Communities across the U.S. are rethinking water fluoridation amid health concerns, spurred by growing skepticism and statements from Health and Human Services Secretary-designate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is also against vaccines and has supported debunked health claims.
Fenit Nirappil reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Lebanon, Oregon, recently voted to remove fluoride from its water supply, echoing decisions in other U.S. cities as anti-fluoride movements gain traction.
- Recent research by the National Toxicology Program has found that fluoride might be associated with lower IQ in children in levels above what health authorities currently consider safe. the agency underscored that these results are not conclussive to determine whether the levels used in the United States would affect children’s IQ.
- The "flouride panic" dates back to the 1950s, when the John Birch Society and Sen. Joseph McCarthy claimed adding the mineral to tap water was part of communist plot against the U.S., with no evidence in hand of said conspirancy.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promised to advocate for voluntary removal of fluoride, intensifying debates traditionally confined to local governance.
Key quote:
"It’s much easier to scare the public than to unscare them."
— Kurt Ferré, treasurer of the American Fluoridation Society & American Fluoridation Institute.
Why this matters:
Fluoridation has been celebrated as a major public health achievement for reducing cavities, particularly for underserved communities. The growing movement against it could widen health disparities, especially for children without access to dental care or fluoride alternatives.
Related EHN coverage: We add it to drinking water for our teeth — but is fluoride hurting us?
