The American Council on Science and Health is a nonprofit organization that promotes science-based analysis and public education on issues including healthcare, medicine, nutrition, toxicology, pharmaceuticals, and public policy.
Coverage areas
Guests (1)
Episodes (1)
2026-03-31
Susan Goldhaber Discusses the Fluoride Controversy and Public Healthwith Susan Goldhaber
In the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast, host Brian Hyde interviews Susan Goldhaber, a writer for the American Council on Science and Health, about the ongoing fluoride controversy. Goldhaber discusses the Environmental Protection Agency's new toxicity assessment of fluoride in drinking water, its historical context, and the implications of recent studies linking fluoride to potential neurological effects in children. The episode highlights the contrasting views of public health advocates and organizations like the American Dental Association regarding the safety and necessity of water fluoridation.
Notable quotes
“Fluoride has a really interesting history... It started back in 1909 when there was a doctor named Frederick McKay.”
“In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first city in the world to add fluoride to their drinking water.”
“Fluoride, like all chemicals, has different effects at different levels.”
“One of their main persuasive arguments is we don't need it anymore because people get enough fluoride from other sources now.”
“It's very difficult to throw out a whole, particularly when the National Toxicology Program says that you need to be concerned about this.”
“I think the ADA will be a big part of the ones defending, not lowering it.”