Resident urges Roanoke to end controversial water fluoridation for health reasons

During the Roanoke City Council meeting on March 17, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding the fluoridation of the city's drinking water. A local resident urged council members to reconsider the addition of fluoride, citing health concerns and advocating for the removal of this chemical from the water supply.

The speaker highlighted that fluoride is not an essential nutrient and its primary benefits are topical rather than systemic. While Roanoke's water is currently fluoridated to meet state health recommendations, the resident referenced recent studies suggesting that even low levels of fluoride exposure could pose risks, particularly to children's cognitive development. A 2019 study indicated a correlation between increased fluoride levels in pregnant women and lower IQ scores in their children, raising alarms about the potential neurotoxic effects of fluoride.

The resident emphasized the ethical implications of mandatory fluoridation, arguing that it infringes on personal autonomy by forcing residents to consume a substance they may not want. They pointed out that unlike fluoride in toothpaste, which individuals can choose to use, fluoridation in public water does not allow for such choice.

Additionally, the speaker addressed the economic and environmental impacts of fluoridation, noting that the chemical used is a byproduct from the phosphate fertilizer industry, which incurs costs for procurement and maintenance. They argued that removing fluoride could reduce expenses and eliminate unnecessary chemicals from the water supply.

The discussion also referenced a growing trend, with over 20 cities in the United States, including 19 municipalities in Florida, having ceased fluoridation. Several countries, including Israel and various European nations, have also discontinued their fluoridation programs.

The resident concluded by calling on the council to prioritize the health and safety of Roanoke's drinking water, advocating for a model of clean water free from unnecessary additives. The implications of this discussion could lead to further examination of Roanoke's water policies and potential changes in public health strategies moving forward.