Utah Leads the Nation: The Pioneering State that Banned Fluoride in Drinking Water

Utah has made headlines by becoming the first U.S. state to ban fluoride in public water. This decision comes after concerns raised by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy, who claimed fluoride could pose health risks. Governor Spencer Cox signed the ban, and it will take effect on May 7.

Fluoride has been added to drinking water in the U.S. since 1945 as a measure to prevent cavities. But now, Utah will not allow communities to add fluoride. Some lawmakers argue that citizens should have the choice to decide whether they want fluoride in their water.

Stephanie Gricius, the Republican lawmaker behind the bill, points to research suggesting that fluoride might have cognitive effects on children. However, most public health experts disagree with this view. They argue that Kennedy’s claims are based on studies from countries with much higher fluoride levels than what’s found in the U.S.

The American Dental Association criticized Utah’s decision as harmful to public health, stating it disregards the well-being of residents. The association emphasized that community water fluoridation significantly benefits oral health. They claim that it can reduce tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults.

According to a 2018 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 25% of U.S. adults have untreated tooth decay. This highlights the importance of fluoride in preventing such dental issues. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics support adding fluoride to drinking water, as it remains a crucial public health practice.

Interestingly, fluoride policy varies globally. While about 63% of the U.S. population receives fluoridated water, only a fraction of Europe does. In England, roughly 10% of people have access to fluoridated water, although efforts are underway to increase this number in certain regions.

Critics of fluoride include some who believe that with fluoride present in toothpaste and other dental products, its addition to water might be unnecessary. However, experts like Professor Avijit Banerjee from King’s College London argue that the low levels of fluoride used in water don’t cause harm and are proven to be beneficial for oral health.

The debate around fluoride highlights a broader discussion on public health, individual choice, and the role of government in health decisions. The future of fluoride in American water systems remains uncertain as other states, like Florida and Ohio, consider similar measures.

For more details on fluoride and dental health, you can check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s resources.

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