Health secretary makes announcement as EPA reviews ‘new scientific information’ into potential health risks

Summary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he will direct the CDC to stop recommending fluoridated drinking water and form a taskforce to review health concerns.

His announcement follows Utah’s statewide ban on fluoride, the first in the U.S., despite warnings from dental and health organizations.

Kennedy praised Utah’s move and labeled fluoride a “dangerous neurotoxin.” The EPA, under Administrator Lee Zeldin, is reviewing new data on fluoride’s health risks.

Critics argue the effort is politically driven and will harm low-income communities by increasing cavity rates.

  • illegible@discuss.tchncs.de
    161·
    8 days ago

    Yet the CDC has science that shows otherwise:

    What the research shows Studies continue to show that widespread community water fluoridation prevents cavities and saves money, both for families and the health care system.

    Drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults. 34This results in less mouth pain, fewer fillings or teeth pulled, and fewer missed days of work and school.

    Communities of 1,000 or more people see an average estimated return on investment (ROI) of $20 for every $1 spent on water fluoridation. The ROI for community water fluoridation increases as the community size increases, but even small communities save money.5 Communities served by fluoridated water save an average of $32 per person a year by avoiding treatment for cavities.5

    • jaxxed@lemmy.ml
      51·
      8 days ago

      I only the other hand have… no evidence for my opinion.

      But I will keep brushing.

      • cute_noker@feddit.dk
        13·
        8 days ago

        Flouride has been proven harmful to brain development. Too high content in drinking water will cause lower IQ. Low levels should not affect IQ so much, but still very helpful for teeth.

        Interesting since Americans only drink Gatorade. They say it has electrolytes, but does it have flouride?

        • Ledericas@lemm.eeEnglish
          1·
          8 days ago

          thats only if you drink a concentrated solution, natural sources arnt high enough to cause it. even with children who get flourisis, they found out that thier teeth arnt resistant to cavaties, despite have structural defects.