EPA Changes Mind About Fluoride?

[leesw]

I don't know if folks have heard because this happened a few months ago but it didn't get any media attention that I could see.

But the EPA is now saying that we shouldn't have fluoride in drinking water or toothpaste or at least should have much less. They now say it causes cancer, brittle bones and hormone disruption (whatever that is). Here's an article about it: EPA Reverses Itself On Fluoride.

My question is, it's been 60 years and it appears that a lot of the research that changed their mind has been around for a while. Why are they just now telling us this? A lot of people, including dentists and medical professionals (not to mention a ton of alternative medicine folks) have been saying it's bad for a long, long time.

Anyway, I thought it was interesting that they've reversed themselves after 60 years.

 

[billwald]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Arbo]

...and hormone disruption (whatever that is).

That's the biggest invitation for a marriage joke I've seen on BB.:laugh:

 

[Deacon]

My question is, it's been 60 years and it appears that a lot of the research that changed their mind has been around for a while. Why are they just now telling us this? A lot of people, including dentists and medical professionals (not to mention a ton of alternative medicine folks) have been saying it's bad for a long, long time.

The answer to your question is found by researching the original article.

There was no "reversal" of opinion.
There is a recognized benefit to controlled doses of floride.
They've also known that there are significant hazzards to overdosage.

Recently they've come to realize that people are getting their floride from a variety of sources and that they should reduce the recommended levels found in community water supplies.

HHS and EPA announce new scientific assessments and actions on fluoride

Agencies working together to maintain benefits of preventing tooth decay while preventing excessive exposure


There are several reasons for the changes seen over time, including that Americans have access to more sources of fluoride than they did when water fluoridation was first introduced in the United States in the 1940s. Water is now one of several sources of fluoride. Other common sources include dental products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses, prescription fluoride supplements, and fluoride applied by dental professionals. Water fluoridation and fluoride toothpaste are largely responsible for the significant decline in tooth decay in the U.S. over the past several decades.

Rob

 

[thomas15]

EPA Changes Mind About Fluoride

Not again!

 

[billwald]

How many times has the EPA changed its mind on fluoride?