In Miami-Dade County, Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez is pushing for a review of the practice of fluoridating public water. He has enlisted Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, a critic of fluoride, to help raise awareness on the issue. Yesterday, Gonzalez shared on X a video of his meeting with Ladapo, in which they discussed concerns about fluoride’s potential effects on neurological health and disease susceptibility.
As Chairman of the Safety and Health Committee, I have formally invited the @FLSurgeonGen , Dr. Joseph Ladapo to testify before us on the effects of fluoridation in our water supply. Protecting public health must come first! @HealthyFla pic.twitter.com/SApf8fQKnP
— Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez (@RobJGonzalezFL) February 12, 2025
"I just met with Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo to discuss his concerns about fluoride in our drinking water and its effects on neurological health, IQ, and disease propensity," Gonzalez said in a video shared on X, according to Miami New Times. Gonzalez emphasized the need to examine the science behind fluoridation for public health, especially for children. Ladapo thanked Gonzalez for his leadership and suggested reducing fluoride could benefit the community’s health, despite a lack of concrete evidence supporting their stance.
Public health experts, however, continue to support fluoridation, citing a large body of research showing that controlled fluoride levels effectively prevent tooth decay. They note that the current recommended level of fluoride—0.7 milligrams per liter of water—is not a health risk. These guidelines are based on scientific consensus that recognizes water fluoridation as one of the most significant public health achievements.
As chair of the Safety and Health Committee, Gonzalez has invited Dr. Ladapo to testify before the committee. "Protecting public health must come first," Gonzalez stated on his X post.
