What you should know about the debate over flouride
- Utah has become the first state to prohibit the addition of fluoride to its public water systems, sparking debate over the practice.
- The American Dental Association supports water fluoridation, citing potential health benefits and economic costs of banning it.
- Some health groups are raising concerns about the use of fluoride in drinking water, with experts like Tao Wen warning about potential environmental impacts.
- Tao Wen’s research group studies the connection between energy, agriculture, urbanization, and water quality, highlighting the need for sustainable water management practices.
- The debate over fluoridation in public drinking water is complex and multifaceted, with different stakeholders weighing in on its benefits and drawbacks.
Fluoride in drinking water has become a highly charged topic in recent weeks.
In March, Utah became the first state to prohibit the addition of fluoride to the state’s public water systems, a move praised by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. However, some health groups are raising the alarm.
The American Dental Association continues to push for water fluoridation, saying a ban on the practice would hurt people, cost money, and eventually harm the economy.
Tao Wen is an assistant professor in the earth and environmental sciences department at Syracuse University. His research specialities include water sustainability and the connection between energy, agriculture, urbanization and water quality.
Here, he answers four questions about the use of fluoride in public drinking water, discussing how his research group studies water quality:
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