By John Pacenti
Delray Beach commissioners appeared to be ready to remove fluoride from the city’s drinking water, a practice that has been in place for 36 years but is now facing scrutiny amid concerns about potential health risks, such as lowering the mental acuity of children.
“I would support intelligence over fluoride teeth,” Commissioner Angela Burns said at the Jan. 7 meeting. “For those children that are underprivileged, I would prefer to have them be able to function in school and be able to function in the world that’s before them, and they can take care of their teeth some other way.”
Fluoridation for decades has been seen as a public health success, substantially reducing tooth decay. Yet, a comprehensive federal study confirmed previous findings that fluoride may be linked to lower IQ scores in children.
The study — published in JAMA Pediatrics on Jan. 6, the day before commissioners discussed the subject at their meeting — concluded there is a link between exposure levels of the additive and cognitive function.
State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, who has made numerous statements on vaccines that have been challenged by other medical professionals, in November recommended against water fluoridation due to neuropsychiatric risk.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services and who has made numerous suspect medical claims, is also opposed to the practice.
Kennedy said in November that Trump would advise municipalities to remove fluoride from public water.
The state Department of Health reports more than 70% of Floridians receive fluoridated water. Other Florida municipalities, such as Melbourne, have stopped the practice.
Commissioner Rob Long said the practice of adding fluoride to municipal water supplies may have outlived its usefulness.
“It seems a bit odd to me that the government is still in the business of tooth care through our utilities … even if there’s just a chance that that could be detrimental health-wise,” he said.
Utilities Director Hassan Hadjimiry presented a historical overview of water fluoridation, emphasizing its role in improving dental health, and noting the American Dental Association’s recommendation of putting fluoride in water.
He said the city is looking to spend $200,000 to revamp its fluoridation system and wanted guidance from the commission before taking on the task considering the new findings on IQ scores.
Fluoride is available in toothpaste and as an additive, Hadjimiry said. “It’s not like it was 67 years ago when it wasn’t available.”
Burns added that fewer people drink tap water these days anyway.
Mayor Tom Carney acknowledged the complexity of the issue, saying he wanted to make sure the commission had all the facts before making a final decision.
Neither Boynton Beach nor Boca Raton adds fluoride to the water supply, noted City Manager Terrence Moore.
“We have always taken our water quality very seriously in Delray Beach. This decision requires careful consideration of all aspects — the potential benefits and risks — to ensure we’re making the best choice for our residents’ health and well-being,” he said.
Vice Mayor Juli Casale said she knows local dentists want fluoride in the water but said she was open to learning more about the recent study. She told Carney, “It sounds like you’ve got three (votes). Take it out right now.”
“I’m not ready to take it out,” Carney responded. “I’d like to have some information.”
Moore directed Hadjimiry to find experts to come in and brief commissioners on the pros and cons of fluoridation in the modern age.
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