Fluoride

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a $57.6 million cleanup agreement with Columbia Falls Aluminum Company to address pollution from decades of aluminum smelting at its Montana site. The agreement outlines mitigation of toxic byproducts like arsenic, fluoride, and cyanide, with the site previously added to the Superfund list in 2016. The cleanup plan includes capping waste to prevent soil and water contamination, though the 647-page agreement requires a 30-day public comment period and court review before finalization.

A Louisiana bill awaiting Governor Jeff Landry’s signature would allow local communities to vote on removing fluoride from their drinking water systems. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Mike Fesi, replaces a law requiring 15% of voters to petition to keep fluoride out, instead enabling elections for removal decisions. Opponents, including the Louisiana Dental Association, argue fluoride improves dental health, while Fesi claims it poses health risks.

The war in Iran is disrupting global fluoride supply chains, causing shortages that have led local governments to reduce fluoride use. Two major Maryland water systems serving Baltimore and suburban D.C. have temporarily adjusted their fluoride usage.

A fluoride shortage in the U.S. is disrupting drinking water systems due to a key chemical shortage linked to Middle East conflict. Israel, a major producer of this chemical, is affected by the regional instability, leading some U.S. water systems to reduce fluoride levels.

A long-term study tracking over 10,000 individuals for decades found no negative impact of fluoride on brain function. The research, highlighted by NBC News' Erika Edwards, suggests fluoride is safe for cognitive health.