​What's In The Water North Miami Beach? - Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Urges North Miami Beach To Keep Fluoride In Drinking Water

Last week, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson also issued her support for keeping fluoride in Miami-Dade County’s drinking water. Here is the full letter text to North Miami Beach:

Dear Mayor Joseph:

Thank you for reaching out to me regarding your concerns about the ongoing debate surrounding the Fluoridation of drinking water and its impact on children and our community as a whole. I share your concerns, and I have been—and continue to be—very vocal about the risks and potential harm that could result from removing Fluoride from our water supply.

It is truly unfortunate, and even difficult to believe, that after so many years of documented success demonstrating the positive impact of Fluoridation—including dramatic improvements in Dental Health and the prevention of childhood cavities—this issue has become politicized. Decades of scientific research have consistently shown that Fluoridation is one of the most effective and affordable public health measures. It not only protects oral health by strengthening teeth and preventing decay, but also significantly reduces other costs associated with poor Dental Health, such as the need for dentures, surgeries, hospitalizations, missed school, workdays and even the emotional toll of low self-esteem.

Together, we represent some of the largest minority communities—many of whom are either unserved or underserved and lack access to convenient, affordable Health and Dental Care. Many individuals in these communities are not adequately informed about proper oral hygiene practices and lack access to the foods, toothpaste, and mouthwash that support good oral health. Opportunities to expand education and awareness around oral health, along with increased access to community dental services, deserve our highest level of continued support.

We are fortunate to have the support of our Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, on this important issue.

The Mayor recently convened a panel of dental and medical experts who refuted claims that our water is unsafe due to Fluoridation. They strongly support the continued use of Fluoridation as a means of improving Dental Health. For the good of our entire community—especially those we serve—we, too, must stand up and make our voices heard in support of Fluoridation.

Sincerely,

Frederica S. Wilson

Member of Congress

CC: North Miami Beach City Commission

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is an eighth-term lawmaker from Florida, representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and lifelong educator, she founded the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, a mentoring and dropout prevention program for boys and young men of color. The Florida lawmaker sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Education and Labor Committee. She serves as the Ranking Member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

An Opposing Point of View

According to Dr. John Doull, Chairman of the National Research Council's review on Fluoride in drinking water, “We’ve gone with the status quo regarding Fluoride for many years - for too long, really - and now we need to take a fresh look. In the scientific community, people tend to think this is settled. But when we looked at the studies that have been done, we found that many of these questions are unsettled and we have much less information than we should, considering how long this has been going on.”

Commissioners in Miami-Dade voted earlier in the month to stop adjusting Fluoride levels in local drinking water, despite widespread opposition to water Fluoridation bans from national health organizations. The measure passed by an 8-2 vote, but Mayor Daniella Levine Cava vetoed legislation that would remove Fluoride from the drinking water.

A Bill currently under debate in the Florida Legislature would bar local municipalities from adding Fluoride to water.