Tavares City Council Votes to Remove Fluoride

The city of Tavares, Florida, has voted 4-1 to remove fluoride from its drinking water, influenced by public feedback and concerns raised by health officials, including Florida's Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who labeled fluoridation as 'public health malpractice'. This decision reflects a national trend, with several communities debating the safety and efficacy of fluoride amid claims linking it to cognitive issues in children. Opponents of fluoridation fear deterioration in dental health, with dentists arguing that fluoride is essential for preventing tooth decay. Meanwhile, the Woodlawn Utility District in Tennessee has also decided to cease fluoride addition, citing similar concerns about personal choice and safety for workers handling fluoride. Despite these moves, major health organizations continue to endorse low levels of fluoride in water for its dental benefits. The debate remains contentious, highlighting the need for balanced communication between health professionals and the public regarding fluoride use.