The Ongoing Debate Over Water Fluoridation in New York City
New York City has been fluoridating its tap water since 1965, a significant public health initiative that began when Mayor Eric Adams was just five years old. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes water fluoridation as one of the “Ten Great Public Health Achievements” of the 20th century, highlighting its importance in preventing dental cavities and promoting oral health.
A publication released by the New York City health department in 2022 encourages parents to provide their children with tap water to enhance fluoride intake, as the city’s water supply is treated to include this beneficial mineral. However, the conversation surrounding water fluoridation has become increasingly contentious, particularly with the rise of political figures who challenge established public health practices.
President-elect Donald J. Trump has made headlines by expressing his willingness to allow Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to take a more prominent role in health policy discussions. Kennedy, a well-known vaccine skeptic and environmental attorney who has withdrawn his own presidential candidacy to support Trump, has advocated for the elimination of water fluoridation. His claims, which lack the endorsement of medical or public health professionals, suggest that fluoride is linked to various health issues, including:
- Arthritis
- Bone fractures
- Bone cancer
- Decreased IQ
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Thyroid disease
Trump has indicated that Kennedy’s proposal to reduce water fluoridation “sounds OK” to him, further complicating the public discourse on this issue. This week, Mayor Adams, a conservative Democrat who is currently facing federal corruption charges and is preparing for an upcoming trial in April, appeared hesitant to fully endorse the benefits of fluoridated water. After deflecting questions for two consecutive days, he eventually stated that he supports water fluoridation.
“I’m not too familiar with the whole conversation around fluoride, what makes it good or bad,” Adams remarked during his first press conference following Trump’s election. This statement reflects the growing uncertainty and polarized opinions surrounding a practice that has been widely accepted in public health for decades.
