LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Once again, lawmakers in Frankfort are having the fluoride in drinking water debate.
The legislation according to one of the co-sponsors is about local control, giving local utilities the option to remove fluoride or to keep it. However, removing fluoride from tap water does come with a warning.
Kentucky has mandated fluoride in municipal tap water for decades. It is estimated that 70% of the state's population's water is fluoridated.
“We have been fluorinating the water in Kentucky for almost 70 years, so we are sort of a national trend setter," Dr. Steve Robertson DDS, the executive director of the Kentucky Dental Association, said.
But that trend-setting action is being challenged in the state capitol.
“Gives Kentucky a chance to have localities determine what is or not in their water," Rep. Kevin Bratcher, R-29, said.
The Kentucky Dental Association is as you can imagine, against removing fluoride from drinking water. Dr. Steve Robertson, a dentist of more than 30 years, said the evidence is simple: removing fluoride will cascade into a dental decay crisis.
“We are already in a position where we are having problems meeting the needs of the state, now you increase that by 25 percent, and that is going to be tough," Dr. Robertson said.
There is not a federal mandate that requires fluorinated water as that decision is in the hands of state and local regulators. According to Bratcher, Kentucky is already near the bottom in dental care, which he suggests fluoride may not work in the first place.
“So, my question is, I know this fluoride has been in the water since the 70's, I know when I was in school this was a debate, so it is obviously not working if we are in the bottom of the states,” Bratcher said.
Dr. Robertson said fluoride is the key to early childhood dental development. The cost to treat thousands of kids with fluoride is nothing compared to the dental crisis it prevents.
“The dental needs are going to increase in a manner we are not necessarily prepared for,” said Dr. Robertson.
Similar legislation has come in front of Kentucky legislators in previous sessions. On Thursday, the legislation overwhelming passed out of committee, and heads next to the House.
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