New Tennessee Bill Seeks to Prohibit Addition of Fluoride to Public Water Systems

A new bill seeking to prohibit the addition of fluoride to public water systems in Tennessee passed its first consideration in the state Senate last week. This marks the initial step in what is expected to be a lengthy process of votes and debates over water fluoridation in the state.

Senate Bill 162, introduced by State Senator Joey Hensley on January 16, proposes an amendment to Tennessee law that would prohibit water suppliers from adding fluoride to public water systems.

The concise legislation aims to end the practice of water fluoridation, which currently impacts the majority of the state. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, about 88% of residents served by community water systems receive fluoridated water.

Opposition to water fluoridation has grown in recent years, fueled by concerns about its potential health risks. Critics, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, have raised questions about fluoride’s safety.

Concerns center on studies suggesting possible negative side effects, particularly for children’s intellectual development. In September, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to further regulate fluoride in drinking water due to uncertainties about safe levels.

As Senate Bill 162 moves forward, it is expected to spark significant debate. Proponents argue that fluoride should not be added without clear evidence of its safety, while opponents of the bill maintain that fluoridation is an essential public health measure to prevent tooth decay.

The bill’s progress reflects an ongoing discussion about balancing public health policy with emerging research and individual choice.

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