WASHINGTON, Jan 28 — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched the initial phase of an expedited review to determine safe concentrations of fluoride in public drinking water, according to a notice posted in the Federal Register. The agency says its final toxicity assessment could prompt revisions to drinking water standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act and will inform Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.
What the Review Covers
The Federal Register notice states the EPA will produce a draft toxicity assessment on fluoride and make it available for external peer review. The draft will be open for a 30-day public comment period. The final assessment will be used to evaluate whether current regulatory limits and public-health recommendations for fluoride require adjustment.
Background and Legal Context
In 2024 a federal judge ordered the EPA to strengthen fluoride regulation and to address concerns raised about potential effects of fluoridated drinking water on children's IQ. Last April, the agency said it would expedite the next fluoride health assessment under the six‑year review schedule set by the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Policy, Science and Political Pressure
The expedited review comes amid political pressure from the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who oppose adding fluoride to public water systems. Kennedy has said he would convene an independent panel to reassess fluoride and directed agencies to reconsider recommendations for community water fluoridation. Critics note that some of Kennedy's claims about fluoride lack support from mainstream scientific evidence.
The American Dental Association continues to endorse community water fluoridation, citing studies that show it reduces tooth decay by more than 25% in children and adults. Separately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in May that it would remove fluoride supplements marketed for children from the market.
Next Steps
The EPA will accept public comments for 30 days following the Federal Register notice and will subject the draft toxicity assessment to external peer review before finalizing its conclusions. Any regulatory changes would follow the agency's review process and, if adopted, could lead to revised guidance from the CDC and updates to Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Reporting: Valerie Volcovici and Leah Douglas in Washington. Editing: Bill Berkrot.
