United States: The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized Monday that community water fluoridation should end while praising Utah for banning fluoride in the water supply.
According to Kennedy, “It makes no sense to have it in our water supply. And I’m very, very proud of this state for being the first state to ban it. And I hope many more will come.”
Federal Agencies Reevaluate Fluoride Safety
The Environmental Protection Agency announced the start of a new fluoride health effects review, which combines forces with the departments of Kennedy Jr. while analyzing potential federal water fluoridation constraints.
Kennedy has scheduled a meeting with his Community Preventive Services Task Force to develop fresh recommendations about water fluoridation, according to an HHS official.
In 2013, the federal task force approved water fluoridation through its review process due to significant public health advantages over costs in preventing cavities in people.
“As soon as I was nominated by President Trump as administrator of the EPA, the secretary instantly reached out to start talking about issues that he is so passionate about. And number one on that list was fluoride,” as per EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
The addition of fluoride to public water supplies has operated in many parts of the country for numerous years to guard people against dental cavities.
Science supports water fluoridation as a secure, affordable healthcare practice that delivers advantageous results.
Kennedy leaned on a review from the National Toxicology Program of the federal government that found elevated fluoride exposure could reduce child intelligence.
Health Concerns Spark Renewed Debate
The measurement of fluoride surpassed accepted standards for water distribution systems. A federal court issued a decision in 2019 that the US Environmental Protection Agency needed to take action regarding fluoride-related IQ effects based on the review findings from the reported study despite its acknowledgment of the need for further research.
Kennedy made statements to reporters that surpassed the report content by outlining multiple health dangers, such as hyperthyroidism and osteoarthritis.
Previously, the EPA reduced its water fluoride limits in 2011 following a National Academy of Sciences report, which revealed possible thyroid and arthritic symptoms when water reached maximum levels.
“They have not been completely well studied, but they are alarming enough that we shouldn’t be demanding that parents accept something for their children and in their homes that is essentially a medication,” Kennedy stated.