Kennedy Calls for End to Water Fluoridation Amidst Health Concerns

Utah, USA — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Monday his intention to eliminate the addition of fluoride in U.S. drinking water, claiming it poses various health risks. This decision is part of an ongoing effort by Kennedy to reconsider federal health policies.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun a review of fluoride’s health effects in collaboration with Kennedy’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Kennedy stated that it ‘makes no sense’ to have fluoride in the water supply, highlighting Utah as a pioneering state for banning the practice.

Speaking at a press event in Salt Lake City, Kennedy expressed pride in Utah’s decision and encouraged other states to follow suit. ‘I’m very, very proud of this state for being the first state to ban it, and I hope many more will come,’ he said.

Water fluoridation has been endorsed by the U.S. government since the 1950s as a significant public health advancement. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoride reduces dental cavities by 25% among children and adults. Approximately 60% of Americans receive fluoridated water from public systems, according to CDC data.

Despite its support from dental organizations, concerns regarding fluoride’s health effects persist, and critics, including Kennedy, have leveraged this unease. He has linked fluoride exposure to neurological damage in children and alleged it contributes to conditions such as bone cancer.

In a recent conversation with the Associated Press, Kennedy advocated for absolute bans on fluoride, claiming that the chemical is responsible for various health issues. He pointed to studies suggesting elevated fluoride levels might reduce IQ, emphasizing that these levels are higher than the recommended federal guidelines.

“When you have elevated levels above 1.5 milligrams per liter, that is a significant public health concern,” Kennedy stated. Yet, studies have shown that community water systems generally maintain fluoride levels well within acceptable limits.

The American Dental Association (ADA) disputes Kennedy’s claims, asserting ample evidence that community fluoridation reduces cavity rates, particularly among low-income populations. ADA spokesperson Dr. David Whiston stated, ‘The science supporting fluoride’s safety and effectiveness as a public health intervention is overwhelmingly positive.’

In recent weeks, Kennedy’s administration has faced criticism for gutting the CDC’s Division of Oral Health, which previously oversaw investigation into the safety and efficacy of water fluoridation. His decision sparked outrage among many public health advocates.

In addressing questions about staffing cuts in his department, Kennedy defended the consolidation of programs, stating that ‘no core programs or critical health programs’ were eliminated. He stated that the changes are part of a strategy to ‘make America healthy again.’

While Kennedy’s calls for changes to water fluoridation gain traction, public opinion remains divided. A January 2025 Ipsos poll indicated that roughly 41% of Americans feel fluoride is not beneficial to health.

As the discussion surrounding fluoride continues, health experts emphasize the importance of evidence-based practices in public health. A recent review of scientific literature suggests reduced cavity rates due to community fluoridation, a point public health agencies strive to convey amid changing debates.