Tag: epa

In determining what the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of fluoride in water should be, the EPA sought the recommendations of the Surgeon General. In 1983, the Surgeon General assembled a medical committee to advise the EPA on the “non-dental health effects of fluoride.” On April 18 and 19, 1983, the Surgeon General’s panel convened in Bethesda, […]

1974: The Safe Drinking Water Act is passed requiring EPA to set federally enforceable standards that protect against all “known or anticipated adverse effects.” 1975: EPA sets a federally-enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of fluoride to protect against moderate/severe dental fluorosis. The MCL is set at 1.4 – 2.4 ppm fluoride – the same standard issued as […]

conclusions of the medical/scientific committees: April 18-19, 1983 – Surgeon General’s Panel on Non-Dental Health Effects of Fluoride   Nov 17, 1984 – National Institute of Mental Health Dec 7, 1984 – National Drinking Water Advisory Council Letters from EPA Officials (1979-1985): Apr 17, 1979 – Letter to Sen. Strom Thurmond from Regional Administrator, John White […]

In 1985, the EPA increased the maximum level of fluoride allowed in drinking water to roughly twice the level previously deemed safe. Following EPA’s alteration to the standard, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) filed suit against the Agency. The NRDC argued that the new, weakened standard was unsafe and a violation of the Safe […]