Additional Coverage:
- RFK Jr sparks outrage by claiming fluoride makes kids ‘stupider’ as he demands nationwide ban (irishstar.com)
Kennedy Questions Fluoride’s Impact on Intelligence, Sparking National Debate
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has ignited controversy by claiming that fluoride, the mineral added to drinking water to fight cavities, lowers intelligence.
During a recent cabinet meeting, Kennedy cited a study by the National Toxicity Program, conducted in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which he says shows a link between fluoride exposure and lower IQ scores in children. “The more you get, the stupider you are,” Kennedy stated, emphasizing the need for “smart kids” and “healthy kids” in the country.
Kennedy specifically highlighted the report’s findings regarding children whose drinking water contained over 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter. This amount, however, significantly exceeds recommended levels in the US.
The Health Secretary is now challenging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s recommendation of 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter, aiming to halt fluoridation efforts nationwide. While the decision to fluoridate water rests with state and local governments, the CDC maintains that fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents cavities.
This practice has been federally supported since 1950. The American Dental Association also supports water fluoridation as a key tool in combating tooth decay.
Kennedy has been a vocal critic of fluoride, calling it a “dangerous neurotoxin” and alleging links to various health problems, including arthritis, bone fractures, and thyroid disease. His stance has fueled a growing national debate, particularly after Utah ceased fluoridating its public water supply last April, raising concerns about the impact on lower-income residents with limited access to dental care. Florida recently passed a similar bill, leaving the final decision in the hands of Governor Ron DeSantis, a known opponent of water fluoridation.