DeSantis signs a bill making Florida the 2nd state to ban fluoride from its water system

WEST PALM BEACH Fla AP Florida Republican Gov Ron DeSantis signed a measure Thursday prohibiting local governments from adding fluoride to their water systems making it the second state in the country after Utah to implement a statewide ban on the mineral DeSantis signed the bill at a masses event in Dade City Florida over the concerns of dentists and general wellness advocates We have other avenues where people can get access to fluoride DeSantis reported at a society event earlier this month When you do this in the water supply you re taking away a choice of someone who may not want to have overexposure to fluoride State lawmakers approved the bill last month requiring the mineral and specific other additives be removed from water sources across the state Utah was the first state to ban fluoride in late March and its prohibition went into effect last week while Florida s provision is effective July Selected local governments in Florida have already voted to remove fluoride from their water ahead of the statewide ban Earlier this month Miami-Dade County commissioners voted to override a veto by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and move forward with plans to remove fluoride from the county s drinking water Water fluoridation is a safe effective and efficient way to maintain dental fitness in our county and halting it could have long-lasting vitality consequences especially for our the majority vulnerable families Levine Cava announced in a comment defending her veto Certain Republican-led states have sought to impose bans following a push by U S Robustness Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr to stop fluoridating water Earlier this month DeSantis pledged to sign the bill and was flanked by the state s surgeon general Joseph Ladapo who has attracted national scrutiny over his opposition to policies embraced by constituents healthcare experts including COVID- vaccine mandates Fluoride is a mineral that has been added to drinking water for generations to strengthen teeth and reduce cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear according to the Centers for Infection Control and Prevention The addition of low levels of fluoride to drinking water has long been considered one of the greatest citizens fitness achievements of the last century Excess fluoride intake has been associated with streaking or spots on teeth And studies also have traced a link between excess fluoride and brain rise