WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida’s Surgeon General spoke on community water systems, a week after the City Commission voted to remove fluoride from the water.

Dr. Joseph Ladapo addressed the new guidance for water treatment, saying fluoride is neurotoxic, causing adverse neurological effects.

He touched on several studies that show that higher levels of fluoridation impact intelligence and create problems with executive functioning and decision-making, along with behavioral issues in children.

“It is public health malpractice to continue adding fluoride to community water systems,” Dr. Ladapo said.

Formal guidance will be issued to municipalities to stop adding fluoride, along with tools to view a map of the water systems affected, Dr. Ladapo added.

The ultimate decision on adding fluoride in water is up to town, city and county leaders.

“Speak to your local leaders,” he urged residents.

According to the Surgeon General and other officials, fluoride can be harmful to pregnant women and their unborn children.

On Nov. 14, Winter Haven commissioners voted 3-2 to remove the fluoride by January 1, or “as soon as reasonably practical thereafter.”

In August, a federal agency determined “with moderate confidence” that there is a link between higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids, the Associated Press said. The National Toxicology Program based its conclusion on studies involving fluoride levels at about twice the recommended limit for drinking water.

However, the Florida Dental Association countered that a district court ruling against the EPA did not provide a scientific basis that “fluoridated water is injurious to public health.”

“Community water fluoridation is one of the most effective and affordable public health measures we can implement to protect our residents’ oral health,” said Dr. Jeff Ottley, President of the Florida Dental Association. “Adding optimal amounts of fluoride into our community water supplies can prevent at least 25% of tooth decay in children and adults, reducing the need for costly dental treatments. Decades of sound scientific research proves the safety and effectiveness of fluoridation and underscores the importance of continuing community water fluoridation for the well-being of Florida residents.”

WFLA live streamed the press conference at 10 a.m., which can be viewed in the video player above.