Trump and RFK Jr Look To Challenge Fluoride In Drinking Water

Silhouette pointing at a U.S. electoral map.

The debate over fluoride in drinking water heats up as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former President Donald Trump support removing it, challenging public health recommendations.

At a Glance

Trump expresses openness to Kennedy Jr.’s plans to eliminate water fluoridation.
A judge’s ruling prompts the EPA to reevaluate fluoride’s health impact.
75% of Americans drink fluoridated water, a practice supported by major health organizations.
Recent studies link high fluoride exposure to lower IQ in children.

Trump and RFK Jr.’s Stance

Donald Trump has shown support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s proposal to remove fluoride from the U.S. water system if reelected. This position contrasts with recommendations from leading health agencies. Trump stated he has yet to discuss the matter with Kennedy but is inclined to consider it. Kennedy claims that “On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water.”

Fluoride was first added to municipal water supplies in 1945, with the aim of preventing tooth decay. Currently, about 75% of Americans consume fluoridated water, a practice endorsed as a public health triumph by the CDC. However, health concerns about fluoride exposure have been raised, with some studies suggesting potential IQ impacts on children. A U.S. district judge recently mandated the EPA to evaluate these health risks further.

RFK Jr. says Trump White House will get fluoride out of drinking water https://t.co/Ltse6w4cxp

— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 3, 2024

Public Health Debate

Proponents of water fluoridation, including the American Dental Association, emphasize fluoride’s role in reducing cavities by 25%. Federal support for this practice dates back to 1950. Despite this, skepticism remains. Kennedy asserts, “Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease.” However, health officials caution against citing isolated studies without robust scientific backing.

Communities across the country are reconsidering their stance on water fluoridation. Over 150 towns have ceased adding fluoride to their systems since 2010. The rise of anti-fluoridation movements coincides with growing pandemic-related distrust in government, mirroring strategies used by anti-vaccine groups.

RFK Jr says Trump would push to remove fluoride from drinking water https://t.co/xudIS6PfKe

— Guardian US (@GuardianUS) November 3, 2024

Legal and Regulatory Implications

Judicial scrutiny of fluoride’s safety has intensified. “Indeed, EPA’s own expert agrees that fluoride is hazardous at some level of exposure,” noted U.S. District Judge Edward Chen, highlighting potential risks. The current U.S. Public Health Service guideline sets the optimal level of fluoride at 0.7 milligrams per liter.

The broader implications include legislative efforts to end fluoridation mandates in larger communities, driven by those favoring personal choice over communal health mandates. Opponents argue that removing fluoride could harm vulnerable populations without adequate dental care access. Meanwhile, comprehensive research by institutions like the University of North Carolina seeks to clarify fluoride’s true impact on public health.