North Carolina has banned the use of fluoride in the county's water supply.
Union County commissioners voted 3-2 to stop using fluoride in the water supply after residents were concerned about its potential side effects on children.
Prior to the Union County Commissioners' vote, several community members offered their thoughts on the use of fluoride in the water supply.
Dr. Meg Lucari favored fluoride remaining in the water supply and said the chemical reduces tooth decay for those who rarely go to the dentist.
The leader of the Union County chapter of Mothers for Freedom, Abigale Prado, had a different view. “Millions of pregnant women are currently exposed to levels of fluoride that have the potential to lower their children’s IQs by at least four to six points,” she said.
“A loss of one point in IQ translates into a 2% decrease in lifetime economic productivity,” Prado added.
The Moms of Liberty chapter leader pointed to a 2019 study published in JAMA Pediatrics that revealed: “Fluoride exposure during pregnancy may be associated with adverse effects on a child’s intellectual development, suggesting a potential need to reduce fluoride intake during pregnancy.”
The commissioners of Union County, North Carolina, voted against continuing the addition #fluoride To part of the county's water supply.
David Williams said: “Let's embrace freedom of choice and let people who want to use fluoride do so.” https://t.co/CNT0pNM9rw
— Fluoride Action Network (@FluorideAction) February 22, 2024
Per NC News Line:
After weeks of often contentious debate, Union County commissioners voted 3-2 Monday night to stop adding fluoride to the county's water supply.
Cities have used water fluoridation for decades to reduce tooth decay. Pediatric dentists told commissioners the practice is not only safe, but also essential for those who never or rarely see a dentist.
Dr. Meg Lochary, a Union County board-certified pediatric dentist, told commissioners that fluoridation is a public health issue.
“I take care of a lot of people with very poor dental health. If I had to sit in my office every day and see 4-year-olds screaming while having their teeth pulled, that would be a very personal situation for you, too,” Loshari said.
But Abigail Prado, who leads the Union County chapter of Mothers for Freedom, told commissioners that government agencies intentionally adding fluoride to their drinking water could impair a pregnant baby's brain development.
“Millions of pregnant women are currently exposed to levels of fluoride that have the potential to lower their children's IQ by at least four to six points,” Prado emphasized.
North Carolina county bans fluoride in its water
“Millions of pregnant women are currently exposed to levels of fluoride that have the potential to lower their children’s IQs by … pic.twitter.com/MoBb4Xosox
– Anthony Scott (@AnthonyScottTGP) February 25, 2024
Commissioner David Williams responded to his colleagues who were aiming to keep fluoride in the water supply. He said: “There are a number of chemicals that are added to water, but those chemicals are added to treat the water itself to make it drinkable in some cases, to remove or address problems with odor or potability.”
Williams continued: “You know none of those other chemicals are added to the water to treat us. Fluoride is the only exception. Fluoride is added to the water to treat us, and I think that should make us stop.”
