group, stated to NBCMiami that fluoride has been added to drinking water to promote dental health in the United States for 80 years. In his opinion, many studies that show the adverse effects of fluoride on health are erroneous and, unfortunately, these issues become "a political football."

"We should always follow science. We shouldn't follow a politician who makes a lot of noise about it because there hasn't been a direct correlation with a scientific study where the data makes sense," he emphasized.

Despite the controversy, the local authorities remain cautious, and the issue will be discussed again at a new meeting scheduled for March 18.

If Commissioner Roberto González proposes legislation and it reaches a hearing, it would have to be approved by the County Health Commission. Even if the vote is positive, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava could veto it.

In a statement accessed by the Nuevo Herald, the Democratic leader noted that the county has been adding fluoride to drinking water for more than 60 years based on research confirming that the practice is "safe and an important measure to prevent dental cavities and protect public health," but added that they would adjust the fluoridation approach "if regulations or scientific consensus change."

In a parallel development, there is speculation that the state of Utah could be one of the first to announce the removal of fluoride from its drinking water, which could influence future decisions at the state and national levels.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Fluoride Debate in Miami-Dade Drinking Water