Connecticut bill defends community water fluoridation
Governor signs legislation into law
Connecticut is defending community water fluoridation, standing in contrast to several states that have recently moved to ban the practice. Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation ensuring consistent levels of fluoride in Connecticut’s public drinking water, regardless of any policy changes occurring at the federal level.
The legislation codifies the amount of fluoride added to the state’s water supply, requiring companies to add enough fluoride to maintain an average monthly fluoride content of 0.7 milligrams per liter, which equates to about three drops in 55 gallons of water. This is instead of tying the amount to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommendation, as current law does. The agency currently recommends 0.7 milligrams per liter but has directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reexamine the issue.
“Connecticut’s legislators and Governor Lamont have acted expeditiously and effectively to protect the health of Connecticut residents by ensuring that community water fluoridation remains in place here. [The Connecticut State Dental Association] appreciates their diligence on this issue, and commitment to prioritize public health over disinformation,” said Kathlene Gerrity, executive director of the Connecticut State Dental Association in a July 14 news release.
The bill’s passage comes as Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has ceased the state’s recommendation for fluoride in public water systems, and Florida and Utah have banned the practice altogether. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, M.D., made statements labeling fluoridation as “medical malpractice,” which the ADA called “misinformed and dangerous” and which has been widely rejected by public health experts.
The ADA has reaffirmed its support for community water fluoridation as a reliably safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay. The Connecticut State Dental Association said it is pleased the state has taken a proactive approach to protecting community water fluoridation.
The [Connecticut State Dental Association] is among more than a hundred leading health organizations – including the American Dental Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, American Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics – that have reaffirmed the safety, effectiveness, and public health importance of community water fluoridation,” the release said.
For more information, visit ADA.org/Fluoride.
