RFK Jr. claims that fluoride is a ‘byproduct of industrial waste’ linked to cancer, various diseases, and health disorders. Here’s the scientific viewpoint

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked another scientific debate on Saturday, suggesting that if Donald Trump wins the presidential election, his administration will advocate for removing fluoride from the nation’s water systems.

Kennedy, a former independent presidential candidate, stated in a social media post, ‘On January 20, the Trump White House will direct U.S. water systems to eliminate fluoride from public supplies. Fluoride, an industrial byproduct, is linked to arthritis, fractures, bone cancer, cognitive decline, developmental disorders, and thyroid issues.’

Trump has suggested that Kennedy, who was once an environmental lawyer, may take on a health-focused role in his future administration.

At a rally in New York last week, Trump remarked that he would let Kennedy ‘take the reins on health,’ ‘take charge of food,’ and ‘have free rein over medicines.’ In Michigan on Friday, Trump added that Kennedy would ‘play a major role in healthcare’ and holds ‘views I strongly agree with.’

As the practice of adding fluoride to the U.S. water supply faces growing scrutiny, health experts are weighing in on the implications for public health.

What exactly is fluoride?

Fluoride is naturally present in water, rocks, and certain foods, and is also produced as a byproduct in some industrial processes, according to the CDC.

What makes fluoride so controversial?

In September, a federal judge ordered the US Environmental Protection Agency to take further action to regulate fluoride levels in drinking water due to concerns that elevated fluoride concentrations could impact children’s intellectual development.

US District Judge Edward Chen ruled that while it remains unclear whether the fluoride levels commonly added to water are lowering children’s IQ, the potential risk is significant enough to warrant further investigation. The EPA has been instructed to act, but the ruling does not specify what steps should be taken, and the agency is currently reviewing its next move.

Experts agree that, despite the political controversy surrounding the issue, additional research is essential to understand the effects of fluoride—not only on young children but also on the general population.

Dr. Ashley Malin, assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Florida’s College of Public Health and Health Professions, stated in an email to Dinogo that ‘protecting vulnerable populations from environmental toxins is a nonpartisan issue and should be guided by the best available science.’

‘While the health effects of fluoride on young children, especially regarding neurodevelopment, have been studied and a potential risk to child IQ has been identified, further research is needed to explore the impact of chronic low-level fluoride exposure on adult health, as such studies are still limited,’ Malin explained.

What we understand about fluoride’s effect on IQ

An August federal review by the National Toxicology Program at the National Institutes of Health found that higher fluoride levels are associated with a decrease in children's IQ.

The conclusion was drawn from studies examining fluoride concentrations at approximately twice the recommended US limit for drinking water.

However, the review also pointed out that the evidence for lower fluoride exposure (below 1.5 mg/L) leading to lower IQ in children was less consistent than the results from studies at higher fluoride levels.

Previous studies have shown that higher fluoride exposure during pregnancy is linked to a decline in children's IQ scores.

A 2019 study of Canadian mothers and their children found that for every additional 1 milligram per liter of fluoride in a mother’s urine, the IQ of male children dropped by 4.5 points. The study did not find a similar effect in female children, nor did it explore why boys were more significantly impacted.

What we know about fluoride and its impact on health

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends fluoridating community water supplies as an affordable way to enhance oral health for Americans.

Prolonged exposure to fluoride levels higher than the recommended public health standards can lead to skeletal fluorosis, a rare condition in the US that causes bone weakness and joint pain. Excessive fluoride can also cause dental fluorosis, a cosmetic issue that results in white spots or streaks on the teeth’s enamel.

Recent studies examining the potential link between cancer and fluoride levels have found no connection, according to the CDC and the American Cancer Society.

There is also no evidence suggesting that fluoride causes birth defects in humans, as stated by the CDC.

Why do we have fluoride in our water supplies?

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel, the outer protective layer of teeth, which can be weakened by acids from bacteria, plaque, and sugars in the mouth. The practice of adding fluoride to public water began in the United States in 1945.

Today, nearly three-quarters of the US population—around 209 million people—receive fluoridated water, according to CDC data.

State and local governments oversee most of the water systems in municipalities across the United States. Some cities, including Portland, Oregon, and Tucson, Arizona, have voted to stop adding fluoride to their water supplies.

Why is fluoride added to our water if it’s already in our toothpaste?

Recent reports suggest that the benefits of adding fluoride to water may no longer be as significant, particularly with the widespread use of fluoride toothpaste, which has been available since the 1970s.

A report released last month by the Cochrane Collaboration, an independent group known for analyzing scientific research, found only a small benefit in adding fluoride to tap water, which resulted in slightly fewer cavities in children’s baby teeth.

Other studies noted that fluoride in water led to a reduction in decay of only about a quarter of a tooth, on average, according to the Cochrane report.

The American Dental Association asserts that fluoride in community water supplies is “the most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay.”

Subscribe to Dinogo Health’s weekly newsletter for the latest updates.

“Studies show that water fluoridation remains effective in reducing dental decay by at least 25% in both children and adults, even with the widespread availability of fluoride from other sources like toothpaste,” the ADA states on its website.

The CDC continues to support the safety and advantages of fluoridating community water supplies.

“Fluoridating water has been recognized as the most cost-effective way to provide fluoride to everyone in the community, regardless of age, education, or income,” the CDC noted in a statement released in May.

If you're concerned about fluoride exposure, consider switching to bottled water, using filters that remove fluoride, and ensuring your children don’t swallow their toothpaste.