SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s first-in-the-nation ban on adding fluoride to public drinking water goes into effect Wednesday, as dentists who treat children and low-income patients say they are bracing for an increase in tooth decay among the state’s most vulnerable populations.
Republican Gov. Spencer Cox signed the law despite recommendations by many dentists and state health experts to remove fluoride, who warn that removing it will harm tooth development, especially for young patients who don’t get regular dental care.
Republican Rep. Stephanie Grisius, the bill’s sponsor, said she doesn’t deny that fluoride has some benefits but doesn’t think the government should give it to people without their informed consent.
U.S. Surgeon General Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised Utah for being the first state to enact a ban and said he plans to direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending fluoride nationwide.
Florida could soon become the second state to ban fluoride under a bill awaiting Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature. Legislatures in Ohio and South Carolina are considering similar measures.
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