Fluoride Levels Cut in U.S. Cities as Iran War Disrupts Key Chemical Supply Chains

Water systems serving millions temporarily reduce fluoridation amid shortages tied to international supply constraints.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Water utilities across multiple U.S. regions are lowering fluoride levels in public drinking water as supply disruptions tied to the ongoing Iran conflict impact access to key treatment chemicals, according to an Epoch Times report.

Officials in Baltimore announced April 13 that fluoride concentrations would be reduced from the standard 0.7 milligrams per liter to 0.4 milligrams per liter, citing limited availability of necessary materials. The adjustment affects approximately 1.8 million residents served by the city’s system.

“This is an adjustment driven solely by supply availability,” said Matthew Garbark, director of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, in a statement. “We remain committed to providing safe, high-quality drinking water.”

The shortage is linked to disruptions in the global supply chain, including reduced output from a major supplier in Israel, a key exporter of fluorosilicic acid, a compound widely used in water fluoridation.

Other utilities have reported similar changes. WSSC Water, which provides service to about 1.9 million people in Maryland’s Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, said earlier this month it had also reduced fluoride levels to 0.4 milligrams per liter due to “nationwide supply chain disruptions.” Officials cited difficulty sourcing hydrofluorosilicic acid as the conflict continues to strain international production and distribution.

“This is a temporary adjustment driven solely by supply availability,” said Ben Thompson, director of production for WSSC Water, adding that normal levels would be restored when supply conditions improve.

In Pennsylvania, the borough of Lititz halted fluoridation for several weeks in March because of similar shortages, indicating the issue is affecting multiple regions.

Industry officials warn that further disruptions may follow. Dan Hartnett, chief policy officer for the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, said ongoing geopolitical tensions could place additional strain on supply chains, potentially leading to shortages in other communities.

Health experts say the temporary reduction is unlikely to pose immediate ‘risks’ for most people. Dr. Scott Tomar, an American Dental Association expert on community water fluoridation, said that while short-term decreases are generally not concerning, prolonged reductions could affect dental health over time, particularly for children whose developing teeth benefit most from fluoride exposure.

The developments come as some jurisdictions have already reevaluated fluoridation policies. A 2024 report from the National Institutes of Health concluded with moderate confidence that higher fluoride exposure is associated with lower IQ levels in children, prompting renewed debate over its use.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stated that fluoride from toothpaste is sufficient for maintaining dental health, while federal regulators have indicated further review may be forthcoming. The Environmental Protection Agency announced earlier this year it would assess the safety of adding fluoride to public water systems.

As the conflict abroad continues to affect industrial supply chains, U.S. water providers are adjusting operations to maintain service continuity while managing limited access to key treatment inputs.