HHS and EPA Announce Interagency Actions on Fluoride

On January 7, 2010 the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collaboratively announced new scientific assessments and actions on fluoride.

Action taken by HHS:

Noting that community water fluoridation ranks among the nation’s top-10 public health achievements, HHS reported that it utilized the latest scientific data to update its recommended optimal level of fluoride to 0.7 milligrams per liter. The new recommended level to prevent tooth decay is at the lower end of the previously recommended range of 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams per liter. The new optimal level reflects the most recent scientific evidence that Americans have access to more sources of fluoride than in the past and that Americans are now drinking water at similar levels nationwide. The HHS recommendations will now go into the Federal Register for a 30-day public comment period.

Read more at: www.hhs.gov/news

Action taken by EPA:

The EPA announced the release of its scientific assessment on fluoride that followed from recommendations made in 2006 by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), which was asked by EPA to review new data on fluoride. Further analysis by the EPA is being conducted that will lead to a decision whether or not to revise the current standard for the highest level of fluoride allowable in public water supplies (referred to as the maximum contaminant level or MCL), which is currently set at 4.0 milligrams per liter.

Read more at: www.epa.gov