Should RFK Jr. Remove Fluoride from Our Water?

You might have heard some buzz lately about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (our current Secretary of Health and Human Services) and his thoughts on fluoride in drinking water. It’s definitely stirring up conversations, so let’s break down what’s going on!

What is Kennedy Actually Saying?

RFK Jr. has some pretty strong feelings about adding fluoride to our public water supply. He’s calling it a “dangerous neurotoxin” and wants it removed from our tap water. His main concerns? He thinks it might be linked to things like:

• • Lower IQ scores in kids
  • Joint problems like arthritis
  • Bone issues and fractures
  • Possible bone cancer risks
  • Brain development concerns
  • Thyroid problems

This is a pretty big deal because we’ve been adding fluoride to water for over 75 years to help prevent cavities!

Why Does Kennedy Want It Gone?

Kennedy’s main argument is that we shouldn’t be doing “mass medication” through our water supply. He thinks people should have the choice of what goes into their bodies, rather than having it automatically added to everyone’s water.

His other arguments include:

• • There might be health risks we haven’t fully understood yet
  • We can get the teeth-protecting benefits from toothpaste and dental visits instead
  • Some people just don’t want it, and that should be their choice

Let’s Talk Numbers for a Second

Before we dive into the research, here’s something interesting: the amount of fluoride in our water is actually tiny. We’re talking about 0.7 milligrams per liter – that’s roughly the weight of one-fifth of a grain of salt per fluid ounce of water. Super small!

What Does the Research Say?

Here’s what recent studies have found:

The IQ Studies

Several studies have looked at whether fluoride affects kids’ intelligence:

• • 2025 Study in JAMA Pediatrics: Looked at 64 different studies and found that higher fluoride exposure seemed to correlate with lower IQ scores. But here’s the catch – many of these studies had flaws, and they weren’t specifically looking at U.S. water fluoridation levels.
  • 2024 National Toxicology Program Review: Found that really high fluoride levels (more than double what we use in the U.S.) might affect IQ, but they couldn’t say for sure what happens at our standard levels.
  • 2012 Harvard Study: Combined 27 studies and suggested fluoride might affect brain development in kids, but called for more research.
  • CDC & ADA Acknowledgement: Fluorosis is the most widely accepted side effect, and is the reason the U.S. lowered the recommended fluoride level in water to 0.7 mg/L in 2015.

Other Health Concerns

Researchers have also looked into other potential issues:

Bone Health: Some studies suggest high fluoride exposure might increase fracture risk, especially in older adults. The bone cancer connection is still up in the air – some early studies raised concerns, but later reviews couldn’t confirm a clear link.

Brain Development: Some scientists have put fluoride on their list of chemicals that might affect developing brains, though this is still being debated.

Thyroid Issues: A UK study found that areas with higher fluoride levels had a higher incidence of underactive thyroid, which warrants further investigation.

What Do the Health Experts Say?

Most major health organizations (like the CDC, American Dental Association, and World Health Organization) still think fluoride in water at current levels is safe and beneficial. They point out that it’s helped reduce tooth decay dramatically over the decades.

But Kennedy and others are saying, “Hey, maybe we should be extra careful here, especially when it comes to kids and vulnerable populations.”

What Happens Next?

Nobody has a crystal ball, but whether we see changes will probably depend on:

• • How much influence Kennedy has on local water policies
  • How communities respond to the research
  • Whether public health groups change their recommendations
  • What individual cities and towns decide to do

The Big Picture

This entire situation highlights an interesting development currently underway in our country. People are asking more questions about long-standing health practices and want a greater say in decisions that affect their families.

Some folks are thinking, “If there’s even a small chance of risk, why not be extra cautious?” Others are saying, “The benefits outweigh the potential risks, and we shouldn’t abandon something that’s helped so many people.”

What Can You Do?

If you’re concerned about fluoride in your water, here are some options:

• • Talk to your doctor or dentist about what’s right for your family
  • Look into water filters that remove fluoride if you want to avoid it
  • Stay informed about what your local water district is doing
  • Make sure you’re still protecting your teeth with fluoride toothpaste or other dental care

The Bottom Line

This is one of those issues where reasonable people can examine the same information and draw different conclusions. The key is staying informed, considering the evidence, and making decisions that feel right for you and your family.

Whether you’re team “keep the fluoride” or team “take it out,” the most important thing is that we’re having these conversations and asking questions about our health and the choices our communities make.

What do you think? It’s definitely a topic worth discussing with the people in your life!