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November 21, 2024 — Washington, D.C.
The future of fluoride in U.S. drinking water could face significant changes under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, recently advocated for its removal, citing links to various health issues including cancer, bone disorders, and reduced IQ in children.
In a November 2 post on X (formerly Twitter), Kennedy called fluoride an “industrial waste” and suggested that the incoming Trump White House would encourage all U.S. water systems to cease fluoridation. He linked his claims to a recent legal victory where the Environmental Protection Agency was ordered to further regulate fluoride levels due to potential developmental risks.
Kennedy has long opposed water fluoridation, a practice in place since 1945 to reduce tooth decay. His stance has been met with skepticism by the scientific community and public health organizations, which largely support fluoridation as safe and effective. The American Dental Association (ADA), for example, maintains that fluoride in community water systems reduces tooth decay by at least 25% in children and adults.
Scientific Debate Over Fluoride Risks
While research has consistently shown fluoridation to benefit oral health, recent studies have examined its potential risks. Some research links high levels of fluoride exposure, particularly during pregnancy, to reduced IQ in children. However, these studies often involve fluoride concentrations higher than the U.S. recommended limit of 0.7 milligrams per liter.
Dr. Ashley Malin, an epidemiologist at the University of Florida, highlighted evidence suggesting that excessive fluoride exposure could contribute to neurodevelopmental issues. “Fluoride’s effects on developing brains, particularly during pregnancy, warrant further investigation,” Malin said. However, she noted that much of the research comes from countries where fluoride levels exceed those in U.S. water systems.
Other claims, such as an association with bone cancer or thyroid disease, remain less substantiated. David Bellinger, a professor at Harvard Medical School, emphasized the importance of fluoride dosage. “The dose makes the poison,” Bellinger said, cautioning against generalizing findings from studies conducted at higher exposure levels.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges
In September, a federal judge ordered the EPA to reassess fluoride regulations, citing potential risks to children’s intellectual development. The ruling, however, stopped short of declaring current fluoride levels harmful, instead requiring further investigation.
Public health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), continue to assert that fluoride at recommended levels is safe. The CDC has stated there is no convincing evidence linking fluoridation to systemic health issues such as cancer, heart disease, or Alzheimer’s.
Kennedy’s Controversial Role
Kennedy, a prominent vaccine skeptic, has faced criticism for promoting unsubstantiated health claims. His appointment to a key health leadership role has drawn backlash from scientists and public health experts. PolitiFact named Kennedy’s anti-vaccine campaigns its “Lie of the Year” in 2023.
The Trump administration’s position on fluoride remains uncertain. When asked about Kennedy’s stance before the election, Trump responded, “It sounds OK to me. You know it’s possible.”
Looking Ahead
Approximately 72% of the U.S. population, or 209 million people, currently receive fluoridated water. As the Trump administration transitions into power, the potential policy shift could ignite heated debates about balancing public health benefits with emerging research.
Public health experts stress the need for rigorous U.S.-based studies to clarify fluoride’s potential risks at current exposure levels. Until then, the ADA and other organizations continue to advocate for fluoridation as a cornerstone of preventative oral health care.
