Utah Becomes First U.S. State to Ban Fluoride in Water

Utah has become the first U.S. state to ban fluoride in its public water supply after Governor Spencer Cox signed the law this week.

The ban, which takes effect on May 7, follows concerns raised by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about potential health risks.

Fluoride has been added to U.S. water since 1945 to prevent cavities, but Republican lawmaker Stephanie Gricius, who introduced the bill, argued that it may have cognitive effects on children.

She stated the law gives citizens a choice.

The American Dental Association (ADA) strongly criticized the decision, calling it a “wanton disregard for public health,” as fluoride is proven to reduce tooth decay by at least 25%.

Public health groups, including the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, continue to support fluoridation.

Currently, 63% of the U.S. population has fluoridated water.

Most of Western Europe does not fluoridate its water, though some areas in England do.

Source: BBC News