A federal judge in California has ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen regulations for fluoride in drinking water due to potential risks to children’s developing brains. The judge sided with advocacy groups who argued that current levels of fluoride in drinking water are potentially harmful and require regulatory intervention under the Toxic Substances Control Act. While the judge acknowledged the scientific evidence linking fluoride to reduced IQ, he stopped short of concluding that fluoridated water poses an imminent public health threat. The ruling was celebrated by environmental groups, including Food & Water Watch, who had sued the EPA for denying their petition to ban fluoridation chemicals from public drinking water. The EPA has stated that they are reviewing the decision.
Fluoridated drinking water has been in practice in the U.S. since 1945, with approximately 75% of the population currently receiving water with recommended levels of 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter. While this practice is widespread in the U.S., it is less common in Europe. Dentists and doctors recommend fluoridated water as it can help protect children’s teeth, but there have been concerns about potential risks, leading to ongoing debates and legal actions surrounding the issue.
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