Trump Expected To Support Removal Of Fluoride From Drinking Water, According To RFK Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental activist and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, has claimed that President Donald Trump is expected to support the removal of fluoride from drinking water. Kennedy made the claim in a recent interview with The Intercept, citing sources close to the administration.
According to Kennedy, Trump is considering issuing an executive order that would direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review the safety of fluoride in drinking water and to consider removing it from the list of chemicals that are added to public water supplies. Kennedy said that Trump has been persuaded by a group of scientists and doctors who have expressed concerns about the health risks associated with fluoride.
The Science of Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in some foods and water sources. It has been added to public water supplies in the United States since the 1940s to help prevent tooth decay. However, there is some scientific evidence that suggests that fluoride may also have some negative health effects.
Some studies have linked fluoride exposure to an increased risk of bone fractures, thyroid problems, and reproductive problems. Other studies have found that fluoride may be harmful to the brain, especially in children.
The EPA has set a maximum allowable concentration of fluoride in drinking water at 4 milligrams per liter (mg/L). However, some scientists believe that even this level of exposure may be harmful.
The Trump Administration's Position on Fluoride
The Trump administration has not yet taken an official position on fluoride. However, the president has expressed some skepticism about the safety of fluoride in the past. In a 2016 interview with The New York Times, Trump said that he was "not a big fan" of fluoridation.
If Trump does issue an executive order on fluoride, it would be a significant departure from previous administrations. The Obama administration supported fluoridation, and the Bush administration took steps to increase the amount of fluoride in public water supplies.
It is unclear how the Trump administration's position on fluoride will affect the future of fluoridation in the United States. However, it is clear that the debate over the safety of fluoride is likely to continue.