Legislation has been introduced in the Utah House of Representatives to prohibit water fluoridation in the state, KUTV reported Jan. 30.
Five notes:
1. Rep. Stephanie Gricius introduced HB 81 earlier this month, citing concerns of personal freedom, potential health risks and a recent court ruling directing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address the effects of fluoride in drinking water.
2. In addition to making public water fluoridation illegal, the bill would also allow pharmacists to prescribe fluoride and direct the Division of Professional Licensing to establish guidelines for prescribing fluoride.
3. If enacted, the bill would go into effect May 7.
4. Approximately 1.5 million Utah residents receive fluoridated water.
5. National debate about water fluoridation began last year after the National Toxicology Program concluded in a contested report that higher levels of fluoride exposure are associated with lower IQ in children.