As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. won Senate confirmation as U.S. Health Secretary on Thursday, some states are engaged in political debates over whether to ban fluoride in drinking water, with Arkansas recently rejecting a bill to prohibit its use.
Kennedy made headlines when he took to social media, describing fluoride as “industrial waste” that lowers children’s IQs, among other concerns. His statements ignited a nationwide debate. However, his confirmation as health secretary prompted lawmakers to propose bills both for and against fluoridating water.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2022, more than 72% of the U.S. population served by community water systems receive fluoridated water.
A day before Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 45th president of the United States, the head of the American Dental Association (ADA) called for a “paradigm shift” in Washington, urging recognition of the critical link between oral health and overall health. The ADA also advocated for maintaining a robust community water fluoridation initiative to reduce rate of cavities in people.
Here are the current bills:
1. Arkansas: Fluoride ban rejected
- Bill: Arkansas Senate Bill to repeal fluoridation mandate.
- Outcome: Failed to pass on Wednesday.
- Details: Proposed by Republican State Sen. Clint Penzo, the bill aimed to end the mandate requiring fluoridated water for systems serving over 5,000 people. During a public health committee meeting, Penzo called fluoride a “drug,” questioning the regulation of its dosage in water, local news THV11 reported.
2. Utah: Fluoride ban advances
- Bill: Utah bill to prohibit fluoride in drinking water.
- Outcome: Passed through Senate committee on Thursday, now advancing to full Senate.
- Details: Sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Gricius, the bill seeks to ban fluoride in public water systems while allowing pharmacists to prescribe fluoride, local news Deseret reported. Two counties in Utah, Salt Lake and Davis, currently add fluoride to their water, as does Brigham City.
3. Tennessee: Full ban proposal
- Bill: Senate Bill 162 to ban fluoride in all water sources.
- Outcome: Bill introduced.
- Details: Republican Sen. Joey Hensley proposes a statewide ban on fluoride in water, arguing that the benefits don’t outweigh the risks, especially since the amount of water people drink is unpredictable.
4. North Dakota and New Hampshire: Push for full ban
- Bill: Statewide fluoride bans.
- Outcome: Bills introduced.
- Details: These bills follow Tennessee’s proposal, aiming to ban fluoride in water sources across the states. North Dakota’s Department of Health is still assessing the potential impacts. Here is New Hampshire’s bill.
5. Arkansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, and South Dakota: Fluoride limitations
- Bill: Various bills to limit or repeal statewide fluoridation programs.
- Outcome: Under consideration.
- Details: These bills do not fully ban fluoridation but seek to set limits on fluoride levels or repeal statewide mandates for adding fluoride to public water, Bloomberg reported.
6. Connecticut: Defending fluoridation
- Bill: Senate Bill 474 to revise fluoride levels in water supply.
- Outcome: Bill introduced.
- Details: Sponsored by Democratic Sen. Saud Anwar, this bill revises the amount of fluoride to be added to the water supply, ensuring it matches the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recommended level of 0.7 milligrams per liter. The bill aims to maintain consistent fluoride levels in larger communities to promote dental and public health.
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