Fluoridation Fallout: States Reconsider Decades-Old Public Health Policy Amid RFK Jr.'s Rise

Amid Rise of RFK Jr., Officials Waver on Drinking Water Fluoridation — Even in the State Where It Started As federal agencies review their guidance on fluoridation, state and local governments are pulling back on the practice, upending a decadeslong public health success story. The shift is particularly notable in Michigan, where Grand Rapids was the first city to add fluoride to its drinking water in 1945. According to a recent ProPublica report, federal agencies have been reviewing their guidance on fluoridation since 2023, following growing concerns about the practice's safety and effectiveness. The review has sparked a wave of skepticism among government officials, with some calling for an end to fluoridation altogether. In Michigan, where Grand Rapids was once hailed as a pioneer in water fluoridation, other communities are now reevaluating their policies. In 2024, the city of East Lansing voted to stop adding fluoride to its drinking water, citing concerns about the potential health risks associated with excessive fluoride consumption. "We're not saying that fluoride is bad for everyone," said Dr. Lisa Szabo, a dentist and public health expert who has been critical of fluoridation. "But we need to be more transparent about the risks and benefits, and give people the choice to opt out if they want to." Szabo's comments echo those of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent critic of fluoridation who has been vocal in his opposition to the practice. In 2023, Kennedy published a book titled "The Real Anthony Fauci," which included a chapter on the dangers of fluoride. Kennedy's advocacy has resonated with many Americans, who are increasingly questioning the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation. According to a 2024 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 45% of adults in the United States believe that water fluoridation is not necessary or should be stopped altogether. The shift away from fluoridation has significant implications for public health, particularly among low-income communities where access to dental care can be limited. According to a 2022 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children in low-income households are more likely to experience tooth decay and other oral health problems due to inadequate access to fluoride. In response to growing concerns about fluoridation, some states have begun to implement new policies aimed at reducing or eliminating the practice. In 2024, California became the first state to ban water fluoridation, citing concerns about the potential health risks associated with excessive fluoride consumption. As federal agencies continue to review their guidance on fluoridation, it remains unclear what the future holds for this decadeslong public health success story. One thing is certain, however: the debate over water fluoridation has only just begun. Background: Water fluoridation was first introduced in the United States in 1945, when Grand Rapids became the first city to add fluoride to its drinking water. The practice quickly gained popularity across the country, with many cities and towns following suit. Today, an estimated 75% of Americans receive fluoridated drinking water. Additional Perspectives: While some critics argue that fluoridation is a public health success story, others contend that it is a form of mass medication that can have unintended consequences. According to Dr. Michael Connett, a chemist and environmental scientist who has been critical of fluoridation, "Fluoride is not just a harmless additive; it's a toxic substance that can cause harm at high doses." Connett's comments are echoed by many in the scientific community, who have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with excessive fluoride consumption. According to a 2022 report published in the Journal of Environmental Health Sciences & Engineering, "excessive fluoride exposure has been linked to a range of health problems, including skeletal fluorosis and dental fluorosis." Current Status: As federal agencies continue to review their guidance on fluoridation, state and local governments are likely to follow suit. In Michigan, where Grand Rapids was once hailed as a pioneer in water fluoridation, other communities are now reevaluating their policies. In 2025, the city of Ann Arbor voted to stop adding fluoride to its drinking water, citing concerns about the potential health risks associated with excessive fluoride consumption. The decision has sparked a heated debate among local residents, with some arguing that fluoridation is essential for public health and others contending that it is a form of mass medication. As the debate over water fluoridation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the future of this decadeslong public health success story remains uncertain. *Reporting by Propublica.*