How RFK Jr. and Republican Efforts Threaten Our Fluoride Water Safety: What You Need to Know

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and some Republican leaders are questioning fluoride’s role in public water systems. Recently, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis banned fluoride in public water, following Utah’s similar move in March. At least five other states are considering bans too.

DeSantis argues that fluoride in water is like forced medication, saying, “People don’t have a choice; you’re taking that away from them.” Kennedy, meanwhile, plans to urge the CDC to stop recommending fluoride. He intends to create a task force to further examine its impact, as the EPA is also looking into new research on fluoride’s risks.

Utah’s ban has drawn attention, with Kennedy praising the state as a leader in promoting health. He expressed pride in Utah’s decision and hopes other states follow.

In addition to Florida and Utah, states like Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, and South Carolina are also considering fluoride bans. Interestingly, Portland, Oregon, banned fluoride back in 1956. Recently, more than 734 water systems across the U.S. have stopped fluoridating their water.

This week, the FDA announced it would remove ingestible fluoride supplements for children, which Kennedy called a long-overdue change.

Fluoride, a mineral found naturally in soil and water, has significantly improved dental health in America. The CDC even listed water fluoridation as one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century. The first city to add fluoride to its water was Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1945. This change made it possible to prevent tooth decay on a large scale.

However, the current trend against fluoride raises many questions. For example, the CDC has stated that excessive fluoride can lead to skeletal fluorosis and has been linked to hypothyroidism. A federal judge has recently mandated the EPA to enforce stricter regulations due to concerns about high fluoride levels affecting children. A report from HHS noted that fluoride levels double the recommended amount might be associated with lower IQs in children.

Kennedy’s initiative to challenge the CDC’s stance on fluoride is considered unconventional. Public health law expert Lawrence Gostin from Georgetown University suggests that any serious reevaluation should involve respected organizations like the National Academy of Sciences.

As the debate continues, social media reactions are divided. Some share concerns over fluoride’s safety, while others emphasize the importance of public health measures that have proven effective over decades. The conversation about fluoride reflects broader tensions between individual choice and public health guidelines, making it a hot topic in both health and political discussions.



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