Port Orange residents push city council to end water fluoridation amid health concerns

During the recent Port Orange City Council meeting, community members voiced strong opposition to the continued fluoridation of the city’s water supply, urging council members to reconsider this long-standing practice. The discussions highlighted growing concerns about the health implications of fluoride, particularly in light of recent recommendations from the state’s surgeon general against community water fluoridation.

Jennifer, a local resident, opened the dialogue by referencing the historical context of fluoride use, noting that when it was first introduced in the 1940s, dental products containing fluoride were scarce. She argued that with the availability of fluoride in many over-the-counter dental products today, the need for fluoridation in public water systems is diminished. Jennifer emphasized the potential health risks associated with fluoride overexposure, including lower IQ levels in children and skeletal fluorosis, a condition resulting from excessive fluoride intake.

Young advocate Eden, just 11 years old, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the surgeon general's recent guidance against fluoridation. Eden expressed hope that the council would place the issue on the agenda for a future vote, reflecting a growing movement among residents to eliminate fluoride from the water supply.

Felicia Morrissey, a long-time resident, reinforced the call for informed consent regarding fluoride use, arguing that citizens should have the right to choose what is added to their water. She pointed out that many counties in Florida have already opted out of fluoridation, aligning with the recommendations from health officials.

Palmer Balaji further stressed the health risks associated with fluoride, citing a federal ruling that classified fluoride as a neurotoxin. He argued that the indiscriminate dosing of fluoride in public water is problematic, as it affects individuals of all ages and sizes without their consent. Balaji also highlighted the financial burden on taxpayers for the addition of fluoride, which he described as a hazardous industrial byproduct.

The meeting concluded with a consensus among speakers that the city council should prioritize the discussion of fluoride on their agenda. Residents are eager for a vote that could potentially align Port Orange with other Florida communities that have chosen to discontinue fluoridation.

As the council considers this pressing issue, the voices of concerned citizens underscore a significant shift in public sentiment regarding health practices and community rights. The next steps will be crucial in determining the future of fluoride in Port Orange's water supply and addressing the community's health concerns.