After the former president trump Although he is the second president to win a non-consecutive term, his aides are already planning new initiatives for his new administration.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is likely to play a pivotal role in public health, recently wrote to X: “On January 20th, President Trump will recommend that all water systems in the United States remove fluoride from public water supplies.”
Federal judge orders EPA to further regulate fluoride in drinking water over concerns about lowering children's IQ
“Fluoride is an industrial waste product linked to arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, lower IQ, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease,” he continued.
Some medical experts and professional groups disagree with RFK's comments, saying fluoride should still be added to drinking water.
Here's what you need to know about this controversy.
Why is fluoride added to water?
“Fluoride is an element found in several places. naturally underwater It may also be added by drinking water systems to promote strong teeth and prevent tooth decay, especially in children,” the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told FOX News Digital in a statement.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces tooth decay by 25% in children and adults.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks with then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Turning Point Action Rally in Duluth, Georgia, on October 23, 2024. (Photo by Javin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images ) (Getty Images)
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA has limits on what is allowed and recommended to prevent the harmful effects of excess fluoride on young children's bones and teeth.
According to the CDC, the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water is 0.7 milligrams per liter of water, which is the equivalent of about three drops in a 55-gallon barrel.
“Is it safe to drink tap water?”: Ask your doctor
According to the sources listed above, approximately 75% of Americans, or approximately 209 million people, receive fluoridated water from their local water system.
Fluoride was first added to local waters in 1945. Grand Rapids, Michiganbecoming the first city in the world to do so – the CDC calls the move one of the greatest public health interventions of the 20th century.
Potentially harmful effects
According to the report, many communities around the world (more than 240) are choosing not to use fluoride in their drinking water.
A recent review published in Cochrane Reviews found that adding minerals to water may have only a small effect on tooth decay because people now brush their teeth with toothpastes containing fluoride. I understand.
The study also uncovered some evidence that fluoridated water may increase the risk of dental fluorosis. Fluorosis can cause white spots or a lacy appearance on your teeth.
Approximately 75% of Americans, or approximately 209 million people, receive fluoridated water from their local water system. (St. Petersburg)
Government officials reduced the recommended amount of fluoride in drinking water in 2015 after white spots appeared on some children's teeth, according to a previous report.
Research also shows that exposure to fluoride during pregnancy can have negative effects on the fetus.
“In North America, numerous studies have been conducted linking chronic prenatal exposure to low levels of fluoride with poorer neurodevelopment in the areas of intellectual function, attention, executive function, and neurobehavioral behavior. ” Dr. Ashley Marin told Fox News Digital via email. .
Ask your doctor: “Can I be dehydrated even if I'm not thirsty?”
Mullin, who studies the potential effects of fluoride on brain development, is an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions and School of Medicine.
The National Institutes of Health's Toxicology Program also found in a study earlier this year that drinking water containing twice the recommended fluoride levels was associated with symptoms such as: child's IQ is low.
“Demineralization occurs naturally through our daily habits and food and drink intake, but fluoride can help tip the scales towards remineralization.”
However, some groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, say there is insufficient data to determine whether the recommended level of fluoride in water (0.7 milligrams per liter) negatively impacts children's IQ. I have concerns about the way the research is being conducted. .
Experts recommend healthy habits
According to Healthline, there are anecdotal reports from people who claim that fluoridated water has caused health problems such as bone cancer, arthritis, and kidney disease, but research studies supporting these claims are inconclusive. .
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Some experts argue that there is not enough evidence to change recommendations regarding fluoride.
“The concept of tooth remineralization remains at the core of this fluoride discussion,” Dr. Tian Jiang, assistant professor of oral health policy and epidemiology at Harvard School of Dentistry, told FOX News Digital.
Some studies have shown that fluoridated water may increase the risk of dental fluorosis, which causes white spots or a lacy appearance on teeth. (St. Petersburg)
“Demineralization (loss of minerals) occurs naturally through our daily habits and food and drink intake, and fluoride, along with other minerals, helps tip the scales towards remineralization. ”
Jiang encourages people to be mindful of their home care habits, diet and regular dental visits.
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“For me, sometimes the focus is off,” she said.
“If we all focused on more effective brushing and flossing techniques, eating and drinking habits, the majority of dental diseases, regardless of fluoride, would be preventable.”
EPA ordered action taken
As reported by the Associated Press, in late September, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen ruled that there was enough evidence of the potential health risks of fluoride in drinking water for the EPA to enact further regulations. was lowered.
“If we all focused on more effective brushing and flossing techniques, eating and drinking habits, the vast majority of dental diseases, regardless of fluoride, could be preventable,” the experts said. (St. Petersburg)
“EPA is reviewing the district court's decision,” the agency said in a statement to FOX News Digital.
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“While this judgment finds sufficient risk to trigger regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act,'' the court does not “confidently conclude that fluoridated water is harmful to public health.'' “It is important to note that we are relying on EPA's expertise to determine how to address this issue,” the agency continued. “Fluoride must continue to be properly evaluated and regulated.”
FOX News Digital has reached out to RFK Jr.'s representatives for comment.
