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Mayor Alfrey Proposes to End Water Fluoridation in Melbourne after Palm Bay Did Last Week

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Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey has announced plans to reintroduce a proposal to end water fluoridation in the city. This renewed effort will be discussed at the City Council meeting scheduled for January 14, marking a significant step in an ongoing debate over the practice of adding fluoride to public water systems.

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In a social media post, Mayor Alfrey highlighted his previous attempt to stop the addition of Hydrofluorosilicic Acid, commonly referred to as fluoride, to Melbourne’s water supply, which was narrowly defeated in a 4-3 vote. However, with several members of the council having since termed out and new members now seated, Alfrey sees an opportunity to revisit the issue.

This announcement follows a unanimous decision made by the Palm Bay City Council on January 2, 2025, to permanently stop adding fluoride to their water supply. Newly elected council member Chandler Langevin introduced the motion, citing numerous constituent concerns raised during his campaign. “On the campaign trail… I would say the fourth-most brought-up item was fluoride in the water,” Langevin stated. While Palm Bay’s fluoridation systems had already been inactive since 2016 and 2017 due to equipment failures, this vote formalized the city’s stance against reintroducing fluoride. Palm Bay’s decision reflects growing momentum against water fluoridation in Florida, with Tavares also voting to remove fluoride in December 2024.

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Mayor Alfrey also praised Palm Bay’s leadership and the Florida State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, whose recent guidance advises municipalities to discontinue water fluoridation. According to a press release from the Florida Department of Health, Dr. Ladapo expressed concerns about potential neuropsychiatric risks associated with fluoride exposure, particularly its alleged impact on children’s cognitive development and behavioral health. This aligns with a broader global trend, as countries such as Austria, Belgium, Germany, and Sweden have eliminated water fluoridation.

Proponents of water fluoridation argue that it is a cost-effective way to reduce dental decay, particularly in underserved communities. Despite the growing opposition to water fluoridation in some communities, organizations such as the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) continue to advocate for the practice as a safe and effective public health measure. These agencies emphasize that fluoride in water helps prevent tooth decay, particularly in underserved populations with limited access to dental care. The ADA maintains that community water fluoridation reduces cavities by at least 25% in children and adults, reinforcing its stance that the benefits far outweigh any perceived risks. Critics of fluoridation argue, however, that the availability of alternative fluoride sources, such as toothpaste, renders systemic fluoridation unnecessary.However, critics, including Alfrey and Langevin, emphasize the importance of individual choice in fluoride exposure, pointing to alternative sources such as fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses.

The upcoming Melbourne City Council meeting is expected to draw significant public attention, with stakeholders from both sides of the debate likely to voice their opinions. As the city considers following Palm Bay’s lead, Melbourne could become another Florida municipality taking a stand on this divisive public health issue.

Stay tuned as The Space Coast Rocket continues to cover developments on this important community decision.

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