RFK Jr. calls for the removal of fluoride from drinking water, sparking debate

After the previous one President Trump became the second president to win a second non-consecutive term, his closest advisers are now planning new plans for the new administration.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who may play an important role in public health, recently wrote in X: “On Jan. 20, the Trump White House will advise all US water systems to remove fluoride from public water.”

FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERS EPA TO RE-REGULATE FLUORIDE IN DRINKING WATER BECAUSE OF CONCERN ABOUT DIFFERENT IQ IN CHILDREN.

“Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders and thyroid disease,” he continued.

Some health experts and professional groups have spoken out against RFK's comments, saying fluoride should still be added to drinking water.

Here's what you need to know about the conflict.

Why is fluoride added to water?

“Fluoride is something that is found in other places naturally in water and may be added to 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.

Fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities by 25% in children and adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA sets limits on what is allowed and what is recommended to prevent the negative effects of excess fluoride on the bones and teeth of young children.

The optimal level of fluoride concentration in drinking water is 0.7 milligrams per liter of water — the equivalent of about three drops in a 55-gallon barrel, per the CDC.

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About 75% of Americans – about 209 million people – get fluoridated water from public water systems, according to the source above.

Fluoride was first added to community water in 1945, with Grand Rapids, Michiganbecame the first city in the world to do so — a move the CDC has called the biggest public health intervention of the 20th century.

Potentially dangerous consequences

Many communities around the world – more than 240 – choose not to add drinking water, reports show.

A recent review published in Cochrane Reviews found that adding minerals to water may have only a small benefit against tooth decay because people now brush with fluoride-containing toothpaste.

This study also revealed some evidence that fluoridated water may increase the risk of dental fluorosis, which can cause white spots or a lacy appearance on the teeth.

About 75% of Americans – about 209 million people – get fluoridated water from public water systems. (Stock)

In 2015, federal officials lowered the recommended amount of fluoride in drinking water after some children developed white spots on their teeth, according to a previous report.

Research also shows that exposure to fluoride can harm the fetus during pregnancy.

“There have been many studies done in North America linking chronic, low-level prenatal fluoride exposure and negative neurodevelopmental outcomes in the areas of cognitive function, attention, performance and neurobehavior,” Ashley Malin, PhD, told Fox News Digital in – email. .

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Malin, who researches the potential effects of fluoride on brain development, is an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Florida's College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine.

The National Institutes of Health's toxicology program also found in a review earlier this year that drinking water contains twice the recommended levels of fluoride relative to Low IQ in children.

“Demineralization is natural due to our daily habits and food/drinks, and fluoride…

But other organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have concerns about how the study was conducted, saying there wasn't enough data to determine whether the recommended levels of fluoride in water (0.7 milligrams per liter) had a negative impact on children's IQs. .

Experts encourage healthy habits

While there are anecdotal reports from people who claim fluoridated water has caused health problems — including bone cancer, arthritis and kidney disease — the research to support these claims is unclear, according to Healthline.

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Some experts say there isn't enough evidence to change recommendations about fluoride.

“The concept of tooth regeneration is at the heart of this fluoride discussion,” Dr. Tien Jiang, assistant professor of oral health policy and epidemiology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, told Fox News Digital.

Fluoridated water may increase the risk of dental fluorosis, which can cause white spots or a lacy appearance on the teeth, some studies have shown. (Stock)

“Demineralization (loss of minerals) is natural due to our daily habits and food/drinks, and fluoride, along with other minerals, helps balance the scale in remineralization.”

Jiang urges people to be mindful of their home care habits, diet and regular dental visits.

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“For me, the focus is sometimes inappropriate,” he said.

“If we all focused on brushing and flossing and eating and drinking better, a lot of dental disease could be avoided, regardless of fluoride.”

EPA ordered to take action

At the end of September, US District Judge Edward Chen ruled that there was enough evidence of the potential health risks of fluoride in drinking water for the EPA to make further regulations, as the AP reported.

“If we all focused on brushing and flossing more effectively and on eating and drinking, most dental diseases could be avoided, regardless of fluoride,” said the expert. (Stock)

“EPA is in the process of reviewing the district court's decision,” the agency said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.

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“Although the decision found sufficient risk to trigger regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act, it is important to note that the court did not 'conclude with certainty that fluoridated water harms public health,' and defers to the EPA's expertise on how to properly test and regulate fluoride going forward.” ,” continued the organization.

Fox News Digital reached out to representatives of RFK Jr. to comment.