Utah has become the first state in the US to ban fluoride from public drinking water, with Governor Spencer Cox signing a law on Thursday to ban the tooth-strengthening additive by May 7.
The legislation, known as H.B. 81, prohibits the addition of fluoride while allowing pharmacists to prescribe fluoride tablets as an alternative for those wishing to continue its use.
Learn more about the all-new VT News and subscribe today!
The decision has sparked bipartisan debate among lawmakers, with some expressing concerns over potential health implications of removing fluoride, which is widely regarded for its cavity-preventing benefits.
Despite the ban, public water managers do not expect significant changes in water bills for residents, with minimal savings anticipated.
The move aligns Utah with a growing trend where other states, such as North Dakota and Tennessee, are also considering similar anti-fluoride measures.
The legislation has garnered national attention, particularly due to its association with controversial figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been a vocal opponent of water fluoridation.
Add comment