In a bold move for personal liberty, Utah has made history by becoming the first state in the United States to prohibit the addition of fluoride to its public water systems. It’s important to note that this ban, effective from May 7, 2025, does not affect naturally occurring fluoride but strictly targets the artificial addition of the compound.
The legislation was championed by Governor Spencer Cox who signed the bill into law, following strong advocacy from State Representative Kari Lisonbee and Senator Kirk Cullimore. The full text of the legislation can be found here.
Rep. Lisonbee emphasized the importance of giving residents the freedom to decide what enters their bodies. “For too long, we’ve accepted fluoridation without questioning its necessity or safety. Utah is taking a stand for personal liberty and clean water,” she declared.
Sen. Cullimore resonated with this sentiment during a legislative session, stating, “Communities should have the autonomy to decide what’s best for their water, not have it dictated by outdated mandates.” He further assured constituents by saying:
“We’ve heard from constituents who want fluoride out, and we’ve delivered.”
The decision aligns with earlier remarks made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has been a vocal critic of water fluoridation, labeling it as “industrial waste.” He previously announced that the Trump administration would advise all water systems to remove fluoride. He expressed his concerns about fluoride’s health risks, which include arthritis, bone fractures, and more.
“On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water. Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease.”
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr)
November 2, 2024
Kennedy also noted, with support from Donald and Melania Trump, their commitment to “Make America Healthy Again.”
However, this decision has not gone without criticism. The American Dental Association (ADA), through its President Linda Edgar, expressed concerns, highlighting decades of research supporting fluoridation as a safe, effective way to prevent tooth decay, particularly for children in underserved communities. Edgar warned, “Utah’s rollback could lead to a dental health crisis.”
