Stephanie Colombini
Appearances
Up First from NPR
Treasury and Other Trump Nominees, Fluoride Policy in Florida
So yesterday morning, the Surgeon General here, Dr. Joseph Latipo, announced new guidelines, and they advised communities not to add fluoride to public drinking supplies. You know, Latipo did acknowledge fluoride is good for your teeth, but he's concerned about other possible health effects.
Up First from NPR
Treasury and Other Trump Nominees, Fluoride Policy in Florida
He talked about some recent studies that suggest exposure to high levels of fluoride is associated with lower IQ in kids. And there's a federal toxicology report and researchers said they have moderate confidence there is a link, but they say that's for fluoride levels twice as high as what the U.S. recommends.
Up First from NPR
Treasury and Other Trump Nominees, Fluoride Policy in Florida
And there's also decades of research that show water fluoridation cuts cavities in children and adults and saves billions in dental spending. But Latipo believes that the risks of any added fluoride outweigh the established benefits, especially for some groups.
Up First from NPR
Treasury and Other Trump Nominees, Fluoride Policy in Florida
That's him speaking on local station Fox 13 in Winter Haven. And that city voted a couple weeks ago to stop adding fluoride to the water supply.
Up First from NPR
Treasury and Other Trump Nominees, Fluoride Policy in Florida
Well, some support Latipo's recommendation, but I've also talked to dentists and pediatricians who strongly oppose it, including Dr. Jeff Otley, president of the Florida Dental Association.
Up First from NPR
Treasury and Other Trump Nominees, Fluoride Policy in Florida
And at a safe level in water, Otley says fluoridation is critical, especially for families who can't afford to go to the dentist.
Up First from NPR
Treasury and Other Trump Nominees, Fluoride Policy in Florida
Well, it is still up to local governments to decide how to handle this. But, you know, an official recommendation from the health department does add pressure. And a handful of communities were already taking steps to stop adding fluoride to the water so more could follow suit. And then this debate is happening nationally, especially now that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Up First from NPR
Treasury and Other Trump Nominees, Fluoride Policy in Florida
is President-elect Trump's pick for Health and Human Services Secretary. He wants to issue similar guidance.
Up First from NPR
Treasury and Other Trump Nominees, Fluoride Policy in Florida
You're welcome. Thank you.