Debate over fluoridation comes as U.S. Health Secretary RFK Jr. spouts skepticism over what experts call decades of science
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) — Fluoride has been in Eau Claire’s drinking water since the 1950′s, according to staff with the utilities department.
“The current CIP account for fluoride, the current budget is $53,000 for this year.On average, we’re spending around that,” said Cole Cloutier, a utilities engineer with the city.
More than 80% of Wisconsin municipalities in total have implemented fluoridation practices, according The City-County Health Department. Much further away from the Badger State, a ban on fluoride in public water supplies was implemented in Utah. The U.S. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. being the biggest supporter of this move.
“It has emerged as the leader in ‘making America healthy again’,” said Kennedy Jr. “Now we know there is no systemic advantage—zero systemic advantage—and that the only advantage comes from topical application.”
A foreign study that suggested low IQ levels among children are linked to the use of fluoride in the drinking water. However, the study from JAMA Pediatrics is said to have tested this theory with water that contained well above the 4 milligram per liter standard set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“That’s the general rule. 4 milirgams per liter mark to stay under is to prevent damage to teeth and staining of teeth, turning them a black-ish color,” said Mark Nelson, a chemist for Eau Claire utilities.
The EPA however announced it too would look at the study and its findings.
“So what the EPA is going to do is go back and look at these studies that have come out since July of 2024…and we’re prepared to act based on the science,” said Lee Zeldin, the agency’s administrator.
Eau Claire has maintained a .7 milligram per liter standard since 2015.
“On average it’s about 16 — 22 gallons a day, depending on how much water we pump,” said Coultier.
RFK Jr. is now looking to have the CDC stop recommending the use of fluoride in the drinking water. He has been known to be a public opponent of fluoridation.
“At any point in time in looking at science it’s what we do in public health, as we learn more we apply those learnings,” said Lieske Giese, the Eau Claire City-County Health Department Director. “At very small amounts it can be helpful, where we know at high levels it can be problematic.”
Giese said a small amount of fluoride, like the city has been using for years, can go a long way.
“We do know that people that don’t have strong teeth do have a strong likelihood of having dental health issues, which can lead to significant health issues,” said Giese.
The U.S. Health Secretary has also expressed he wants the CDC to ban fluoridation. However, he cannot do that. Though, he can work with the EPA to change the recommended amount of fluoride.
Surrounding municipalities that include the cities of Altoona and Chippewa Falls do not use fluoride and the drinking water supply. Neither does the Village of Lake Hallie. Altoona and Chippewa Falls did not respond back to requests for interview. The Lake Hallie board president said he could not comment on why the village does not use fluoride, as it was a policy implemented before he began serving the village.
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