MELBOURNE, Fla. – Melbourne is the latest city to vote to remove fluoride from its drinking water.
During an hourslong city council meeting on Tuesday, dozens of people spoke out about the controversial topic — both for and against.
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However, in the end, the city council voted 6-1 to remove the mineral immediately.
Melbourne’s mayor posted on Facebook about the vote, saying the meeting went until 1:30 a.m. with 50 people who spoke up on the topic.
This decision comes after Florida’s surgeon general recently urged an end to the use of fluoride in drinking water, citing possible adverse health effects in children.
He said his concerns stem from reports that high fluoride exposure has potential neuropsychiatric effects on pregnant women and children. Those reports were based on fluoride levels that were significantly higher than standard recommended levels.
Tavares also recently voted to remove fluoride from its water and Palm Bay decided to keep it out of its supply.
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