美国五个州禁止化水, 可能会导致132,572名儿童需要牙科护理, 三年内医疗保险将耗资近4000万美元. Five U.S. states banning water fluoridation may cause 132,572 more children to need dental care, costing Medicaid nearly $40 million in three years.

根据CareQuest研究所的分析,美国五个州禁止饮用水中的化物可能会导致132,572名儿童在三年内需要牙科治疗,而医疗补助费用将增加近4000万美元. Five U.S. states banning fluoride in drinking water could lead to 132,572 more children needing dental treatment within three years, with Medicaid costs rising nearly $40 million, according to a CareQuest Institute analysis. 化剂被美国疾病预防控制中心认为是公共卫生领域的重要成果, 它可以减少25%的牙腐烂并加强发育中的牙. Fluoridation, backed by the CDC as a top public health achievement, reduces tooth decay by 25% and strengthens developing enamel. 尽管一些研究显示高水平暴露与智商低相关, 但专家表示美国的每升0.7毫克是安全的. Despite concerns over high-level exposure linked to lower IQ in some studies, experts say U.S. levels—0.7 milligrams per liter—are safe. 至少有21个州已经出台限制化剂的立法, 包括路易斯安那州新法案允许在15%选民申请后进行地方投票. At least 21 states have introduced legislation to restrict fluoridation, including Louisiana’s new bill allowing local votes after 15% of voters petition. 反对者警告说, 除去化物会伤害低收入儿童, 他们面临牙科护理障碍, 使得更多的孩子需要昂贵的急诊. Opponents warn that removing fluoride harms low-income children who face barriers to dental care, increasing reliance on costly emergency room visits.