Officials in Wisconsin Rapids are considering banning fluoride from the city's water supply, the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune reported Jan. 31.
Five notes:
1. The city's legislative committee is expected to discuss potentially creating an ordinance for the ban on Feb. 4.
2. Legislative Committee Chair Jake Cattanach asked the committee to consider creating an ordinance, citing the National Toxicology Program's 2024 report that linked higher levels of fluoride exposure with lower IQ in children.
3. The NTP's report has been heavily contested since its release, including by state and national dental organizations such as the American Dental Association.
4. Several other cities in the state have decided to discontinue water fluoridation, including Rock Springs, Lake Delton, St. Croix Falls, Hayward, Saukville, Montello, Shell Lake, Balsam Lake and Grantsburg.
5. Other cities and states across the U.S. have also considered or decided to end water fluoridation in their communities.