During a recent meeting, representatives from the Como Safe Water Coalition urged local officials to reconsider the practice of water fluoridation, citing a recent federal court ruling that raises significant health concerns. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Edward Chen, concluded that fluoridation at the current optimal level of 0.7 milligrams per liter poses an unreasonable risk of reduced IQ in children, prompting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take regulatory action.

The coalition highlighted that the fluoride used in drinking water, hydrofluorosilicic acid (HFSA), is a byproduct of fertilizer manufacturing and not pharmaceutical grade. They argued that residents are receiving this chemical without consent and without adequate consideration of other fluoride sources or potential interactions with medications. The coalition pointed out that while the naturally occurring fluoride level in local groundwater is around 0.25 milligrams per liter, recent readings have shown levels at or above the current optimal level, raising concerns about children's health.

The coalition acknowledged that the dental community largely supports fluoridation, but they drew parallels to historical endorsements of harmful products, suggesting that it may be time to reevaluate long-held beliefs about fluoride's safety. They emphasized the need for transparency regarding fluctuating fluoride levels in drinking water and called for immediate action to protect public health.

In light of the court ruling, several water districts across the country have begun to suspend fluoridation. The Yorktown Water District in New York, which serves over 50,000 residents, was the first to take this step, followed by the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District in Utah and the city of Abilene, Texas. Notably, a report from the CDC indicated that a significant majority of water systems in Missouri—over 72%—do not fluoridate their water.

The Como Safe Water Coalition's appeal reflects a growing movement questioning the safety and necessity of water fluoridation, particularly in light of emerging scientific evidence and recent legal developments.