**Florida Surgeon General Calls for End to Water Fluoridation Amid Controversy**

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has urged residents across the state to pressure local policymakers to stop the addition of fluoride to public drinking water, a practice he describes as "public health malpractice." Ladapo made these remarks at the Fairfax Water Treatment Plant in Winter Haven after city officials voted on November 12 to discontinue water fluoridation.

Ladapo's stance is in stark contrast to that of U.S. health authorities, who deem water fluoridation as one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics have long endorsed the practice for its role in reducing dental cavities and promoting oral health.

Despite this widespread support, Ladapo is standing firm. He announced that the state would issue guidance to all counties and municipalities in Florida to halt the fluoridation of community water systems. Shortly after his announcement, the Florida Department of Health issued a formal advisory highlighting concerns about the neuropsychiatric risks of fluoride exposure, especially for pregnant women and children.

Currently, between 75% to 80% of Floridians live in communities that have chosen to fluoridate their water. The practice, which began in 1945 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, gained popularity in the 1970s and '80s. However, the trend may be shifting as Collier County ended the practice in February and Winter Haven followed suit in November. Naples is also considering a similar move, with a final decision expected soon.

Ladapo cited a recent report from the U.S. Department of Health's National Toxicology Program, which linked high levels of fluoride exposure with lower IQs in children in regions with fluoride concentrations exceeding 1.5 mg/L. The findings led Ladapo to describe fluoride as a neurotoxin, asserting that moderate exposure might result in decreased IQs, hyperactivity, executive function disorder, and other behavioral issues.

Critics, such as Winter Haven dentist Dr. Paul A. Palo, argue that many of the studies referenced were conducted in countries like Canada, Iran, Pakistan, and Mexico, where fluoride levels often surpass U.S. regulatory limits. The conversation around fluoride's safety has been further complicated by recent studies, including one conducted by Ashley Malin, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Florida. Malin's study found that higher prenatal fluoride exposure was associated with increased neurobehavioral problems, such as anxiety and temper tantrums, among three-year-old children in Los Angeles.

Proponents of water fluoridation warn that ceasing the practice could disproportionately affect low-income families who might not have access to sufficient dental care. The Florida Dental Association remains steadfast in its support, emphasizing decades of research that demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of fluoridation in preventing tooth decay.

Nonetheless, Ladapo and his supporters argue that people now have ample access to fluoride through toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental treatments. Indian Harbor Beach dentist Dr. Claire Stagg, who backed Ladapo at the event, stated that addressing poor diets and improper dental hygiene should take precedence over fluoridation concerns.

The Florida Dental Association reiterated its endorsement of water fluoridation, advocating it as a safe, effective, and affordable preventive measure. Jeff Ottley, the association's president, emphasized the importance of continuing the practice to ensure the well-being of Florida residents across all age groups.