In a groundbreaking move, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his plans to urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending fluoride in communities across the country. This decision comes after Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, with Governor Spencer Cox signing legislation to shut down fluoridation systems by May 7.
Kennedy, a vocal advocate against fluoride, stated that he is assembling a task force to focus on the issue and push for a nationwide reevaluation of the practice. He has long criticized fluoride as a “dangerous neurotoxin” and linked it to various health issues such as arthritis, bone breaks, and thyroid disease. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also announced a review of new scientific information on the potential health risks of fluoride in drinking water.
At a news conference in Salt Lake City, Kennedy praised Utah for taking the lead in banning fluoride and expressed his hope that more states would follow suit. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joined Kennedy in supporting the reevaluation of fluoride exposure risks, emphasizing the importance of sound science in protecting human health and the environment.
While fluoride has been endorsed for its ability to strengthen teeth and reduce cavities, concerns over potential health risks have been raised over the years. Studies have suggested links between excess fluoride and issues like dental fluorosis, brain development, and lower IQs in children. The CDC recommends a specific level of fluoride in drinking water, but research has shown that high levels may have adverse effects.
With nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population receiving fluoridated drinking water, the decision to reexamine the practice is significant. While water fluoridation has long been hailed as a public health achievement, the mounting evidence of potential risks has prompted calls for a reassessment.
As the debate over fluoride continues, Kennedy’s push for a nationwide reevaluation signals a shift in the approach to water fluoridation. With Utah leading the way in banning fluoride, the conversation around this contentious issue is likely to intensify in the coming months. It remains to be seen how other states and communities will respond to the growing concerns raised by health experts and advocates like Kennedy.
