Yorktown and Somers, two municipalities in New York state, have become the first towns in the United States to halt the practice of adding fluoride to their water supply following a recent federal court ruling that raised concerns over the risks fluoride poses to children’s intellectual development.

Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reassess fluoride’s potential impacts on children’s IQ, citing “unreasonable risks.”

In response to the ruling, Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman announced the town would suspend water fluoridation until more information is available.

“In light of this federal ruling and the long-standing concerns expressed by many Yorktown residents, I have decided to suspend water fluoridation as a precautionary measure,” Lachterman said in a statement issued Thursday.

“Our priority is the safety and well-being of our community, and we believe it is prudent to pause fluoridation to further assess its potential impacts.”

Somers, a neighboring town that shares water resources with Yorktown, will also stop receiving fluoridated water as a result of Yorktown’s decision.

Somers Supervisor Robert Scorrano expressed his agreement with Lachterman’s decision: 

“Removing fluoride from Somers’ drinking water would give residents the freedom to choose their own sources of fluoride, ensuring personal control over their health decisions,” Scorrano said, continuing, “Somers applauds Yorktown for making this decision.” 

Both towns have cited the judge’s ruling as a driving factor in their choice to take immediate action.

The ruling has sparked debate among public health officials. While many health experts maintain that fluoridation helps prevent tooth decay, growing concerns about its long-term effects on children’s cognitive health have prompted a reassessment of the practice.

This decision by Yorktown and Somers may set a precedent for other municipalities across the country as they await further guidance from the EPA.

For now, both towns are prioritizing public safety, with officials stating that they will continue to monitor the situation closely before making any permanent decisions regarding the future of water fluoridation.