Fluoride in tap water: Experts say RFK Jr.'s claims could lead to public health disaster
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Fluoride: its in the majority of toothpastes and in nearly nine out of 10 Iowans' tap water in a very small amount. Despite decades of public health policy and science backing up fluoride's benefits to deter tooth decay, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claims the mineral is causing health issues, from IQ loss to bone fractures, and he's planning to tell the CDC to stop recommending the additive in U.S. water supplies.
However, most experts say those claims are not scientifically founded. A researcher at the University of Iowa tells Iowa's News Now the priority should be facts over fear.
RFK Jr. said at a cabinet meeting on Thursday a study from the National Toxicology Program released in August backs claims of fluoride-related health issues.
"New science shows a direct inverse correlation to exposure to fluoride and IQ levels, particularly in children," Kennedy said.
But UI Professor of Dentistry Dr. Steve Levy said that report is flawed based on the years of research that went into it, and it is missing context.
"It's really a background report with lots of gaps in what can be concluded from it," Levy said. "But unfortunately, they didn't frame all the limitations and caveats the way they should have."
In the U.S., water systems are typically adjusted to keep fluoride around 0.7 mg/L, a standard that's been calibrated to prevent tooth decay while avoiding excessive exposure.
Fluoride has been in Iowa waters since the 1950s, and Levy said it supplies a safe and cost-effective way to prevent cavities for the public.
"All of us get microscopic cavities all the time. If we're in good balance, then those microscopic cavities don't ever progress to cavities that are visible and need fillings," Levy said. "Fluoride in many forms helps to prevent that."
Levy said it also helps communities who may not have access to dental care.
"It helps everyone, not just those who can afford to go to the dentist for office-based treatment, or not just those who can afford to buy toothbrushes and toothpaste," Levy said.
Now, RFK Jr. is getting a task force together to further look into the health impacts of the mineral, and Levy anticipates the results will be the same as they've been for decades.
"Most likely, they will find that there is no cause for concern. Maybe they would titrate the allowable level a little bit," Levy said. "But if they try to rush something through, and if it's too politically oriented, rather than scientifically oriented, then that's going to be a big concern."
RFK Jr. praised Utah for being the first state to ban fluoride in its public water a couple weeks ago.
Levy said a small amount of fluoride is found in all water sources, and more of it is added to fight tooth decay.
