If Donald Trump is re-elected in 2024, his presidency could have significant consequences for a public health measure widely regarded as one of the greatest successes of the 20th century: the fluoridation of drinking water. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic and a key figure in Trump’s health policy plans, has called for the removal of fluoride from public water supplies, a proposal that Trump has expressed support for.
Kennedy, who Trump has said will play a major role in his administration’s health care agenda, recently stated on social media that the Trump White House would advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride starting on January 20. The potential move is drawing attention from health officials and experts, as the addition of fluoride to drinking water has been credited with reducing tooth decay by 25%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Currently, around 72% of Americans who use public water systems consume fluoridated water.
While some communities, including Portland, Oregon, and Wichita, Kansas, have opted out of fluoridation over the years, the practice remains common in many countries, including Australia and Canada. However, the debate surrounding fluoride’s safety persists. Some studies have raised concerns about its potential links to health issues, such as cancer and bone disorders. A 2021 report from the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) raised alarms, suggesting that higher levels of fluoride in drinking water could be associated with modestly lower IQ scores in children. Yet, the CDC, the American Cancer Society, and the American Dental Association (ADA) have all maintained that there is no conclusive evidence linking fluoride to adverse health effects when used at recommended levels.
Further complicating the issue, a California federal judge recently ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen regulations on fluoride, citing potential risks to children’s cognitive development. The EPA is now under pressure to address concerns, though it has not yet committed to any drastic policy changes.
Despite the debate, many experts argue that fluoride in drinking water continues to play a crucial role, especially for people without regular access to dental care. Tewodros Godebo, an assistant professor at Tulane University, emphasizes that U.S. water fluoridation levels are much lower than those studied in research suggesting negative effects, meaning these studies may not apply.
As Trump’s campaign suggests an immediate push to remove fluoride if elected, some health experts warn that such a significant policy shift should not be rushed without further scientific review. With mounting concerns over child development and public health, the future of fluoride in the U.S. could become a key issue in the upcoming election.
