Fluoride ban in Utah drinking water sparks nationwide debate over dental health
Fluoride ban in Utah drinking water triggers national health debate (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Utah has become the first US state to ban the addition of fluoride to its public water supply after Governor Spencer Cox signed a controversial bill into law, USA Today reports.
The legislation, set to take effect on May 7, completely bans adding fluoride to Utah’s drinking water.
Although fluoride naturally occurs in water, soil, and even air, it has been intentionally added to public water systems since the 1940s to help prevent tooth decay. In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city to fluoridate its water, setting the stage for a practice now endorsed by the CDC as safe and cost-effective.
However, skepticism surrounding fluoridation has persisted for decades. In November 2024, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent voice in health misinformation, declared that a future Trump administration would advise all US water systems to eliminate fluoride, citing unproven health risks.
Critics raise concerns as other states consider similar bans
"This law is a step toward a more natural approach to public health," said one Republican state senator who sponsored the bill. Still, health professionals warn that removing fluoride could harm vulnerable communities that rely on it for basic dental protection - especially in rural areas with limited access to dental care.
Following Utah’s lead, anti-fluoride bills are now being considered in other states, including North Dakota, Tennessee, and Montana. Experts fear this trend could lead to a resurgence in dental issues nationwide.
In a related move, Utah also became the first US state to reverse its universal vote-by-mail system. Under a new law signed by Governor Cox, starting in 2029, residents will need to actively opt in to receive mail ballots - a decision that has raised concerns among voting rights advocates, particularly for rural voters.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
