The Biden administration played down public health concerns about fluoride after a landmark court decision said EPA must regulate the teeth-strengthening chemical in drinking water.
EPA spokesperson Jeff Landis said the agency “is in the process of reviewing the district court’s decision,” which ruled fluoride chemicals at levels considered “optimal” may present an unreasonable risk of lowering kids’ IQs.
“While the decision finds a risk sufficient to trigger regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act, it is important to note that the court does not ‘conclude with certainty that fluoridated water is injurious to public health,’ and defers to EPA’s expertise as to how to evaluate and regulate fluoride appropriately moving forward,” Landis said in an email Friday afternoon.
“The agency, in coordination with the Department of Justice, will consider all options going forward to determine next steps,” Landis continued.
