LONGWOOD, Fla. – City leaders in Longwood decided Monday night to remove fluoride from the city’s water supply, becoming the latest Central Florida city to do so.
City Manager Clint Gioielli requested the city stop community water fluoridation in a memo in Monday evening’s agenda.
Recommended Videos
The memo said the commission asked for additional information to help make a decision.
Commissioners voted unanimously to cut fluoride from the water.
Gioielli cited Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo’s November recommendation to get rid of fluoride in community water.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Ladapo’s recommendation was based on a recent study on possible neurological health risks. However, the study looked at other countries around the world, not the United States, and looked at fluoride exposure levels that are far higher than what is recommended by the CDC, which is 0.7 mg/L.
The Florida Dental Association and the American Dental Association both maintain that community fluoridation programs strengthen tooth health and prevent decay, which can weaken the immune system and lead to other health problems, including a higher risk of heart disease.
The city says its community system maintains a total fluoridation range between 0.68 mg/L and 0.76 mg/L.
If approved, Longwood would become the latest city to get rid of fluoridation in Central Florida. Tavares, Palm Bay, Ormond Beach, and Melbourne have all ended community fluoridation in recent months.
The city of Leesburg voted to move forward with its fluoride facility in December.
A Central Florida state lawmaker is also proposing a bill that would ban community fluoride programs across the state.
State Sen. Keith Truenow, R-Tavares, filed SB 700 last week, with the support of Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: