Summarised by Centrist
For years, Rick North thought fluoride in water was safe. But after reviewing scientific studies, including a 2006 report, he changed his mind. Now, as a member of the Fluoride Action Network, North is part of a lawsuit against the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The recent court ruling found that water fluoridation could reduce children’s IQ, calling it an “unreasonable risk.” This decision may push the EPA to act.
North explained that despite evidence from numerous studies, the EPA has resisted calls to stop fluoridation. One key report, delayed for years, finally linked fluoride exposure to lower IQs in children. “It’s in the water pregnant women drink, affecting their babies’ brains,” he said.
Some US cities have already paused or stopped water fluoridation following the ruling. North noted that while the EPA has 60 days to appeal, local communities can make their own decisions now.
The US is an outlier, with more people exposed to fluoridated water than anywhere else in the world. North believes that commercial and government pressures are behind its promotion, calling fluoride “a hazardous waste byproduct” from the phosphate industry. He said, “If it turns out they were wrong, their reputations will suffer.”
