Florida Surgeon General Urges End to Water Fluoridation

Florida’s top health official on Friday advised governments across the state to stop adding fluoride to their water, citing the neuropsychiatric risks — particularly for pregnant women and children — associated with the practice.

“It is public health malpractice, with the information we have now, to continue adding fluoride to water,” Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo said.

Ladapo made the announcement last week during a press conference. His office also issued written guidance detailing the latest research showing that exposure to fluoridated water can lead to neurodevelopmental issues in children, including lower IQ.

Given that risk, along with the wide availability of toothpaste, mouthwash and other alternative sources of fluoride, Ladapo recommended against community water fluoridation.