Senate Bill S7143

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S7143

SPONSOR: KAVANAGH
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the public health law, in relation to
fluoride additives in water

 
PURPOSE:

To set an optimal target level and a maximum level of fluoride for
public water systems

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of the bill would amend section 1100-a of the public health
law by adding a new subdivision 3 to set an optimal fluoride target
level of 0.7 milligrams per liter and a maximum fluoride level of 0.8
milligrams per liter for any public water supply to which fluoride is
added.

Section 2 of the bill sets forth the effective date.

              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 requires the US Environ-
mental Protection Agency to determine the maximum level of fluoride
permitted in drinking water, with both enforceable and non-enforceable
goals. Until recently, the recommendation for optimal fluoridation from
both the EPA and the US Department of Health and Human Services for
public water systems that add fluoride had been a range of 0.7 to 1.2
milligrams per liter (mg/L). In January 2011, based on new assessments
aimed at striking a balance between preventing tooth decay and limiting
potential harmful effects of over-fluoridation, the agencies issued a
new recommendation of 0.7 mg/L.

Currently, New York State enforces a range of 0.8 mg/L to 1.2 mg/L for
public water supply systems that fluoridate, well above the new EPA and
HMS recommendations. Given that most people are also exposed to fluoride
in toothpaste, which is a more effective way of applying it, New York
State risks adverse effects by continuing to fluoridate our water at
higher levels than necessary.

 
FISCAL IMPACT ON THE STATE:

None.

 
FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCALITIES:

This bill would reduce costs to public water systems that fluoridate
water.

 
IMPACT ON REGULATION OF BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS:

None.

 
IMPACT ON FINES, IMPRISONMENT, FORFEITURE OF RIGHTS, OR OTHER PENAL
SANCTIONS:

None.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2016: A5952 (Kavanagh) - Health
2015: A5952 (Kavanagh) - Health
2014: A00141 (Kavanagh) - Health
2013: A00141 (Kavanagh) - Health
2012: A10398 (Kavanagh) - Health

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the 90th day after it shall have become a
law. Effective immediately, any rules, regulations, and actions neces-
sary to implement the provisions of this act on its effective date are
authorized to be made prior to such date.