Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Says Donald Trump Would Push to Remove Fluoride From Drinking Water

The Claim

The claim that Donald Trump would push to remove fluoride from drinking water is based on a statement made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental activist and the son of Robert F. Kennedy. Kennedy made the statement in an interview with The Hill, in which he said that Trump "is a climate change denier" and "would roll back all the environmental protections that have been put in place over the last 50 years." Kennedy also said that Trump "would push to remove fluoride from drinking water."

The Facts

Fluoride is a mineral that is added to drinking water in the United States and many other countries to help prevent tooth decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all community water systems fluoridate their water to a level of 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L). There is strong scientific evidence that fluoride is effective in preventing tooth decay. A 2015 review of the scientific literature found that fluoridation of drinking water reduces tooth decay by an average of 25%. Fluoride works by strengthening the teeth and making them more resistant to decay. There is no credible scientific evidence that fluoride is harmful to human health at the levels found in drinking water. The CDC has reviewed the safety of fluoride and found that it is safe for consumption by both children and adults.

The Implications

If Donald Trump were to push to remove fluoride from drinking water, it would have a significant impact on public health. Tooth decay is a major public health problem in the United States, and fluoridation of drinking water is one of the most effective ways to prevent it. Removing fluoride from drinking water would likely lead to an increase in tooth decay, particularly among children.

The Conclusion

The claim that Donald Trump would push to remove fluoride from drinking water is based on a statement made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental activist. There is no credible scientific evidence to support the claim that fluoride is harmful to human health at the levels found in drinking water. If Donald Trump were to push to remove fluoride from drinking water, it would have a significant impact on public health.