The Fluoridation Debate in Florida: Winter Haven Leads the Charge
Did you know that the city of Winter Haven, Florida, kicked off a revolution in water safety right in our own backyard? On November 14, 2024, thanks to some everyday citizens who wouldn't stay silent, Winter Haven City Commission decided to stop adding fluoride to the water. And guess what? It's a big deal! Click on the image below to watch the fluoride section of the meeting.
A few days after the Winter Haven vote, on November 22, 2024, our very own Florida Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, stood in Winter Haven and said, "Hey, all Florida counties, you should follow Winter Haven's lead!" He's calling water fluoridation "public health malpractice" because of the risks it might pose to our health. The Florida Guidance for Community Water Fluoridation can be found at this link: Guidance for Community Water Fluoridation
Watch Dr. Ladapo’s Press Conference here:
But here's the kicker: the chemicals they're putting in our water? They're not just any fluoride; they're industrial waste. Susie Novack, the city clerk from Tavares, showed us the MSDS sheets, and they're pretty scary reading. We're talking about neurotoxins here! More about Tavares later. Tavares MSDS Report
And there's more. From a federal court ruling in September 2024, Judge Chen ruled that the current level of fluoride in community water systems, specifically at 0.7 milligrams per liter, presents an "unreasonable risk of injury to health" under the Amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). "The scientific literature in the record provides a high level of certainty that a hazard is present; fluoride is associated with reduced IQ," wrote Chen, an appointee of Democratic former President Barack Obama.” https://www.fastcompany.com/91178494/fluoride-levels-in-unsafe-toothpaste-tap-water-linked-to-lower-intelligence-children-study-national-toxicology-program
Excepts from the 80 page Federal Ruling ruling can be found below.
Right now, over 200 million Americans, roughly 75% of us, have fluoride in our tap water at the suggested level of 0.7 milligrams per liter. This isn't mandatory; it's up to each community to decide. Many doctors and dentists support this because it's allegedly good for kids' teeth before they even come in. However, where did that idea come from? Edward Bernays, author of Propaganda, who is often referred to as the "father of public relations," was hired by the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) in the mid-to-late 1940s to execute a public relations campaign to promote the addition of fluoride to public water supplies. This was done under the guise of preventing tooth decay in children, despite fluoride being a toxic byproduct of aluminum production. Bernays' strategy involved leveraging the public's trust in medical authority, convincing doctors to endorse fluoridation, which in turn influenced public opinion. Do you know Edward Bernays created the phrase "four out of five doctors say?" By having doctors endorse products or ideas, he could make those endorsements more persuasive, leading to changes in public behavior and opinion. His techniques were foundational in shaping modern public relations and marketing, illustrating how expert opinion could be leveraged to influence consumer behavior.
A lawsuit filed against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by the Fluoride Action Network - a nonprofit focused on raising awareness about fluoride and community water fluoridation - alleges that Rachel Levine, the assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), withheld the report from public release in 2022 under pressure from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the dental lobby.
In Florida, there's a law about poisoning water , and it could apply here if you ask the right lawyers. According to Florida Statute 859.01, poisoning food or water involves introducing, adding, or mingling any poison, bacterium, radioactive material, virus, or chemical compound with food, drink, medicine, or water with the intent to kill or injure another person. This act is classified as a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in sections 775.082, 775.083, or 775.084 of the Florida Statutes, which could mean up to 30 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, or both, depending on the specifics of the case.
To violate this statute, there must be willful intent to harm. However, discussions around the law, especially in the context of water fluoridation, suggest that if there's awareness of potential harm and the action continues, a case might be argued for violation of this statute. If citizens speak before their city councils and county commissions, you should let them know they are potentially harming the public. A strong legal team could take on any city or county that refuses to protect the citizens.
Next up. Citizens of Tavares, Florida are gearing up to talk about this on December 18, 2024, at the City Hall Council Chambers. If you're able, you should show up.
Here's how you can make a difference, not just in Tavares, but anywhere in the country:
Get Informed: Look into what's in your water. Those MSDS sheets are a goldmine of info!
Speak Up: Go to your local city council meetings. Tell them about Winter Haven, about Ladapo, about the health risks. Your voice matters!
Join Forces: Get together with friends, neighbors, or join existing groups. There's power in numbers. Start a petition, make some noise!
Use the Law and Science: Mention the court ruling, health studies, and expert opinions. They're your ammunition in this fight.
We're not just talking about Tavares, Florida here. This is a call to action for every Florida community out there. If Winter Haven can do it, so can you! Let's make sure our water is as clean and safe as it can be. It's our health, our choice. Let's get involved, ask questions, and demand change. Because if we don't, who will?