Florida’s Surgeon General, Joseph A. Ladapo, has teamed up with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in raising concerns about fluoride in our water. Dr. Ladapo points to some controversial studies suggesting that the compound might be harmful to developing brains.
I’m resisting the urge here to suggest any connections between these studies and our political figures.
According to The Washington Post, even with new chemicals making an appearance alongside fluoride in our drinking water, most experts still agree that tap water is generally safe for consumption.
Of course, identifying trustworthy experts can be tricky. We’ve seen evolving expert opinions on many topics over the years. Take, for instance, a recent Wall Street Journal article that claims red wine, once hailed as heart-healthy, is now possibly detrimental—along with all alcohol, even in moderation. That might prompt beer ads to rethink those “drink responsibly” messages. Ironically, trying to figure out what’s beneficial or harmful could drive anyone to have a drink.
Back in the 1950s, when fluoride made its debut in public water supplies—and later in toothpaste—as part of an anti-cavity drive, it was widely backed by medical, dental, and public health bodies in the U.S. and Canada. Yet, far-right conspiracy groups like The John Birch Society claimed fluoride was a communist plot—though, I must admit, I embellished that by a smidge. It reminds me of “Dr. Strangelove,” a classic by Stanley Kubrick, where the character Brig. Gen. Jack D. Ripper, played by Sterling Hayden, is preoccupied with what he called “our vital bodily fluids.”
Here’s a memorable exchange from the film that showcases just how longstanding conspiracy theories are:
Peter Sellers portrayed Group Captain Lionel Mandrake.
General Ripper: “Have you ever seen a Commie drink a glass of water?”
Mandrake: “Well, no, I can’t say I have.”
Ripper: “Vodka. That’s what they drink, isn’t it? Never water.”
Mandrake: “Well, I believe that’s what they drink, Jack. Yes.”
Ripper: “On no account will a Commie ever drink water and not without good reason.”
Mandrake: “Yes. I — I don’t quite see what you’re getting at, Jack.”
Ripper: “Water. That’s what I’m getting at. Water.”
It’s a pity Ripper didn’t mention fluoride, but Kubrick’s satire is timeless.
We’ve been faced with contradicting and sometimes outright incorrect information over the years on various issues, most recently about masks during the Covid-19 pandemic (sometimes deemed effective, other times not), and vaccines (protective but not always foolproof). Coffee was bad, now it’s fine. Alar on apples was worrisome; now it seems okay. At one point, worries about global cooling suggested an Ice Age would doom us; now it’s climate change and heat. Eggs used to be taboo, now they’re acceptable. Nuts were frowned upon, but raw nuts are now seen as healthful. Even pasta went from bad to good, so long as you pick the right variety. And milk has seen its debates too—2% or skim versus whole.
The list continues.
No matter the confusion, a balanced mindset keeps shining through as a reliable health approach: moderation in everything, a nutritious diet, and exercise continue as golden guidelines. Those haven’t shifted, even if the experts seem to change their minds frequently. Proponents of what’s been labeled “junk science” argue that new research explains these shifts in perspective. Meanwhile, we’re advised to trust today’s scientific consensus and alter our lifestyles based on these insights.
Personally, I’ve been drinking fluoridated water and using fluoride toothpaste all my life. It seems to have done me no harm, so I plan to stick with it and see if the “science” evolves further.
Feel free to reach out to Cal Thomas at [email protected]. Check out my latest book, “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (Humanix Books).
