The Naples (Fla.) City Council voted to stop adding fluoride to its water supply, WGCU reported Dec. 6.
Five notes:
1. The decision was made Dec. 4 with a 4-to-3 vote following a public comment period.
2. Water fluoridation will now end Jan. 1, or earlier if possible.
3. National debate about water fluoridation reached new heights this year after the National Toxicology Program concluded in a report that higher levels of fluoride exposure are associated with lower IQ in children. However, the report has been contested by several organizations.
4. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, MD, PhD, recommended against community water fluoridation last month due to the potential neuropsychiatric risk associated with fluoride exposure. He also noted the wide availability of existing alternative sources of fluoride, including toothpaste, mouthwashes and fluoride applications.
5. Naples is one of several Florida cities weighing water fluoridation. Discussions about water fluoridation are also happening in other states.