Fluoride Returns to Pinellas County Water

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) _ One of the largest counties in Florida will add fluoride back into its water after a debate over whether the chemical is beneficial for fighting tooth decay or toxic and an affront to personal liberty.

Fluoride will be added today to Pinellas County’s water, affecting about 700,000 people.

County commissioners voted to return fluoride to the water in November 2012.

It was removed in October, 2011.

The board reversed its decision because two new commissioners who ran on a pro-fluoride platform were elected in November.

The debate pitted dentists and orthodontists against people who feel fluoride is harmful, even toxic.

Saome said the county shouldn’t pay for personal health decisions.

Plant City in Hillsborough County will also add fluoride to water for the first time Friday, affecting about 11,000 households.