Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that if Donald Trump wins the presidential election, his administration will order the removal of fluoride from water supplies. Kennedy claimed that Trump's administration would advise all U.S. water systems to eliminate fluoride from public water due to its alleged association with various medical conditions. He referred to fluoride as an 'industrial waste,' although it is naturally found in water and rocks, as per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fluoride has been linked to conditions such as arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease, according to Kennedy. However, the CDC recommends community water fluoridation as a cost-effective method to enhance oral health. Prolonged exposure to excessive fluoride can lead to skeletal fluorosis, causing weaker bones and joint pain.
A recent federal review by the National Institutes of Health's toxicology program suggested that higher fluoride levels could result in lowered IQ in children. Kennedy, known for promoting unfounded conspiracy theories about environmental chemicals, has previously made controversial claims about the impact of chemicals on children's sexual orientation.
Both Kennedy and Trump have hinted at a potential public health role for Kennedy in Trump's administration. Trump mentioned that Kennedy would oversee various public health agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture. Trump expressed support for Kennedy's views on health care and indicated that Kennedy would play a significant role in shaping health policies.