Utah Poised to Become the First State to Fully Ban Fluoride in Water
A Proposal to Set a Precedent in the US
Utah appears to be on the verge of becoming the first state to fully ban fluoride in public water systems under a bill that does not allow cities or communities to decide whether to add the cavity-preventing mineral.
A bill sponsor and an organization opposed to fluoridating water believe that Utah’s proposal would set a precedent in the US – and it would come at a time when new federal health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed skepticism about water fluoridation, which is considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century.
What is Fluoride and Why is it Added to Water?
Fluoride is added to drinking water to prevent tooth decay and reduce other dental-related illnesses, according to the American Dental Association and CDC. It strengthens the teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, and nearly two-thirds of the US population drinks fluoridated water.
Utah’s Proposal: A Cost Concern
Lawmakers who backed the bill, which was sponsored by state Republican Rep. Stephanie Gricius and state Sen. Kirk Cullimore, said putting fluoride in the water is too expensive. “I don’t dispute that there can be positive benefits from fluoride, which is why the bill also includes a deregulation of the prescription,” Gricius said in a text message to The Associated Press, referencing a fluoride pill. “This isn’t anti-fluoride legislation, it is pro-informed consent and individual choice.”
Opposition to the Proposal
Fluoridation is the most cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay on a large scale, said Lorna Koci, who chairs the Utah Oral Health Coalition. “I think the anti-fluoride people, they’re latching onto Kennedy’s opportunity with his beliefs and using that now as a way to kind of get in the door to stop water fluoridation,” Koci said.
Consequences of a Ban
Fluoridated public water is often the only form of preventive dental care for some people, and the impacts may be most visible in low-income Utah residents, Koci added. Out of the 484 Utah water systems that reported data to the CDC in 2024, only 66 fluoridated their water, an Associated Press analysis showed. The largest was the state’s biggest city, Salt Lake City.
A Closer Look at the Data
Utah ranked 44th in the nation for the percentage of residents that receive fluoridated water, according to data published in 2022 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. About two in five Utah residents served by community water systems received fluoridated water.
Conclusion
Utah’s proposal to ban fluoride in public water systems has sparked debate about the effectiveness and necessity of fluoridation. While some argue that it is too expensive, others believe that it is a crucial measure in preventing tooth decay and reducing other dental-related illnesses. The outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for other states and communities, and it is crucial to consider the potential consequences of a ban on fluoridation.
FAQs
* What is fluoride and why is it added to water?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is added to water to prevent tooth decay and reduce other dental-related illnesses.
* Is fluoridation effective?
Yes, fluoridation is considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century, and it is effective in preventing tooth decay and reducing cavities.
* What is the current state of fluoridation in Utah?
Utah ranks 44th in the nation for the percentage of residents that receive fluoridated water, with about two in five Utah residents served by community water systems receiving fluoridated water.
* What are the potential consequences of a ban on fluoridation?
A ban on fluoridation could lead to an increase in tooth decay and other dental-related illnesses, particularly in low-income communities and populations that do not have access to other forms of preventive dental care.
