Utah becomes the first state to ban fluoride in drinking water
Image: Leonard Ortiz/Orange County Register
Last Thursday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) signed a first-of-its-kind bill banning local governments across the state from adding fluoride to their drinking water starting next month.
Some quick background: In 1950, federal officials began endorsing water fluoridation by local governments to prevent tooth decay, and continued to promote it even after fluoride toothpaste brands hit the market several years later.
- ~63% of Americans (210+ million people) currently receive fluoridated tap water, roughly the same level as two decades ago.
- Utah in particular has one of the lowest water fluoridation rates in the US, at ~44% of residents.
The arguments
Leading health organizations and dentists–including the American Dental Association, the National Institutes of Health, and CDC—support the use of fluoride in drinking water, citing research that shows it reduces tooth decay and cavities by ~25% at lower levels of consumption.
- They also note that adding low levels of fluoride to water has long been considered one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent tooth decay on a large scale, and benefits lower-income families who may not have access to alternative sources.
On the flip side: Some health activists and Republican lawmakers, including Health Secretary RFK Jr., have endorsed a growing movement seeking to remove fluoride from drinking water.
- Opponents of fluoridation argue the process is unnecessary when most toothpastes and mouthwashes contain fluoride, unlike when the process made its debut.
- They also cite recent research that found higher exposures to fluoride are associated with lower IQ in children, though the study used a baseline ~2x higher than the recommended level in US water.
Big picture: Measures to remove fluoride from public drinking water are being considered in five states (Florida, Kentucky, Montana, Ohio, and South Carolina)—while in New Hampshire, North Dakota and Tennessee, lawmakers have rejected them.
đź“Š Flash poll: How do you feel about the practice of fluoridation, or local governments adding small amounts of fluoride to public drinking water?
See a 360° view of what pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that RFK Jr.’s push to ban fluoride in drinking water isn’t as crazy as some people might think, and that both sides of the argument have legitimate points in their favor.
- Others contend that while there’s nothing wrong with examining additives for safety, the push to ban fluoride from drinking water is yet another example of lawmakers flouting conventional advice from the health care community.
- “RFK Jr.’s views on fluoride aren’t as crazy as you might think” –Leana S. Wen, Washington Post
- “Want advice on fluoride? Ask a dentist” –Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board
- “Overseeing America’s health demands a fact-based approach, not RFK Jr.’s baseless theories” –Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that recent research and court rulings have decisively concluded that adding fluoridation chemicals to drinking water is not safe and endangers the health of millions of Americans.
- Others contend that while America does have a dental health problem, the issue lies mainly in lack of health insurance coverage—while studies and real-world examples show fluoridation is actually beneficial to dental health.
- “It’s OK to agree with RFK Jr. about fluoride” –Marjorie Shapiro, Berkshire Eagle
- ““Make America healthy again? Sure, but Trump, Kennedy need to drop one silly idea” –Fort Worth Star-Telegram Editorial Board
- “Oak Park, Evanston and Aurora were guinea pigs in a huge fluoride experiment. Now what?” –Chicago Tribune Editorial Board
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