Utah Bans Fluoride in Water: A Public Health Disaster?
Utah has become the first US state to ban fluoride in its public water supply, effective May 7th, a decision met with sharp criticism from dental and public health organizations. This ban, driven by concerns about potential health risks—particularly cognitive effects in children—ignores overwhelming scientific evidence supporting fluoride’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay. The American Dental Association, among others, decried the decision as based on “distorted pseudoscience,” emphasizing the significant benefits of community water fluoridation. While some argue for individual choice regarding fluoride consumption, the ban contradicts decades of public health policy promoting its use.
John Q. Hosedrinker