U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans Monday to advise the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to cease recommending nationwide water fluoridation. Kennedy also stated he is forming a task force dedicated to examining the matter.
In a parallel development, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed it is evaluating “new scientific information” concerning potential health hazards associated with fluoride in drinking water.
Secretary Kennedy shared his intentions with The Associated Press following a press briefing in Salt Lake City.
Last month, Utah distinguished itself as the first state to prohibit fluoride in public water supplies, overriding objections from dental professionals and national health organizations. These groups cautioned that the ban could result in increased health issues, particularly affecting lower-income populations. Republican Gov. Spencer Cox enacted legislation preventing cities and communities from independently deciding whether to add this cavity-preventing mineral to their water. All water systems in the state must discontinue their fluoridation operations by May 7.