Utah Becomes First State to Ban Fluoride in Public Water, Sparking Health Debate

Utah Becomes First State to Ban Fluoride

This Thursday, Utah made history not for a significant economic achievement or technological advancement, but rather for being the first state in the union to eliminate fluoride in public water systems.

This controversial measure, signed into effect by Governor Spencer Cox now has people across the country in a heated debate. The core issue is whether communities should keep adding fluoride, which has been considered one of the greatest public health advances of the 20th century?

Proponents of the ban on fluoride in public water cite the choice as one of economic prudence and individual liberty. Governor Cox, who was raised in a fluoride-free town, compared the addition of the mineral to “medicating” citizens against their will. He was joined by several lawmakers in citing vast expenses and low statewide uptake as chief motivators of the legislation.

But others, including health professionals and dentists, have a different view.

The American Dental Association was not one to shy away. Dr. Brett Kessler, president of the ADA, expressed a grave concern about the potentially differential impact on populations already suffering from inequities in dental treatment: “a wanton disregard for public health.”

As a father and dentist, it is upsetting to see a public health policy based on strong evidence being undone,” said Dr. Kessler. “Fluoride prevents tooth decay in children, particularly those unable to afford dental visits as a routine.”

Under fluoridation laws, local governments are given little choice on whether or not to fluoridate their municipal water sources or implement a fluoride ban in public water dated May 7. Currently, only 66 out of Utah’s 484 water systems have treatment processes for water fluoridation, including Salt Lake City.

Utah is ranked 44th in the number of fluoride credit hours afforded to water fluoridation in the USA, according to the Centre for Disease Control data. With the new law, that ranking may worsen, with increasing fears for ensuing dental decay, particularly among low-income households depending on public water for preventive oral healthcare.

To this end, Utah’s action has come closely on the heels of other such limitations under consideration in states including South Carolina, Florida, and Ohio. On the contrary, however, proposals for fluoride in North Dakota, Tennessee, and New Hampshire were recently rejected, suggesting a divided national position.

The new U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly raised the issue of fluoride’s safety, raising the anger of many. A federal judge, meanwhile, recently ordered the EPA to review rules on fluoride due to concerns about its possible link to developmental problems in children.

Fluoride at ordinary dosages, such as is added to drinking water, is safe and effective according to experts from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health.