Plans to fluoridate the city of Albany’s municipal water supply have been on hold for months due to supply chain issues caused by the war in Iran, city officials confirmed to WAMC.
The delays come even as Albany has finished building the infrastructure it needs to begin adding fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel, to its municipal water supply, according to Albany Common Councilmember Tom Hoey. But like cities across the country, Albany has been unable to obtain fluorosilicic acid, the chemical used to fluoridate water.
“Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and impacts to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the availability of fluoride shipments have been affected across the United States,” a spokesperson for Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs said in a statement to WAMC. “The Mayor’s office and Water Department are actively monitoring the situation, and have provided updates to city leadership on the topic.”…