by A Pennsylvania lawmaker is calling for a ban on fluoride in public drinking water, aligning with recent legislative moves in Utah and Florida.
Sen. Dawn Keefer (R-York) announced she is drafting a bill that would remove fluoride from the state’s water systems, promoting “individual choice” while allowing access to fluoride through supplements or dental treatments. Her proposal mirrors Utah’s groundbreaking legislation, which made it the first U.S. state to ban public water fluoridation. Florida is expected to follow with a similar law.
“This is about giving people the right to choose what goes into their bodies,” said Keefer.
The debate over fluoride is intensifying nationwide. While some recent studies suggest a potential link between high fluoride exposure and reduced IQ scores in children, other scientific reviews contradict those findings.
Health Experts and Dental Organizations Push Back
Dental professionals and public health authorities strongly oppose these bans. The American Dental Association (ADA) stresses the crucial role fluoride plays in preventing cavities, especially in children.
“Cavities are the most common chronic disease among children,” said Dr. Brett Kessler, ADA President. “Removing fluoride harms the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports community water fluoridation, citing decades of research. According to the CDC, fluoridated water helps reduce cavities by approximately 25%, saving around $6.5 billion in dental treatment costs annually. It also ranks fluoridation among the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century.
What Is Fluoride and Why Is It Controversial?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, plants, and soil. In the 1940s, scientists discovered that adding small amounts to public water helped reduce tooth decay. By 2010, two-thirds of Americans had access to fluoridated tap water.
Despite its long-standing use, fluoride has always faced skepticism. Recently, opposition has grown louder due to studies linking fluoride exposure during pregnancy and childhood to cognitive issues. However, many experts point out these studies have limitations and inconsistent findings.
A Political Push from RFK Jr.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—a longtime critic of fluoridation—has further fueled national debate. His stance has encouraged lawmakers in several states to reconsider fluoride policies.
To check if your local water supply contains added fluoride, visit the CDC’s fluoride data search tool.
As Pennsylvania weighs its decision, public health experts warn that rolling back fluoride programs could have serious consequences, particularly for children and underserved communities.
