Summarised by Centrist

In a landmark ruling, a US Federal Court has ruled that fluoridation at the recommended level of 0.7 mg/L poses an “unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment”.  

The court’s decision comes after scientific evidence showed that fluoride levels commonly found in drinking water pose a risk to developing brains. Toxicologist Prof Philippe Grandjean presented evidence showing that maternal fluoride exposure is linked to a drop in children’s IQ. 

The ruling, part of Food & Water Watch Inc. v. EPA, means that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must implement new regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act to better protect public health. 

Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of Food & Water Watch, praised the decision, stating: “Today’s ruling represents an important acknowledgement of a large and growing body of science indicating serious human health risks associated with fluoridated drinking water… Now the EPA must respond by implementing new regulations that adequately protect all Americans – especially our most vulnerable infants and children.”

The court’s findings could have implications for countries like New Zealand, where fluoride levels in drinking water are often higher than those in the US, up to 1 mg/L. 

Editor’s note: Tauranga City Council must begin fluoridating the city’s water by the end of next month or face substantial fines after their request for an extension was denied by the Ministry of Health.

Read more over at Food & Water Watch and Fluoride-Free NZ