EPA to Review Health Risks of Fluoride in Drinking Water Following New Study
The EPA is launching a new scientific review to assess potential health risks of fluoride in drinking water following recent findings linking high exposure to lower IQ in children.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Apr 08, 2025
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday it will expedite a review of new scientific findings on the potential health effects of fluoride in drinking water.
The decision follows an August 2024 report from the National Toxicology Program, which found with “moderate confidence” that fluoride levels above 1.5 milligrams per liter may be linked to lower IQ in children. The report also called for further research into the impacts of lower concentrations.
EPA officials said the review will help determine whether the agency’s current fluoride standard — set at 4.0 milligrams per liter — should be revised under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The agency last evaluated its fluoride threshold in July 2024, before the latest findings were released.
“Without prejudging any outcomes, when this evaluation is completed, we will have an updated foundational scientific evaluation,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
The review will include a broader analysis of peer-reviewed research and is being conducted in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services.
Fluoride occurs naturally in groundwater but is also commonly added to municipal drinking water to promote dental health.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for EPOnlne.