Utah makes history as first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water
By isabelle // 2025-03-11
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  • Utah becomes the first U.S. state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, with Gov. Spencer Cox set to sign the bill into law.
  • The ban, effective May 7, allows fluoride tablets to be prescribed by pharmacists for individual use.
  • Debate intensifies between dental health advocates citing fluoride’s cavity-prevention benefits and critics concerned about neurodevelopmental risks.
  • Recent studies link fluoride exposure during pregnancy to lower IQ and ADHD risks, fueling skepticism.
  • The ban reflects a broader national movement questioning fluoridation, with other states considering similar measures.
Utah has become the first state in the nation to ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water. Republican Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed he will sign the bill into law, marking a significant shift in public health policy. The decision, set to take effect May 7, has sparked intense debate, pitting dental health advocates against those concerned about potential neurodevelopmental risks and government overreach. The bill, HB81, prohibits public water systems from adding fluoride while allowing pharmacists to prescribe fluoride tablets for individuals who choose to use them. Gov. Cox, who grew up in a non-fluoridated community, emphasized that the decision was not driven by strong personal conviction but by a belief in individual choice. “It’s got to be a really high bar for me if we’re going to require people to be medicated by their government,” Cox said.

The debate over fluoride: Health risks vs. dental benefits

For decades, fluoride has been hailed as a cornerstone of public health, credited with reducing tooth decay and cavities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls water fluoridation one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, estimating it prevents about 25% of tooth decay. However, critics argue that the risks of fluoride, particularly its potential neurotoxic effects, outweigh the benefits. Recent studies have raised concerns about fluoride’s impact on children’s cognitive development. Research in Canada and Mexico has linked fluoride exposure during pregnancy to lower IQ scores and increased risks of ADHD in children. A 2019 incident in Sandy, Utah, where a fluoride pump malfunctioned and contaminated water in 270 homes, further fueled skepticism. “The fluoride sickened hundreds of residents and led many in Utah to push for its removal,” noted The Associated Press. The American Dental Association (ADA) has urged Gov. Cox to veto the bill, warning that ending fluoridation could lead to a resurgence of cavities, particularly among low-income families who rely on public water systems for dental care.

A growing movement against fluoridation

Utah’s ban comes amid a broader national conversation about the safety of water fluoridation. States like Florida, Montana, and Tennessee are considering similar measures, while some cities have already removed fluoride from their water supplies. The movement has gained momentum with the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, a vocal critic of fluoridation who has cited studies linking fluoride to lower IQ levels. Opponents of fluoridation argue that individuals should have the right to choose whether they consume fluoride, rather than having it mandated by the government. “It’s an issue of individual choice,” said Rep. Stephanie Gricius, the bill’s Republican sponsor.

What’s next for Utah and beyond?

As Utah prepares to implement the ban, the debate over fluoride shows no signs of slowing down. While proponents of fluoridation warn of a potential rise in dental health issues, critics celebrate the move as a victory for personal freedom and public health. For now, Utah residents who wish to use fluoride can obtain it through tablets prescribed by pharmacists. But as the first state to take this step, Utah’s decision could set a precedent for others to follow. In the end, Utah’s fluoride ban is more than a policy change — it’s a reflection of a growing tension between public health mandates and individual autonomy. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com Modernity.news APNews.com ChildrensHealthDefense.org
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