Mount Desert residents voted to remove fluoride from the drinking water by an overwhelming 229-42 margin at Monday's town meeting referendum vote. The town becomes the first municipality in the state to remove fluoride from its water.

Since 1963, Mount Desert has added fluoride for its purported benefits in combating tooth decay. But recent studies of fluoride's possible negative effects led the Mount Desert Water District to seek an end to fluoridation.

"We're thrilled by the results," said Water District Manager Paul Slack. He said he hopes Mount Desert's example will pave the way for other places in Maine to remove fluoride in the near future.

"It's now going to be a water supply without additives that's going to be safer for everybody," Mr. Slack said.