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RFK Jr. Says Trump Administration Would Advise Against Fluoride In Water

RFK Jr.: Trump Admin. Would've Advised Against Water Fluoridation

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., water activist, environmentalist, and son of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, told The Defender that the Trump administration would have advised against the fluoridation of water had he been successful in his bid to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

President Donald Trump nominated Kennedy to head the agency in 2017, but withdrew his nomination after political opposition.

RFK Jr. said he was “very disappointed” that he was not confirmed as EPA administrator, but he is “proud” of the work he did during the confirmation process.

“I think we raised a lot of important issues,” he said. “We talked about the need to reduce the use of toxic chemicals, the need to protect our water resources, the need to address climate change.”

RFK Jr. said he believes the Trump administration would have been “much more aggressive” in addressing water fluoridation had he been confirmed as EPA administrator.

“I think they would have taken a much closer look at the science of fluoride,” he said. “I think they would have been much more likely to advise against the fluoridation of water.”

The EPA has maintained for decades that water fluoridation is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay, but a growing number of scientists and public health experts are questioning the safety of the practice.

A 2015 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that fluoride can damage the brain of developing fetuses and children.

Another study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine in 2017, found that fluoride can increase the risk of dental fluorosis, a condition that causes white spots on the teeth.

RFK Jr. said he is “very concerned” about the potential health risks of water fluoridation.

“I think it's a very serious issue,” he said. “I think we need to take a much closer look at the science and I think we need to be much more cautious about fluoridating our water.”

The EPA is currently reviewing the science of fluoride and is expected to release a new report on the issue in 2023.

RFK Jr. said he hopes the EPA's new report will “take a hard look at the science” and will “come to the conclusion that fluoride is not safe for our water.”

“I think it's time for us to stop fluoridating our water,” he said. “I think it's time for us to find a safer way to prevent tooth decay.”