EPA holds a tool it rarely uses - the Toxic Substances Control Act. Many believe it's time for the agency to flex its water muscles and really protect public health.

In recent years, water fluoridation has come under renewed scrutiny due to evidence that the fluoride shows undeniable evidence of harm to brain development.

In a landmark classification published by The Lancet Neurology, fluoride has been categorized as a developmental neurotoxin, placing it alongside substances like lead, mercury, and arsenic. This revelation has profound implications, especially as millions of Americans consume fluoridated H2O daily.

What does the science say, and why should we reconsider our fluoride exposure? Let’s delve into the facts and explore a pivotal legal case that challenges long-standing assumptions about fluoride’s safety.

Girl drinking tap water amid concerns about health risks from fluoridation after recent court ruling

A Neurotoxin Identified

In March 2014, researchers Dr. Philippe Grandjean from the Harvard School of Public Health and Dr. Philip Landrigan from the Icahn School of Medicine of New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine, conducted a meta-analysis examining fluoride’s cognitive impact. Their analysis of 27 studies, primarily from China, revealed that children exposed to elevated fluoride levels exhibited an average IQ reduction of seven points. Many of these fluoride levels align with those permitted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which allows up to 4 milligrams per liter in drinking water.

Dr. Grandjean remarked,

“Fluoride seems to fit in with lead, mercury, and other poisons that cause chemical brain drain. “The effect of each toxicant may seem small, but the combined damage on a population scale can be serious, especially because the brain power of the next generation is crucial to all of us.”

Fluoride’s reclassification as a neurotoxin underscores its link to developmental disorders like autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and other cognitive impairments. Unlike some health issues, the damage caused by neurotoxins is often permanent and untreatable, making prevention critical.

The Extent of Fluoride Exposure

Despite mounting evidence of harm, fluoride remains pervasive in the United States. According to the latest water fluoridation statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 210  million Americans consume fluoridated drinking water. While the CDC continues to advocate for water fluoridation as a measure to prevent dental decay, its own data reveals troubling statistics: 41% of American teenagers show signs of dental fluorosis. This condition, marked by tooth discoloration and enamel damage, indicates excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development.

If fluoride can visibly alter teeth, what might it be doing to the brain and other organs? Dental fluorosis is a physical marker of overexposure, signaling a systemic issue that warrants urgent attention.

A glass of tap water amid concerns about health risks from h2o fluoridation after federal court ruling

Fluoride and Brain Health

Fluoride’s classification as a neurotoxin in 2006, by the National Research Council places it in the company of other chemicals known to disrupt brain development. Neurotoxins interfere with the brain’s delicate processes, leading to lasting consequences on learning, behavior, and cognitive function. Given the rising prevalence of developmental disorders, it’s critical to evaluate fluoride’s role as a potential contributing factor.

What’s particularly concerning is the resistance among public health organizations to revisit fluoride guidelines. Are these entities prioritizing the maintenance of outdated policies over the well-being of future generations? The evidence demands that we reassess our approach.

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A Pivotal Legal Battle On H2O Fluoridation 

The debate over fluoride’s safety reached a turning point with the case of Food & Water Watch vs. EPA. Michael Connett, a partner at Siri & Glimstad LLP, served as lead counsel in this groundbreaking lawsuit. The case sought to compel the EPA to ban the addition of fluoride to drinking water under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Connett’s argument centered on the wealth of scientific evidence linking fluoride to neurodevelopmental harm. The court heard expert testimonies highlighting fluoride’s potential to impair brain function, particularly in children. While the case’s final ruling is still pending, it represents a significant step toward holding regulatory agencies accountable and reexamining policies that may no longer serve public health.

Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter said,

“Today’s ruling represents an important acknowledgement of a large and growing body of science indicating serious human health risks associated with fluoridated drinking water. This court looked at the science and acted accordingly. Now the EPA must respond by implementing new regulations that adequately protect all Americans – especially our most vulnerable infants and children – from this known health threat.”

The Ethical Dilemma

The persistence of fluoridation policies raises ethical concerns. If the precautionary principle—which emphasizes erring on the side of caution when evidence of harm exists—were applied, we would see immediate action to reduce fluoride exposure. Public health should be grounded in transparency and the latest scientific findings, yet fluoridation policies appear to resist this standard.

A sign that illustrates a federal court's findings about health risks from water fluoridation.

As Dr. Grandjean has pointed out back in 2006, about neurotoxins, which fluoride is now classified as:

"The brains of our children are our most precious economic resource, and we haven't recognized how vulnerable they are," says Grandjean. "We must make protection of the young brain a paramount goal of public health protection. You have only one chance to develop a brain."

What Can You Do?

Reducing fluoride exposure starts with individual action and community advocacy. Here are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:

1. Filter Your H2O: Use filtration systems like reverse osmosis or activated alumina to remove fluoride from your H2O supply.

2. Choose Fluoride-Free Products: Opt for fluoride-free toothpaste and dental treatments, especially for children.

3. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about fluoride sources, including processed foods and beverages.

4. Advocate for Policy Change: Support local and national efforts to revisit fluoridation guidelines.

5. Spread Awareness: Share reliable information with your community to foster informed decision-making.

Moving Forward

While fluoride’s role in reducing tooth decay is well-documented and studied, the science around its neurotoxic effects cannot be ignored. Striking a balance between dental health benefits and potential risks to cognitive development is essential. By embracing evidence-based policies and empowering individuals with knowledge, we can safeguard public health without compromising future generations.

Fluoride’s classification as a developmental neurotoxin has been a wake-up call. 

The recent waterbreaking federal court ruling in California has mandated that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tighten its regulation of fluoride in drinking water nationwide. The court concluded that stricter controls are required under the Toxic Substances Control Act. This landmark decision marks a pivotal moment for public health and H2O safety standards.

We want to listen to Dr. Phillippe Grandjean, who authored many of the most important peer-reviewed studies on developmental exposures to neuro-toxic chemicals like mercury, fluoride, and lead who said

“The weight of epidemiological evidence leaves no reasonable doubt that developmental neurotoxicity is a serious human health risk associated with elevated fluoride exposure, including those occurring at the levels added to Adams Ale in fluoridated areas. The IQ losses associated with community H2O fluoridation are substantial and of significant public health concern.”

Let’s use this moment to reimagine our approach to fluoride and prioritize the long-term well-being of our children. Let us also pay attention to what else needs rethinking in our air, food and H2O. 

Let us know what you think in the comments.

Watch the video below with Michael Connett, partner at Siri & Glimstad. Michael won this landmark case on fluoride Food & Water Watch vs. EPA. A federal court ordered the EPA to strengthen fluoride regulations in drinking water, citing risks to young developing brains.