Iran conflict throttles fluoride supply, forcing U.S. water systems to cut fluoride

The Hill reports that the Iran conflict is disrupting the global fluoride supply, prompting U.S. water systems to reduce or halt fluoridation: Maryland’s Baltimore-area systems lowered fluoride from 0.7 mg/L to 0.4 mg/L, and a Pennsylvania town paused fluoridation for weeks. Industry sources cite disrupted supply chains and higher shipping costs, with Israel a minor exporter of fluorosilicic acid; the EPA says it is assisting drinking water systems to address disruptions. About 70% of Americans receive fluoridated water, though there is no federal mandate and some states have moved to limit or ban fluoridation. Comment from major toothpastemakers was not obtained.