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HHS Secretary Kennedy Jr. Vows to End CDC Fluoride Recommendations
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Monday his intention to direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to cease recommending fluoride in drinking water. This move fulfills a campaign promise made alongside President Donald Trump.
Speaking after a press conference in Salt Lake City, Kennedy confirmed he is forming a task force to address the issue. During the campaign, Kennedy publicly stated his intent to advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride, citing unsubstantiated links to various health issues, including arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease.
This announcement comes on the heels of Utah’s recent decision to become the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, amidst growing public concern. Public health officials continue to maintain that fluoride is safe.
Last year, a National Toxicology Program review found higher-than-recommended fluoride concentrations correlated with lower IQ in children, though further research is needed. The study also stated current research remains inconclusive regarding the link between fluoride exposure and cognitive or neurodevelopmental effects.
The American Dental Association maintains that fluoride is crucial for preventing tooth decay, asserting its safety and effectiveness. The CDC currently recommends fluoride use for cavity prevention, while also emphasizing the importance of knowing the fluoride levels in drinking water sources.
The widespread fluoridation of American tap water began in the 1950s, with nearly 75% of Americans receiving fluoridated water by 2012. Kennedy has been a longtime opponent of water fluoridation, citing concerns about potential negative health consequences, claims disputed by health experts who maintain that such effects would require significantly higher fluoride levels than typically found in drinking water.