On November 22, Florida’s Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, issued a significant shift in public health policy regarding water fluoridation, recommending against the additive that has been widely used for decades. He stated that the prevalence of fluoride in drinking water is linked to an increased risk of neuropsychiatric diseases in children, along with a decline in IQ levels. In an announcement made via social media platform X, Ladapo expressed his belief that while fluoride can enhance dental health, its consumption poses a significant risk to cognitive development and overall brain health, especially in young children and pregnant women.
Dr. Ladapo’s guidance underscores the availability of fluoride from alternative sources such as toothpaste and mouth rinses, which the Surgeon General argues should suffice in promoting dental health without the risks associated with water fluoridation. His announcement was supported by multiple studies indicating adverse mental side effects of fluoride, including associations with lowered IQ scores and conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These findings prompted a reevaluation of the long-held stance that water fluoridation is solely beneficial for public health, leading to a notable policy departure by Ladapo.
A report released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program in August 2024 further bolstered Ladapo’s stance, revealing a correlation between the consumption of fluoridated water and reductions in IQ among children. Additionally, a ruling by a U.S. District Court concluded that community water fluoridation presents an unreasonable risk to health, which strengthened calls for a reevaluation of fluoride standards by the Environmental Protection Agency. This legal backing has fueled the movement against water fluoridation in Florida, gathering momentum from both scientific evidence and judicial support.
The Surgeon General’s announcement coincided with Winter Haven, Florida’s decision to eliminate fluoride from its water supply, reflecting a growing trend among local authorities to reassess fluoride’s role in public health policy. Local leaders, including Winter Haven Commissioner Brad Dantzler, cited recent court rulings and advocacy from public figures like Rober F. Kennedy Jr. as critical factors in their consideration to remove fluoride, aligning with a broader discourse questioning the safety of fluoridation practices across the United States.
Dr. Ladapo acknowledged that he had previously supported fluoridation as a health measure but was compelled to reconsider due to compelling evidence regarding fluoride’s neurotoxic effects. During a press conference, he expressed his dismay at the findings of the research that challenged the efficacy and safety of water fluoridation, reflecting a significant transformation in his viewpoint on the issue. His conclusions emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women, from potential neurotoxic exposure.
Although Dr. Ladapo’s guidance opposes community water fluoridation based on neuropsychiatric risks, he acknowledged fluoride’s benefits for dental health while advocating for alternative preventive strategies. Public health initiatives would focus on increasing awareness about dental hygiene, providing dental services in schools, and fostering healthier lifestyle choices among Floridians. Currently, over 70 percent of Florida communities still receive fluoridated water, indicating a challenging landscape for potential policy change, despite the Surgeon General’s recommendations and growing public discourse surrounding fluoride safety.
