FDA Commissioner Raises Concerns Over Fluoride in Drinking Water

Marty McCurry, the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has expressed serious concerns about the chemicals used in fluoride for drinking water. He described their potential effects on children’s organs as akin to “carpet bombing.”

During a speech for the American Research Fund, McCurry criticized fluoride in drinking water, suggesting it could jeopardize the microbiome within the digestive system. He mentioned that while fluoride reduces cavities, it may also harm the bacteria in our teeth, which are important for health.

McCurry referred to the microbiome as “a garden of 1 billion bacterial species” that exist in harmony within our bodies. He raised questions about the long-term consequences of altering this balance, especially for future generations. “Are we essentially carpet bombing microbiomes like we’ve seen with antibiotics? And what does that mean for our children?” he pondered.

Additionally, McCurry highlighted a study linking fluoride to thyroid issues, weight gain, and even possible declines in IQ. In response to these findings, the FDA moved to ban prescriptions for ingestible fluoride for children. While certain states have stopped fluorinating drinking water, federal regulation on this issue remains absent.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for endorsing community water fluorination. He supported McCurry’s stance in a statement earlier this year, recognizing the urgency of discontinuing ingestible fluoride to protect children’s health and development.

McCurry’s leadership on this matter, according to RFK Jr., aligns with a broader commitment to improving public health. As the FDA continues discussions regarding fluoride supplements, a final decision on these products is expected in October. The implications of these changes could significantly impact health policies moving forward.