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In an announcement on Thursday, Sept. 26, Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman said he ordered a pause on water fluoridation within the town, which will also affect Somers residents.
Lachterman's decision was made following a ruling by US District Court Edward Chen on Tuesday, Sept. 24 that determined the current standard for fluoridation in the US, 0.7 mg/L, poses an "unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment" and may impact the IQ of children.
Chen's ruling also ordered the US Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen regulations regarding fluoridation. However, in his decision, Chen says the court "does not conclude with certainty that fluoridated water is injurious to public health," and only rules that there is a risk.
Despite this, Lachterman said the ruling led him to take "immediate action."
"In light of this federal ruling and the long-standing concerns expressed by many Yorktown residents, I have decided to suspend water fluoridation as a precautionary measure," Lachterman said, adding, "Our priority is the safety and well-being of our community, and we believe it is prudent to pause fluoridation to further assess its potential impacts."
Somers Supervisor Robert Scorrano expressed his agreement with Lachterman's decision:
"Removing fluoride from Somers' drinking water would give residents the freedom to choose their own sources of fluoride, ensuring personal control over their health decisions," Scorrano said, continuing, "Somers applauds Yorktown for making this decision."
The Northern Westchester Joint Water Works began adding fluoride to Yorktown and Somers' water in August after a seven-year pause as a result of upgrades to the Amawalk and Catskill Treatment Plants.
The treatment facilities began fluoridating the water supply using 20 percent to 23 percent Hydrofluorosilicic Acid at a target dosage of 0.7mg/l, officials said.
Yorktown officials will continue to monitor guidance from federal and state agencies regarding the issue, according to Lachterman.
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