Fluoride Science on Trial in Case With Broader Chemical Impacts

The health effects of a cavity-fighting chemical backed by health providers for decades will be on trial starting Wednesday, marking a unique development in implementation of the EPA’s landmark chemicals law.

A federal judge in California will decide if adding fluoride to the drinking water of 200 million Americans is too risky for children’s developing brains based on research showing it could lower their IQs.

If Judge Edward M. Chen decides fluoride poses an unreasonable risk, the Environmental Protection Agency would have to restrict its drinking water use in some way.

The case, Food & Water Watch Inc. v. EPA ...