A bill to ban the use of the mineral in public water passed the Florida House 88-27. It now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature.

Lawmakers in Florida gave final passage to a bill to ban fluoride in public water systems Tuesday, with the state House voting 88-27.

SB 700, also known as the Florida Farm Bill, doesn’t mention the word “fluoride,” but it would effectively ban the chemical compound by preventing “the use of certain additives in a water system.” The bill awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature.

If DeSantis, a Republican, signs the bill, Florida will become the second state to ban fluoride from water supplies.

      • Tja@programming.dev
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        13 hours ago

        FYI it was a reference to parks and rec, where the local dentist (Jeremy Jamm) tried to prevent Fluorine in water so people had more cavities… because it was good for his business.

        His catchphrase was “you’ve been Jammed”.

  • lazynooblet@lazysoci.al
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    1 day ago

    How can the bill not say fluoride specifically but mentions “certain additives”. Surely it must list what those certain additives are? Odd.

    • evasive_chimpanzee@lemmy.world
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      22 hours ago

      It basically says you can’t add anything to water except for “water quality additives” and has a fuzzy definitely of water quality additive.

      403.859 Prohibited acts.—The following acts and the causing thereof are prohibited and are violations of this act: (8) The use of any additive in a public water system whichdoes not meet the definition of a water quality additive as defined in s. 403.852(19)

      And then 403.852(19) has

      “Water quality additive” means any chemical, additive, or substance that is used in a public water system for the purpose of: (a) Meeting or surpassing primary or secondary drinking water standards; (b) Preventing, reducing, or removing contaminants; or © Improving water quality.

      Bold are the additions. The “primary and secondary drinking water standards” are legally defined terms where the EPA sets limits on maximum allowable amounts of stuff in water.

      https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/how-epa-regulates-drinking-water-contaminants-documents

      Personally, I would argue that fluoride is added to water for the purpose of “improving water quality” because water that protects people’s teeth is higher quality than water that doesn’t. If I were someone from a municipality whose job was ensuring water quality, I would read this as still allowing the addition of fluoride. If anyone doesn’t like that, let them try to prove in a court that fluoridated water is lower quality.

  • then_three_more@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    Yanks love to stereotype Brits as having bad teeth when statically your teeth have more cavities and removals (our dentistry focuses on health over cosmetics). Hopefully shit like this can fully kill that off that stereotype.

  • Naich@lemmings.world
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    1 day ago

    There is evidence that there is a correlation between fluoride in water and lower IQ in children. It’s difficult to show causation, but it’s something that should be investigated. Pausing fluoridation while this happens would seem sensible.

    I think this is the first time I’ve ever defended something these arseholes have done. Feels weird.

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5285601/

    • wicked@programming.dev
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      1 day ago

      The mean IQ level was more in the region with medium fluoride concentration in drinking water (56.68) compared to areas with low fluoride concentration (41.03) and high fluoride concentration (31.59).

      So according to that study, having “medium levels” (1.2-2ppm) of fluoride is much better. I checked three random water reports in Florida which had 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 ppm.

    • Ledericas@lemm.ee
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      1 day ago

      flouride also stregnthens the teeth, its a fact. the anti-flouride people still complaining how they are getting cavaties despite using all thse flouride free toothpastes. alot of them ventured into using n-HA as a replacement, but the effects are very unpredictable and hasnt be reliabe, i think you need confirmed 10% n-HA for the toothpaste to repair the teeth.

      • Michael@slrpnk.net
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        19 hours ago

        but the effects are very unpredictable and hasnt be reliabe

        I have read many opinions from dentists, educated by the latest research, who claim otherwise.

        Hydroxyapatite toothpaste has been on the market for a long time in Japan, and their statistics do not suggest that there is rampant decay in their population.

        Topically applied fluoride only remineralizes the surface enamel, however, it is more resistant to acid-attack. The typical American diet and oral care habits make this a more desirable choice for those who are unwilling to commit to a consistent oral hygeine routine (and changing their diet + snacking/drinking habits).

        Nano-Hydroxyapatite is similar to actual tooth structure and occludes dentinal tubules. This means it has superior remineralization capabilities, as it penetrates deeper into the tooth structure. For me, this has greatly reduced the sensitivity I have experienced (which is why I switched).

        While the research has not quite caught up, it seems ideal that one ceases using fluoride toothpaste for a period of a few weeks to a few months and uses only nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste to remineralize the parts that fluoride doesn’t, and if their oral care routine isn’t sufficient or they are showing signs of decay (due to e.g. acid attack or improper flossing/etc.), they then should use fluoride toothpaste exclusively after that point in time (until sensitivity occurs), or a mixture of the two toothpastes (such as using a product like CariFree, which contains both), as this will make the surface of their teeth more resistant to acid.

        Now, as for fluoride added to the water supply, it’s mostly useless to your teeth and is toxic. Fluoride’s benefits are topical, and most people do not give it a sufficient time to work (by leaving it on the teeth for 30 minutes). The fluoridated water doesn’t stay on your teeth long enough to outweigh the benefits of proper toothpaste usage/application.

        Even if studies in third world countries or other countries (like Canada) suggest there is a benefit to fluoridating the water supply, an increase in dental education (especially in parents with children) would be sufficient to outweigh the supposed negatives of ceasing a largely ineffective (and likely harmful to human health) practice. Or through the regulation of foods and drinks that are known to directly contribute to the development of caries (especially in products targeting children).

        Tooth decay doesn’t magically happen, there are specific causes for it. Like repeatedly applying acids to the teeth (e.g. soda) without rinsing it off with water or leaving plaque on the teeth (which produce acid) - which inevitably hardens to tartar and leads to a cascade of effects on oral and gum health, including more acid production.

        If dental care and education was more accessible, more people would know about fluoride/nano-hydroxyapatite varnishes or would have trays made that they use overnight to remineralize their teeth. The benefits of water fluoridation are nil compared to the effectiveness of prescription (or regular) fluoride toothpastes and a proper oral care routine/diet interventions. Regular interventions from hygienists and licensed dentists - like dental cleanings/check-ups every 6 months are also imperative for oral health.

        i think you need confirmed 10% n-HA for the toothpaste to repair the teeth.

        According to case studies, 1-3% (of nanoXIM) is optimal for safety, sensitivity, remineralization, and whitening.

  • BigMikeInAustin@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    So if they don’t use the word “fluoride,” does that mean the purpose is that the bill is open to interpretation depending on what they politically need at the time?

    Or will the Republicans pass this bill and claim victory, but will actually just leave fluoride in the water?

  • BigMikeInAustin@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    All those MAGAs thinking it will save government money and that the citizens will see that savings. Even if the savings was fully passed to the general public, it’s going to be very tiny.