- U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to direct the CDC to stop recommending water fluoridation. He made the announcement alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who said his agency would also review emerging data on fluoride’s potential health risks.
- While Kennedy cannot mandate an end to fluoridation at the local level, he can influence national policy and coordinate with the EPA on regulatory changes.
- The move follows Utah’s recent statewide fluoride ban despite opposition from groups like the Utah Oral Health Coalition. Other states are considering similar legislation.
Full Story
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Monday, April 7, that he intends to direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop recommending the fluoridation of public water systems nationwide. He also said a task force of health experts would be formed to review current research on water fluoridation and provide updated guidance.
Does Kennedy have the power to ban water fluoridation in the US?
Although Kennedy does not have the authority to require local communities to end fluoridation, he can influence federal policy through the CDC and collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on potential regulatory changes.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joined Kennedy in Salt Lake City to unveil the news. Zeldin also confirmed that the EPA will begin reviewing new scientific data regarding possible health risks associated with fluoride in drinking water.
The announcement comes shortly after Utah became the first state in the country to prohibit the addition of fluoride to all public water systems. Kennedy expressed support for Utah’s decision, citing concerns over fluoride’s safety.
Why has fluoride been added to most American drinking water?
The CDC currently recommends adding 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of drinking water and reports that nearly two-thirds of Americans receive fluoridated water. Federal health officials first endorsed the practice in 1950. The American Dental Association has credited it with contributing to declines in tooth decay across the U.S.
What is Kennedy’s argument against water fluoridation?
Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, has previously referred to fluoride as a “dangerous neurotoxin.” Some studies have explored possible links between high levels of fluoride exposure and health issues, including arthritis, bone fractures, and thyroid disorders. These studies often involve fluoride levels higher than current CDC recommendations.
A 2023 report from the National Toxicology Program found an association between fluoride concentrations above 1.5 milligrams per liter and reduced IQ in children. However, the report’s findings have been debated within the scientific community, particularly regarding the quality and conclusiveness of the data.
What happens next?
The EPA indicated that examining any possible risks of water fluoridation would be a priority for the agency, as similar bills to Utah’s statewide ban on fluoride have been introduced in Tennessee, North Dakota and Montana.
Meanwhile, the Utah Oral Health Coalition voiced opposition to removing fluoride from drinking water and encourages other states to resist such measures.
