The fluoride fight: Data shows more US cities, towns remove fluoride from drinking water
Fluoride being removed from water systems in more U.S. communities USA TODAY
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The Importance of Fluoride in Municipal Water Sources
Fluoride, a mineral known for its tooth health benefits, has been added to municipal water sources since the 1940s. This practice was initiated after the discovery of fluoride’s ability to prevent cavities and tooth decay. The city of Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first to fluoridate its community water in 1945. Since then, the optimal level of fluoride in water has been adjusted to 0.7 ppm or 0.7 milligrams per liter of water.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Current Status of Fluoridated Water in the United States
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 72.7% of the U.S. population on a community water source received fluoridated water as of 2020. This percentage has remained relatively consistent since 2008. Despite the CDC’s assurance of the safety and cost-effectiveness of fluoridated water, concerns about potential hazards have persisted.
Community Concerns and Controversies
- Fluoride toxicity: Consuming a harmful amount of fluoridated water is highly unlikely and would require an excessive intake.
- Cancer risk: Studies have shown mixed results regarding the association between fluoride in drinking water and an increased risk of bone cancer.
- Other health impacts: Research on the impact of fluoride consumption on pregnancy, arthritis, IQ, and kidney disease has yielded inconclusive results.
Debate on the Necessity of Fluoridated Water
With the availability of dental hygiene products in stores, some argue against the need for fluoridated water. They believe that adding more fluoride to naturally occurring levels in water is imprecise and unnecessary. However, the CDC emphasizes that the greatest protection against tooth decay comes from using hygiene products in conjunction with fluoridated water.
The California Case and Potential Changes
A federal case in California may lead to the regulation or ban of fluoride in drinking water nationwide. This ongoing legal battle could significantly impact the practice of water fluoridation.
Communities Rejecting Fluoridated Water
Since 2010, over 240 communities worldwide have rejected the use of fluoridated water, with more than 170 of them located in the United States. The number of U.S. residents living without fluoridated water has steadily increased, reaching over 4.2 million in 2023.
State-by-State Variations
Different states in the U.S. have varying levels of rejection towards fluoridated water. Some states have no bans or removals recorded, while others have multiple counties where fluoride has been removed from water sources.
The Future of Fluoridated Water
As the California case unfolds, the debate surrounding fluoridated water continues. The decision to include or exclude fluoride from community water sources is often made at the local government level, leading to variations between neighboring communities. Despite official health agencies reaffirming the safety and necessity of fluoride, the movement against fluoridated water has gained traction.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses related to water pollution and contamination.
-
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- Indicator: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
-
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- Indicator: Number of countries implementing sustainable practices in the management of chemicals and wastes.
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses related to water pollution and contamination. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Number of countries implementing sustainable practices in the management of chemicals and wastes. |
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Source: usatoday.com
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