SALT LAKE CITY – United States Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced on Monday his intention to urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to cease endorsing the practice of water fluoridation across communities nationwide. To support this initiative, Kennedy is forming a task force comprised of health experts to evaluate the subject and propose updated guidance.
Also on Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disclosed that it is in the process of reassessing “new scientific data” about the potential health implications of fluoride present in drinking water. The EPA is responsible for establishing the maximum fluoride levels permissible in public water supplies.
Following a press conference with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin in Salt Lake City, Kennedy shared his intentions. Although he cannot unilaterally mandate the cessation of fluoridation in communities, Kennedy holds influence over the CDC’s recommendations and can collaborate with the EPA to modify allowable fluoride quantities.
In a recent legislative development, Utah became the pioneering state to prohibit fluoride in public water systems, overcoming opposition from dental professionals and national health groups who argued that the ban could adversely affect lower-income individuals with limited access to routine dental care. Republican Governor Spencer Cox signed a bill preventing local governments from deciding on water fluoridation practices, which mandates all state water systems to halt fluoridation by May 7.
Kennedy commended Utah for taking a leadership role in public health reforms, remarking, “I’m very, very proud of this state for being the first state to ban it, and I hope many more will follow.” Standing alongside Utah legislators and the proponent of the state’s fluoride legislation, Kennedy emphasized his commitment to this cause.
Although Kennedy oversees the CDC, which issues non-mandatory guidelines, state and municipal authorities retain the decision-making power regarding the inclusion of fluoride in water, provided it does not surpass the EPA-stipulated 4 milligrams per liter cap.
Zeldin mentioned during the press conference that his agency is re-evaluating scientific studies concerning the health risks linked to fluoride in drinking water. This renewed scrutiny aims to guide potential updates of national regulations. “Secretary Kennedy has long been at the forefront of this issue,” Zeldin noted, commending Kennedy’s role in prompting the regulatory agency to reexamine fluoride exposure risks.
According to historical context from the CDC, fluoride has been attributed to dental health benefits through the replacement of minerals lost due to regular tooth degradation. Federal endorsement of water fluoridation began in 1950, with guidelines established in 1962 on appropriate levels for addition.
Kennedy, drawing on his background in environmental law, has previously criticized fluoride as a “dangerous neurotoxin.” This standpoint is partly informed by certain studies that suggest potential links between excessive fluoride exposure and health issues like arthritis, fracture risk, and thyroid complications, despite ongoing debates about the validity and conclusiveness of such findings.
In a gesture reflecting his stance against fluoride, Kennedy anticipated action from then-presidential candidate Donald Trump to remove fluoride from drinking water, which did not materialize post-election. Nonetheless, Kennedy’s appointment as head of the Department of Health and Human Services signalled an anticipation of initiatives tackling fluoride issues.
Meanwhile, local entities continue to face decisions on whether to maintain water fluoridation. In the backdrop of these national discussions, there have been significant budgetary and staffing reductions across federal agencies, notably affecting the CDC’s Division of Oral Health.
Fluoride primarily enters the American populace through drinking water, with CDC data indicating that nearly two-thirds of the population relies on fluoridated water. Historically, this public health measure has been lauded for significantly decreasing tooth decay rates.
Nonetheless, ongoing research has revealed challenges associated with fluoride. Excessive amounts can lead to dental conditions such as streaking or spotting, and higher concentrations have been linked with developmental issues, particularly in cognitive domains. A federal review drew associations between fluoride concentrations exceeding U.S.-recommended levels and reduced IQ scores in children.
The American Dental Association continues to advocate the cavity-reducing benefits of fluoridated water and has expressed a readiness to support comprehensive research efforts. However, Brett Kessler, the organization’s president, criticized what he perceives as misinformation propagated by officials like Kennedy, highlighting potential detriments to public health.
Lorna Koci, chairperson of the Utah Oral Health Coalition, expressed her hope for other states to resist the movement against fluoride elimination, suggesting that political motives may underpin the support for such bans. “This seems to be less about fluoride and more about power,” Koci remarked.
Stobbe contributed from New York, with additional input provided by another correspondent.
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