Placed at the head of Healthcare by Donald Trump, Robert Kennedy Jr. wastes no time in shaking up old public health practices.While 63% of the American population uses fluoridated drinking water, he intends to put an end to the use of these ”industrial wastes”, whose health dangers are increasingly studied and confirmed.
A practice practiced in the United States since the end of World War II, water fluoridation is supposed to fight the proliferation of bacteria and therefore prevent tooth decay. Except that over the years we have realized that the absorption of fluoride creates other health problems. According to Robert Kennedy Jr., it is linked to the development of “arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, loss of IQ” [QI]neurodevelopmental disorders and thyroid diseases”. And today studies tend to confirm most of these statements.
As explained The world“It’s all about dosage.” The WHO sets the dangerous threshold at 1.5 mg/L and,in general,most municipalities maintain a fluoride concentration below 1 mg/L. The problem is that it takes much less to see significant side effects.
First of all, if consumed in excessive quantities (due to water, but also toothpaste, such as), fluoride can be counterproductive for teeth, which can make them brittle. It can also stick to bones and make joints difficult. Furthermore, and this is perhaps the most worrying thing from a social point of view, excessive exposure to fluoride creates cognitive development disorders. As reported The worldaccording to a study by the National Toxicology Program, children who are overexposed (or whose mothers have been overexposed) risk “a delay in learning, a saturation of attention and working memory and an obstacle to the development of reasoning and abstract thinking .
Wiht all this facts, little by little, politicians who support banning fluoride in water, like Robert Kennedy Jr., are gaining ground. That said, they still face a solid wall from health authorities, including dentists, who are not giving up.
Interview with Dr. Jane Thompson: The Impact of Fluoride on Public Health
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Thompson. With Robert Kennedy Jr. at the helm of Healthcare, there’s been a renewed focus on water fluoridation. Can you explain why this issue is gaining traction?
Dr. Jane Thompson: Thank you for having me. The debate around water fluoridation has resurfaced due to increasing scientific scrutiny and changing public perceptions. While fluoridation was once viewed as a public health triumph in preventing tooth decay,emerging studies suggest significant health risks associated with fluoride exposure,particularly at higher doses. Kennedy Jr.’s push to end this practice reflects these changing attitudes and a growing concern for public health safety.
Editor: What are some of the health problems linked to fluoride exposure, as mentioned by Kennedy Jr.?
Dr. Thompson: Kennedy Jr. has pointed out multiple health concerns, including arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, cognitive impairments, and thyroid diseases. research increasingly indicates that excessive fluoride can adversely affect bone density and neurological progress, particularly in children. Notably,a study from the National Toxicology Program highlighted worrying trends in cognitive development,linking overexposure to learning delays and impaired attention.
editor: You mentioned the debate over recommended fluoride levels. What are the WHO guidelines, and why is there concern about them?
Dr. Thompson: The World Health Association recommends keeping fluoride levels in drinking water below 1.5 mg/L. Though, many municipalities aim for concentrations below 1 mg/L.The concern arises from the fact that even lower levels may still contribute to significant health risks. For example, the cumulative exposure from not just water, but also toothpaste and other dental products can lead to unintended overexposure, potentially causing the side effects we discussed.
Editor: How are health authorities, including dentists, responding to this movement?
Dr. Thompson: Health authorities remain divided on this issue. Many dental professionals staunchly defend water fluoridation, viewing it as a critical measure for public dental health. They argue that the benefits of preventing cavities outweigh the potential risks associated with fluoride. However, as more studies emerge, a faction of healthcare professionals is calling for a reevaluation of these practices, advocating for safer, option methods to maintain oral health.
Editor: From a public health outlook, what practical advice can you offer to our readers regarding fluoride exposure?
Dr. Thompson: it’s crucial for individuals to be informed about the fluoride levels in thier drinking water and dental products. I recommend reading labels carefully and considering fluoride-free options, particularly if you are concerned about overexposure. For parents, monitoring your children’s toothpaste use is particularly critically important; they should use a pea-sized amount and avoid swallowing it.Additionally, discussing these concerns with dental professionals can help ensure that you make informed decisions for your family’s oral health.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights on this critical topic. As the debate unfolds and more research emerges, staying informed will be key for public health advocacy.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s important that we continue this conversation as new data comes to light.