WASHINGTON — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has once again taken a strong stand against fluoride in drinking water, saying it could be lowering children’s intelligence levels.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump on April 30, Kennedy claimed,
“The more you get, the stupider you are. We need smart kids in this country, and we need healthy kids.”
He also praised Utah, which recently became the first U.S. state to ban local governments from adding fluoride to public water.
What Is Fluoride and Why Is It in Water?
Fluoride is a mineral added to many public water systems in the United States to help prevent tooth decay. This process, known as water fluoridation, has been in practice since 1945 and is supported by many health and dental experts.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says water fluoridation has been a key reason for reducing dental cavities in both children and adults.
However, it is not required by law, and individual states and cities can decide whether or not to add it.
Kennedy Wants to Change Federal Fluoride Policy
Kennedy said he plans to change federal fluoride guidelines and has asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop recommending fluoridation of public water systems. He said new policies will give more control to states and local governments.
He referred to a controversial study by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), which claimed a direct link between fluoride exposure and lower IQ levels in children. However, this study has been heavily criticized by the National Academies of Sciences and the American Dental Association for weak methods and poor data.
Experts Warn of Public Health Risks
Many scientists and dental organizations are concerned that removing fluoride could lead to a rise in dental problems, especially in low-income communities where dental care access is limited. Critics say Kennedy’s plan could undo decades of progress in dental health.
The American Dental Association (ADA) continues to support the safe use of fluoride and warns against removing it without stronger scientific evidence.
Kennedy’s Other Health Plans
In addition to the fluoride issue, Kennedy spoke about other health-related policy changes, including:
- A ban on nine synthetic food dyes, many of which are petroleum-based, within the next two years.
- Removing soda and candy from food stamp programs.
- Linking these artificial dyes to neurological disorders such as ADHD in children.