NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A push to remove fluoride from Tennessee’s public water systems faced a setback Wednesday, as a bill aimed at banning fluoride was voted down in a state Senate committee. However, another legislative proposal that seeks to reduce the fluoride levels in public water still stands, keeping the debate alive.
Fluoridation of public water in Tennessee has been a long-standing practice. As of 2023, nearly 90% of the state’s tap water is treated with fluoride, which the Tennessee Department of Health describes as “the most natural and cost-effective means of protecting residents in a community from tooth decay.”
Despite these health claims, concerns about the potential risks of fluoride have led to growing calls for change. One of the most vocal opponents of the current fluoride practices is Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), who raised concerns about the safety of fluoride levels in drinking water. In a Senate committee discussion on Wednesday, Crowe referred to fluoride as a “toxic substance” and emphasized the importance of testing and regulating its concentration. Crowe has supported legislation that aims to reduce the fluoride concentration in public water from the current 1.5 milligrams per liter to 0.4 milligrams per liter. The proposed bill also includes provisions for regular testing and public notification if fluoridation is discontinued.
Dr. Leon Stanislav, a former dentist from Clarksville, spoke in defense of fluoride, underscoring the benefits of its use in preventing tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), consistent exposure to low levels of fluoride in drinking water has led to a 25% reduction in tooth decay among children. Stanislav argued that the recommended fluoride concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter is the “minimum optimal level” for dental health and should not be lowered further.
“I don’t think anyone is forced to consume it,” Stanislav responded when questioned by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), who had asked whether there were any other situations where the public was “forced” to consume a chemical.
While some legislators continue to voice concerns over fluoride’s safety, others argue that the benefits outweigh the risks. The Tennessee Department of Health has consistently supported the practice, citing its effectiveness in reducing tooth decay across communities.
The bill proposing a complete ban on fluoride failed to pass in the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee, marking a temporary halt to the effort. However, the proposed bill that seeks to lower fluoride levels will continue to be debated, with the state’s lawmakers still grappling with the potential health implications of fluoridation.
As the discussion unfolds, Tennessee residents may find themselves caught between two competing viewpoints: one emphasizing the health benefits of fluoride and the other calling for increased caution and regulation. The outcome of this legislative debate could shape the future of water treatment in the state.
