PSL halts fluoride after health warning from FL Surgeon General: 95,000 residents affected

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — The City of Port St. Lucie temporarily stopped adding fluoride to its water supply on Wednesday, affecting 95,000 customers, in response to health concerns raised by Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo.

Dr. Ladapo cited potential health risks associated with fluoride exposure based on recent medical studies. Ladapo said on November 22, “adding fluoride to water increases the risk of neuropsychiatric disease.”

A 1989 St. Lucie County ordinance requires utility systems to fluoridate their water. However, the county attorney has advised against enforcing this ordinance at present due to the Surgeon General’s concerns.

“This is something that we’ve seen happen in some of the other utilities around the state. We wanted to take the opportunity to review all the data and information and make the best decision for the safety of our clients and customers,” City of Port St. Lucie Public Information Officer Scott Samples told CBS12 News.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many communities add a small amount of fluoride to the water supply to prevent cavities and promote good oral health.

Removing fluoride could do more harm than good, according to local dental experts.

“Fluoride is, still in my opinion, necessary for a certain segment of the population,” said Dr. Craig Spodak with Spodak Dental Group. “The concentration that’s in our water supply, there’s decades of safety with it.”

Spodak said fluoride in the water can help those in rural areas without insurance or limited access to dental care.

“Decay used to be a massive debilitating issue. Kids were going to the hospitals and adults were dealing with massive health issues because teeth can start to break down very quickly,” Dr. Spodak said.

The topic has also gained national attention after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been tapped to be President-elect Trump’s Health Secretary pick, claimed fluoride is associated with cancer and IQ loss.

The city will continue to monitor the situation, reviewing any new data or recommendations. City staff will collaborate with the City Council and St. Lucie County to address the ordinance and consider future actions.

“Our top priority is to provide our customers with the safest and highest-quality product possible,” said Kevin Matyjaszek, Director of the Port St. Lucie Utility Systems Department. “Given recent concerns, we felt it was in our customers’ best interest to temporarily halt adding fluoride to our water until more information is available.”

For updates, residents are encouraged to visit the city’s website.

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