Feb 06, 2024 08:00:00

Discussions are underway to regulate ``tap water fluoridation,'' which adjusts the fluoride concentration in tap water to prevent tooth decay, as it has a negative impact on brain development.

Fluoride , one of the compounds, has the ability to strengthen tooth enamel and is said to be useful in preventing and treating tooth decay, and is used as an ingredient in toothpaste. In some parts of the United States, the concentration of fluoride in tap water is adjusted to prevent tooth decay, but it has been suggested that fluoride may affect brain development. The argument is that we should stop adjusting the chemical concentration.

Food-and-Water-Watch-v-US-EPA | United States District Court, Northern District of California
https://www.cand.uscourts.gov/food-and-water-watch-v-us-epa/

Does fluoride in drinking water lower IQ? Question looms large in court battle | Science | AAAS
https://www.science.org/content/article/does-fluoride-drinking-water-lower-iq-question-looms-large-court-battle

In some areas of the United States, an initiative called ``

tap water fluoridation '' is being carried out to adjust the fluoride concentration in tap water to an appropriate level (approximately 1 ppm) to prevent tooth decay. In tap water fluoridation, if the fluoride concentration in the natural water that is the source of tap water is lower than the appropriate amount, fluoride is added to adjust it to the appropriate concentration, or conversely, if the fluoride concentration is too high, fluoride is added. Steps are taken to remove foreign substances and make adjustments.

Previous studies have shown that fluoridated tap water reduces tooth decay rates by up to 25% in all generations compared to regular tap water.

In the United States, over 200 million people, or approximately 73% of the population, will receive conditioned tap water by 2020, and the goal is to expand to 77% of the population by 2030.

On the other hand, it has been pointed out that ingesting large amounts of fluoride may have a negative effect on brain development.

The US National Toxicology Program (NTP) reports (PDF file) that children's IQ may decrease if they continue to ingest water with twice the appropriate amount of fluoride.

In response to these reports, the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) and other organizations have argued that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should regulate tap water fluoridation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). doing.

A trial is underway in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California regarding this claim, and various discussions are underway, including whether there is a safe threshold for fluoride intake.

Michael Connett, a lawyer for the plaintiffs who argues that ``tap water fluoridation should be regulated,'' said, ``Infants who are given powdered milk made using tap water are the most vulnerable of all generations of our nation.'' They are exposed to the harmful effects of monsters.' On the other hand, the EPA countered by saying, ``The prescribed level of fluoride in tap water, which is 0.7 milligrams per liter, does not have any adverse effects on the human body.'' 'Modern science and technology do not allow us to conclude that tap water fluoridation poses a health risk to humans,' attorney Paul Cainstick said.

Some dental health advocacy groups say, ``Activists advocating for regulation of tap water fluoridation are using the report to their own advantage by claiming that ``NTP suggests that there is no safe amount of fluoride intake.'' 'It is created so that it will be.' In addition, the American Dental Association is requesting that a disclaimer be added to the NTP report (PDF file) highlighting its scientific limitations.