Utah to Become First State to End Added Fluoride in Drinking Water

Utah lawmakers have passed a bill that bans fluoride from the state’s drinking water. Dentists and health groups spoke out against the measure. The bill overturns a common feature of the US water supply dating back to 1945. Once signed into law, Utah will be the first state to take this step.   

“It’s not a bill I care that much about, but it’s a bill I will sign,” said Utah Governor Spencer Cox. Once signed, the law will take effect in May.

Advocates on both sides feel far more strongly about the issue. On one side is the American Dental Association (ADA). It says Utah is scrapping a hugely successful public health policy. Ending fluoridated water will increase rates of cavities and tooth decay, especially in children, they say. The ADA also added that it will increase health care costs.  

On the other side are those who support stronger limits on government and many politicians. One of them is Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. They point to studies showing that eating or drinking too much fluoride can lead to lower IQ levels in children. Studies have linked excessive fluoride exposure and that health outcome. But the evidence that it might be happening now is mixed.

Opponents of fluoridated water say the risk isn't worth taking. They point out that since the US began adding it to water systems, it has been added to many products. Those include toothpaste, processed foods, and drinks.  

“A cavity can easily be filled,” Stuart Cooper told The Wall Street Journal. He's the head of an anti-fluoridation group. "Damage to the brain is permanent.” 

But the National Institutes of Health says it's nearly impossible to ingest a toxic level of fluoride from US water systems.   

Reflect: How do you decide whether a health policy is beneficial or harmful?