Salt Lake City, Utah is on the verge of becoming the first state to ban fluoride in public water systems, pending Governor Spencer Cox’s signature on a bill prohibiting the addition of the mineral known for fighting tooth decay.

The bill, HB0081, currently awaiting Cox’s decision, aims to prevent the addition of fluoride to water in public water systems statewide. If signed into law, this bill would not only ban the addition of fluoride but also repeal previous laws related to fluoridated water provisions.

Critics of fluoride, including the new federal health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have raised concerns about the health implications of the mineral. Despite major medical associations supporting water fluoridation, Kennedy Jr. has linked fluoride to various illnesses, sparking debate about its safety and efficacy.

Recent studies have looked into the effects of fluoride exposure on children’s IQ scores, with varying findings. While some studies suggest a link between higher fluoride exposure and lower IQ scores, others, like an Australian study, found no negative effects and even reported a slightly higher IQ in children who drank fluoridated water consistently.

Despite conflicting research findings, major public health groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association, and the CDC continue to support water fluoridation as a means to maintain strong teeth and reduce cavities. However, the anti-fluoridation movement has gained traction, with over 150 U.S. towns or counties opting to exclude fluoride from public water systems.

In Florida, legislation has been proposed to ban the addition of non-water quality additives, including fluoride, to public water supplies. The bill allows private water manufacturers to sell fluoridated water, providing consumers with the option to choose.

As the debate over water fluoridation continues to evolve, the recent pushback against fluoride in public water systems highlights growing concerns about government health policies and the role of consent in health decisions. The decision in Utah to potentially ban fluoride sets a precedent that could impact other states facing similar debates over water fluoridation.