By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona State Senator Janae Shamp (R-LD29) has introduced legislation that would prohibit the addition of fluoride and fluoride-containing compounds to public drinking water systems across the state. The proposal, Senate Bill 1019, would bar state agencies, municipalities, and other political subdivisions from fluoridating public water supplies. Shamp, a registered nurse and former Senate majority leader, says the bill is intended to limit what she characterizes as government-mandated medical treatment and to give individuals greater control over their health decisions.
In announcing the legislation, Shamp cited concerns about the practice of water fluoridation, including questions about consent and potential health risks. Supporters of the bill argue that fluoride is widely available through toothpaste, mouth rinses, and dental treatments, making its addition to drinking water unnecessary.
Shamp also referenced research suggesting that excessive fluoride exposure may be associated with adverse health outcomes, including potential impacts on cognitive development in children and risks to bone health. Public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have long maintained that water fluoridation at recommended levels is safe and effective in reducing tooth decay, a position that has been the subject of ongoing debate nationwide.
“Medical decisions should be made by individuals and families, not imposed through public utilities,” Shamp said in a statement. She added that banning fluoridation would allow residents to choose whether and how they use fluoride products.
The senator also pointed to financial considerations, arguing that eliminating fluoridation could reduce costs associated with chemicals, equipment, and maintenance for water systems. Those savings, she said, could be redirected toward infrastructure improvements or water conservation efforts. The bill comes as other states have reconsidered fluoridation policies in recent years, with lawmakers in Utah and Florida passing measures to limit or ban the practice in certain jurisdictions. Shamp framed SB 1019 as part of a broader movement emphasizing individual choice and medical autonomy.
If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, Arizona would join a small but growing number of states restricting fluoride use in public water systems. The bill is expected to generate debate among lawmakers, public health officials, and dental professionals as it moves through the legislative process.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
