The St. Clair County Advisory Board of Health is backing a recommendation that could lead to banning the addition of fluoride to local drinking water.
During a three-hour meeting Wednesday, the board voted 5-2 in support of Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin’s call for the Health Department to consider drafting regulations to prohibit fluoridation at water filtration plants within the county.
Nevin cited new federal findings suggesting higher levels of fluoride exposure could pose certain neurological risks. Risks, he says, that outweigh the dental benefits. He added that diet plays a greater role in preventing tooth decay than fluoridated water.
Health Officer Liz King said she will review the proposal carefully before passing any guidance on for county commissioners to consider, noting that the question is not can the county ban fluoridation, but should it.
Some board members who supported the idea, want to see a plan to maintain access to dental health resources if fluoride use ends. While opponents called for more public input and opposing viewpoints before moving forward. The board voted to move public comment to the end of the meeting in a decision that doesn’t align with Robert’s Rules of Order typical practices, and many attendees left before they had the option of speaking.
Nevin also previewed a separate advisory calling on local medical professionals to deemphasize the use of Tylenol, or acetaminophen, particularly in children following vaccinations and in pregnant women. He cited growing evidence of developmental risks and referenced data backed by the Trump administration.
Dr. Nevin’s finalized memorandum on a proposed fluoride ban is expected soon. Wednesday’s meeting can be viewed on the county’s YouTube channel.
