Utah is on the cusp of becoming the first state in the U.S. to ban fluoride from public water systems, pending Governor Spencer Cox’s approval of House Bill 81 (HB0081). This landmark legislation would prohibit the addition of fluoride to any public water supply, marking a significant shift in public health policy.
HB0081 not only bans fluoride in public water but also repeals previous laws that allowed for fluoridated water under specific circumstances, such as resident requests or emergencies. The bill’s passage comes amidst growing skepticism about fluoride, fueled by comments from new federal health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has linked fluoride to various health issues despite widespread support from major medical organizations.
A recent study in JAMA Pediatrics highlighted a correlation between high fluoride exposure and lower IQ scores in children, though the researchers did not advocate for removing fluoride from drinking water. Most of these studies were conducted outside the U.S., where fluoride levels are often much higher.
Major health organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, continue to endorse water fluoridation as a safe and effective method for preventing tooth decay. However, the anti-fluoridation movement has gained momentum, with over 150 towns or counties in the U.S. opting out of fluoridation since 2010.
The decision in Utah reflects broader debates about public health policies and individual choice, with some arguing that water fluoridation infringes on personal autonomy. As Governor Cox considers the bill, health experts and advocacy groups are urging caution, citing the potential impact on dental health, particularly in underserved communities.
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