Image Credit: Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Last week, after seeing substantial community support for the measure, the board of the Tellico Area Services System unanimously voted to remove fluoride from the local water supply.
Proponents both for and against continued fluoridation offered their comments during the public meeting, with those against stopping fluoridation expressing concern it could affect those with lesser access to healthcare.
Kelly Bailey, regional dental director for the Tennessee Department of Health, expounded on that position saying, “If we remove this as a public health intervention, it’s going to negatively impact the most under-served populations, those who are uninsured, those who have TennCare but can’t find a provider who accepts that.”
Arguments from those in favor of defluoridation included numerous statements about personal health rights, maintaining that adding substances to a public water supply without the public’s permission was a violation of those rights.
One resident stated, “It’s tough to believe any source anymore, so I’m just trying to take it more of a position where people can decide for themselves, their own health, their own oral hygiene, and provide [for] their own health as needed.”
This vote will affect both Loudon and Monroe Counties as the Tellico Area Services System is the main water supplier for these areas.
Banning fluoride from water supplies has become a national issue amidst growing concerns about the chemical’s health implications, especially on children. Utah and Florida successfully banned its addition and 16 states have introduced legislation on the subject.
The Tennessee legislature had two bills on the subject this past session, but both were killed in the committee process.
With their vote, Tellico will become the second municipality in the state to take matters into their own hands, joining the Woodlawn Utility District in voting to remove the substance.
The Tellico decision also comes just two days after the city of Gatlinburg announced it would continue adding fluoride to its supply. Initially, the City Commission was set to consider the matter in September but cancelled the vote after receiving pushback from community members and local health and dental providers.
Notably, the city’s press release cites “receiving strong support from Gatlinburg’s health and dental practitioner community” to continue their current fluoridation practices.
A commissioner in Knoxville has also advocated for the removal of fluoride in the water, citing worry over potential impacts from long-term exposure and the right of people not to have medical treatments imposed upon them. County Commissioner Andy Fox drafted an ordinance in June, but it has not been voted on yet.
As more studies show the potential health risks of long-term fluoride exposure and citizens continue to assert their right to health and medical freedom, it is likely conservative legislators in Tennessee will revive legislation on the topic next year, though there is no indication whether their fellow Republicans will have changed their stances enough to favorably swing the vote.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
