Multiple US Cities End Water Fluoridation Amid Health, Safety Debates

Several U.S. communities are reconsidering or ending the fluoridation of their public water supplies amid ongoing debates about health risks and benefits. Pasco, Washington, where water has been fluoridated since 1998, is exploring discontinuation following concerns raised by a 2024 National Toxicology Program report suggesting possible links between high fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children, although the findings primarily derive from international studies and require further research. In Madison, Alabama, the Utilities Board voted unanimously to cease fluoridation, citing worker safety concerns related to the use of hydrofluorosilicic acid and structural damage to treatment facilities, despite significant public opposition emphasizing the importance of fluoride for children's dental health. Similarly, in Wyandotte, Michigan, residents and officials are questioning the city's 2015 decision to stop fluoridation, which was poorly communicated and coincided with an increase in severe dental issues among children, prompting calls for renewed public discussion and transparency. While dental and medical organizations continue to endorse community water fluoridation as an effective cavity prevention measure, these local decisions reflect increased scrutiny of fluoride's safety and the balance between public health benefits and potential risks. The debate illustrates a broader national trend of communities weighing fluoride's dental benefits against emerging health concerns and operational challenges.