Toledo, OHIO – A new bill introduced in the Ohio House could pave the way for the state to join the growing list of regions reexamining the practice of fluoridating public drinking water. House Bill 182, which was co-sponsored by State Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township), proposes to prohibit the addition of fluoride in the drinking water of municipalities across Ohio.
Fluoridation has been a staple in public health policy for decades, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) citing it as a cost-effective measure to reduce tooth decay, particularly in children and low-income families. However, the proposed legislation has reignited debate over the safety and effectiveness of adding fluoride to water supplies.
Debate Over Health Risks
Rep. Williams, an outspoken advocate for the bill, has voiced concerns about the potential neurological effects of fluoride, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Citing studies he claims link fluoride to lower IQ levels and developmental issues, Williams argued that the chemical may be doing more harm than good.
“Studies show fluoride to be a neurotoxin,” Williams said. “When given to pregnant women, it can have detrimental effects on their fetuses and born children, leading to mental deficits and learning disabilities.”
Despite Williams’ assertions, health experts have challenged the validity of these claims. Joseph Cotruvo, a former director of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water Standards Division and current adjunct professor at the University of Toledo, has countered that the studies used to support the neurotoxicity claims are largely speculative. He noted that the fluoride levels in these studies are often much higher than those used in U.S. public water systems.
“Fluoride at the levels typically added to drinking water is beneficial,” Cotruvo explained. “It’s important to note that the studies showing adverse effects usually focus on far higher concentrations of fluoride. The levels in our water are very low and are unlikely to cause harm, especially when combined with standard dental care.”
The Benefits of Fluoridation
Cotruvo emphasized the public health benefits of fluoridation, particularly its role in reducing dental cavities. The CDC has long recommended the practice, citing its proven success in preventing tooth decay across socioeconomic groups. According to Cotruvo, the greatest beneficiaries of water fluoridation are low-income families, who may not have access to regular dental care or fluoride treatments.
“Fluoridation has been one of the most successful public health interventions of the 20th century,” Cotruvo said. “It reduces the incidence of cavities in children and helps improve dental health for those who need it the most.”
However, Williams has suggested that the levels of fluoride currently used in Ohio’s public water systems should be reevaluated. While he acknowledged the benefits of fluoride in preventing tooth decay, he remained unconvinced that the current levels are safe for all populations.
A Shift Toward Local Control
Initially, House Bill 182 aimed to enact a statewide ban on fluoridation. However, lawmakers are now considering an alternative approach that would give individual cities the power to decide whether to add fluoride to their water. If passed in its revised form, the bill would allow municipalities to opt out of the practice, creating a patchwork of fluoridated and non-fluoridated water systems across the state.
“I think it’s important that municipalities have the option to make this decision for themselves,” Williams said. “Each community should have the ability to choose what’s best for its residents.”
Legislative Process and Future Implications
The bill is still in its early stages in the Ohio House and will need to pass through both chambers of the state legislature before being sent to Governor Mike DeWine’s desk for approval. If the bill is passed, it could have significant implications for Ohio’s public health policy and the future of water fluoridation nationwide.
The growing controversy around fluoride in public drinking water is not isolated to Ohio. Utah recently became the first state to pass a law banning fluoride in its public water systems, a move that has garnered national attention. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also voiced support for the ban, urging other states to follow Utah’s example.
As the debate over fluoridation continues, Ohio’s decision may set a precedent for other states grappling with the same issue. For now, Ohio residents, lawmakers, and health experts will be watching closely as House Bill 182 moves through the legislative process.