A Tennessee bill to prohibit water fluoridation has passed its first consideration in the state Senate, WZTV reported Jan. 21.
Four notes:
1. Senate Bill 162 was introduced by state Sen. Joey Hensley Jan. 16.
2. About 88% of Tennessee residents served by community water systems receive fluoridated water, according to the state health department.
3. National debate about the benefits and potential risks associated with fluoride has driven several states and cities to weigh the effects of water fluoridation, with some moving to end the practice altogether.
4. If passed, the bill would go into effect July 1.