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#Utah could become the first state to ban #fluoride in its drinking water, alarming #PublicHealth experts & #dentists who note the mineral’s role in reducing tooth decay across the nation.

…If signed into #law, the bill would prohibit adding fluoride to public water systems & would bar cities & counties from requiring the mineral in their #water.

Opponents of the measure argue that it infringes on communities’ right to decide whether to use the cavity-fighting mineral & that it departs from decades of #science demonstrating #fluoride’s enamel-strengthening, tooth-decay-combating benefits — particularly for #children. The bill’s supporters contend that it would prevent the government from *medicating* the public without its consent.

…#Utah’s potentially unprecedented move comes at a time of renewed attention to the practice of adding #fluoride to drinking water: #RFKJr, the newly appointed #HHS secretary, has assailed the practice, [falsely] alleging that it can harm brain development & bones.

…Days before the presidential election, #RFKJr signaled that a future #Trump admin would advise #water districts to remove #fluoride, which he referred to as “an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, & thyroid disease.” #Medical organizations said Kennedy’s assertions are unfounded….

Most Americans drink fluoridated water, including about ½ of #Utah residents. The process of adjusting #fluoride quantities to recommended levels—known as community water fluoridation—reduces #OralHealth disparities, acc/to the #CDC. Most communities that add the mineral do so voluntarily, but about a dozen states require fluoridation. Some of those mandates have been in place for >50 yrs.
#RFKJr #ConspiracyTheories #PublicHealth #health #HealthInequity #medicine #science #law #USpol #Trump #HHS

In #Utah, residents who receive fluoridated water…experience tooth decay at rates 25-50% lower than other residents, acc/to the Utah Dental Assn. The group blasted the bill, urging residents to call Cox’s office to demand a veto.

…The group’s national counterpart, the #ADA, sent a letter to Cox on Tues to similarly urge a veto.