A crippling and life-threatening disease
According to RFK Jr., fluoride is "an industrial waste" that is linked to cancer, disease, and disorders. Are his claims factual, though? It has long been a practice in the US to add fluoride to public drinking water, but what do we really know about the benefits and dangers of this chemical? Can it cause serious health implications as JFK Jr. claims?
Click through the gallery to find out more about fluoride in water and its impact.
RFK Jr. hopes to have a significant role in healthcare in Trump's administration when the new president takes office. He has stated that one of his first moves would be to advise that fluoride be removed from water supplies in the US.
RFK Jr. wrote in a social media post that "fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease."
Trump said this fluoride removal proposal sounded okay to him. Trump mentioned talking to RFK Jr and "other people" but said that ultimately he'd make the final call.
Trump suggested that the former environmental lawyer, RFK Jr. would be the one to oversee a health portfolio in his upcoming administration.
Fluoridation is the public health practice of adding fluoride to drinking water to prevent tooth decay and improve dental health. This measure has been shown to reduce cavities, especially in children, by strengthening tooth enamel.
According to the CDC, fluoride is a mineral that is found in nature, specifically in water and rocks. Additionally, it can be a byproduct of some industries.
In September 2024, a federal judge ordered the US Environmental Protection Agency to regulate fluoride found in drinking water. There was speculation that higher levels of the mineral might affect the intellectual development of children.
In a ruling by US District Judge Edward Chen, he said it's not explicitly clear whether fluoride added to the water is causing a drop in kids' IQs.
Experts agree that more research is needed to understand fluoride's effects on the entire population including young children.
In August, a federal review was published by the National Toxicology Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which concluded that fluoride in high levels is linked to a lower IQ in children.
Studies were done with fluoride levels at about twice the US recommended limit. It was also noted, however, that lower levels of exposure were less definitive.
A 2019 study examining Canadian mothers and their children found that for every additional 1 milligram per liter of fluoride in a mother's urine, boys experienced a 4.5-point decrease in IQ. The study did not observe a similar effect in girls and did not investigate the reason for this gender difference.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended fluoride as a cost-effective way to improve America's oral health.
If you are exposed to levels of fluoride above the recommended amount, it can lead to a rare condition that causes joint pain and weakened bones.
According to the American Cancer Society and the CDC, no link currently exists between cancer and fluoride levels.
The CDC has also confirmed that birth defects aren't caused by fluoride.
In 1945, fluoride was first added to public water systems. It helps strengthen the outer protective layer of tooth enamel and ultimately aids in preventing tooth decay.
According to the CDC, nearly three-quarters of the US population, or about 209 million people, access drinking water from systems that contain fluoride.
For the most part, state and local governments control the water supply across the US.
Certain areas such as Portland, Oregon, and Tucson, Arizona, have decided not to add fluoride to their water.
Since the 1970s, the use of toothpaste containing fluoride has been widespread. Recently, according to studies, water with fluoride in it might not be as impactful as it once was.
A report was published by the Cochrane Collaboration, an independent group that analyzes scientific research, in October 2024. They found only a small benefit to adding fluoride to tap water.
The American Dental Association disagrees though, and says that adding fluoride to water is the most effective measure in preventing tooth decay.
The CDC stands behind the decision to add fluoride to water and says it is a cost-effective way to deliver fluoride to varying members of society regardless of their age, education level, or income.
We usually come across more fluoride while visiting the dentist. They can apply a fluoride varnish, foam, or gel that will help decrease tooth decay.
Fluoride intake is most important in infants and children of six months to 16 years old.
Adults also benefit from fluoride, especially if they have dry mouth, gum disease, a history of tooth decay, or crowns, bridges, braces, or removable dentures.
Fluorosis is a condition caused by taking in too much fluoride. It is often seen as white spots or streaks on teeth. It usually occurs during the developmental years of the teeth and is mostly mild, but higher levels of fluoride can lead to more severe enamel discoloration or pitting.
Sources: (CNN Health) (Clevland Clinic) (National Institue of Dental and Craniofacial Research)
Examining RFK Jr.'s claims that fluoride is linked to cancer
A look at the science behind fluoride safety and public health
HEALTH Debunk
According to RFK Jr., fluoride is "an industrial waste" that is linked to cancer, disease, and various health disorders. Are his claims factual, though? It has long been a practice in the US to add fluoride to public drinking water, but what do we really know about the benefits and dangers of this chemical? Can it cause serious health implications as RFK Jr. claims?
Click through the gallery to find out more about fluoride in water and its impact.