Gov. Spencer Cox has signed legislation making Utah the first state to eliminate fluoride from its entire public water system. The new law follows mounting evidence that fluoride may impair children’s cognitive development and will take effect statewide on May 7.
to a major government-backed review, fluoride levels above 1.5 milligrams per liter were shown to lower IQ scores in children. The National Toxicology Program found consistent evidence across multiple studies from countries including Canada, China and Mexico, showing that higher fluoride exposure correlated with decreased intelligence.
BREAKING: Utah has become the first state to completely BAN fluoride in their drinking water.
All 50 states should follow suit! pic.twitter.com/YGogmMvuSG
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 30, 2025
In one of the more striking findings, a review of studies revealed that each 1 part per million increase in fluoride concentration in urine led to a 1-point IQ loss. Some of the strongest evidence came from children whose mothers had elevated fluoride levels during pregnancy, with sons in particular showing a 5-point IQ drop.
Utah banning fluoride and pride flags in the same day…
Check on your liberal friends. They might die. https://t.co/Ws9zf0Shn9— Storm (@stormrobinson) March 28, 2025
Gov. Cox cited the lack of noticeable differences between fluoridated and non-fluoridated regions in Utah, stating that such a policy should not be mandated without overwhelming evidence of benefit. He also emphasized that people should not be involuntarily exposed to a chemical with potential neurological effects.
The legislation bars cities and counties from adding fluoride on their own, effectively overriding local ordinances. Rep. Stephanie Gricius, who sponsored the bill, framed the move as protecting medical freedom and ensuring residents are not forced to consume a substance they may not support.
The ban comes as similar legislation is being considered in South Carolina, Florida and Ohio. The Trump administration has taken a strong stance on the issue, with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling fluoride an unnecessary risk to public health.
Utah’s existing fluoridation was already limited. In 2024, only 66 out of 484 public systems in the state included fluoride. Salt Lake City was among the few that still used it prior to the law’s passage.
