TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo on Friday warned residents against consuming fluoride in drinking water, saying the mineral may help with tooth decay but ongoing studies also show it could lead to behavioral problems in children.
Public water utilities have been adding fluoride to drinking water for decades as a way to promote good dental health. Ladapo wrote in his guidance that new studies have also shown that fluoride could cause adverse effects in children, including a reduced IQ, cognitive impairment and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Due to the risks from fluoride, particularly in pregnant women and children, Ladapo recommended that water utilities stop adding the mineral to drinking water.
“It is clear more research is necessary to address safety and efficacy concerns regarding community water fluoridation,” Ladapo wrote in a statement. “The previously considered benefit of community water fluoridation does not outweigh the current known risks, especially for special populations like pregnant women and children.”
