The Miami-Dade County Commission has approved the removal of fluoride that is added to drinking water, a practice that has been maintained for decades under the argument that it benefits dental health.
According to a report from Telemundo 51, the proposal by Commissioner Roberto González was approved by a vote of eight to two and is to be implemented within the next 30 days, although it could still be vetoed by the county mayor, Daniella Levine Cava.
“Fluoride has been added to water since 1945. Every year, new studies emerge, and now that we have it in food, toothpaste, mouthwash, and many other products, it is time to remove it from water,” argued González during the session.
The voting was marked by controversy. Commissioner Raquel Regalado requested to postpone the decision, arguing that there had not been an opportunity to consult with other dental professionals.
Regalado also criticized that the discussion in the committee last month was one-sided, as it only included critical voices against the use of fluoride.
During the hearing, the commissioners listened to Florida's surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo, who reiterated his concerns about the potential effects of fluoride.
"I understand that fluoride can strengthen teeth and prevent cavities, but recent studies show that it is neurotoxic, especially for children and pregnant women," said Ladapo.
Miami-Dade County began adding fluoride to drinking water in 1991. Since then, the measure has been supported by organizations such as the American Dental Association, which has warned about the potential impact of its removal.
"Removing fluoride from the water would be detrimental to patients and the community, as we might see an increase in cavities," warned the association.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, for her part, expressed her support for the use of fluoride at current concentrations. "We have all the medical and scientific verification that it is safe, which is why we continue to use it," she stated.
With this decision, Miami-Dade joins other municipalities in the state of Florida that have chosen to suspend water fluoridation. However, the future of this measure may depend on a potential veto by the mayor.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava could still veto the measure
As the implementation deadline approaches, various voices from the medical and scientific community have raised concerns about the consequences of this decision.
Dr. Liset Pérez from Dental Care Group in Aventura warned that removing fluoride from drinking water could lead to an increase in cavities, especially in vulnerable populations that rely on this source as a key part of their oral hygiene, as reported by Telemundo 51.
"Fluoridation has been a fundamental preventive tool, especially in communities with less access to regular dental treatments," Pérez explained.
Support for the use of fluoride also comes from local authorities. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava publicly defended its application, asserting that it is backed by science and major public health institutions. Although she has not confirmed whether she will veto the Commission's decision, her stance opens the door to a possible intervention before the measure is implemented.
Meanwhile, the debate continues to generate divided reactions in public opinion. For some, it is a victory for the freedom of choice, while others fear that the removal of fluoride represents a setback in preventive health measures. The controversy remains unresolved.
In March, Miami-Dade was the scene of an ongoing debate regarding the effects of fluoride in drinking water, after recent studies indicated potential health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women.
Florida's Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, appeared before the Miami-Dade County Health and Safety Committee to address concerns regarding the concentration of this mineral in the local water supply.
It is proven that fluoride helps protect teeth by strengthening the outer surface of the tooth, called 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 noted 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the removal of fluoride from drinking water in Miami-Dade
Why was the decision made to remove fluoride from the drinking water in Miami-Dade?
The decision to remove fluoride from drinking water in Miami-Dade was approved by the County Commission due to new studies suggesting potential neurotoxic effects, particularly in children and pregnant women. Additionally, they argue that fluoride is already present in many everyday products such as toothpaste and mouthwash.
What arguments support the use of fluoride in drinking water?
The use of fluoride in drinking water has been supported by organizations such as the American Dental Association, which argues that it helps prevent cavities and strengthens teeth. Fluoride has been a fundamental preventive measure for oral health, especially in communities with limited access to regular dental treatments.
Could the mayor of Miami-Dade veto the removal of fluoride from the water?
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has the authority to veto the measure approved by the Commission. While she has expressed her support for the use of fluoride, she has not yet confirmed whether she will exercise her veto power to block the implementation of the removal of fluoride from drinking water.
What are the possible negative effects of fluoride according to recent studies?
Recent studies have indicated that high levels of fluoride could be neurotoxic, affecting children's intelligence and behavior, as well as presenting risks for pregnant women. Fluoride at elevated concentrations may have negative effects on neurological development and overall health.
Filed under:
