RFK Jr. plans to tell CDC to stop recommending fluoride in drinking water
U.S.Health Secretary Robert F.
Kennedy Jr.on Monday said he plans to tell the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention soon to stop recommending fluoridation in communities nationwide.
Kennedy also said he’s assembling a task force to focus on the issue.Also on Monday, the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency announced it is reviewing “new scientific information” on potential health risks of fluoride in drinking water.Kennedy told The Associated Press of his plans after a news conference in Salt Lake City.Utah last month became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, pushing past opposition from dentists and national health organizations who warned the move would lead to medical problems that disproportionately affect low-income communities.Republican Gov.
Spencer Cox signed legislation barring cities and communities from deciding whether to add the cavity-preventing mineral to their water systems.Water systems across the state must shut down their fluoridation systems by May 7.Kennedy praised Utah for emerging as “the leader in making America healthy again.” He was flanked by Utah legislative leaders and the sponsor of the state’s fluoride law.
“I’m very, very proud of this state for being the first state to ban it, and I hope many more will,” he said.EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who appeared with Kennedy at the news conference, said his agency was launching a renewed examination of scientific studies on the potential health risks of fluoride in drinking water to help inform any changes to the national standards.“When this evaluation is completed, we will have an updated foundational scientific evaluation that will inform the agency’s future steps,” Zeldin said.“Secretary Kennedy has long been at the forefront of this issue.
His advocacy was instrumental in our decision to review fluoride exposure risks and we are committed to working alongside him, utilizing sound science as we advance our mission of protecting...