U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he plans to ask the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop recommending fluoride in drinking water nationwide. He also announced he’s creating a task force to focus on the issue.
The announcement came the same day the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it’s reviewing new research on the possible health risks of fluoride. The EPA says it will decide on next steps after reviewing the science.
Kennedy’s comments came after a press conference in Salt Lake City, where he praised Utah for becoming the first state to ban fluoride in public water. The new law requires all water systems in the state to stop adding fluoride by May 7, overriding local decisions.
Kennedy called fluoride a “dangerous neurotoxin”, linking it to health issues like arthritis, bone fractures, and thyroid problems. Some studies have suggested links between high fluoride levels and lower IQ in children, though experts say more research is needed and most U.S. water systems use much lower levels.
Since 1950, U.S. health officials have supported fluoridation to help prevent tooth decay. Today, around two-thirds of Americans get fluoridated tap water, with the CDC recommending 0.7 milligrams per liter as a safe and effective level.
Still, concerns have grown over time. Too much fluoride can cause white streaks or spots on teeth, and some researchers have raised questions about long-term effects on brain development.
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