US presidential elections 2024 are underway. It’s a tight race between Democrat candidate Vice President “Kamala Harris” and her Republican rival former President “Donald Trump”. The air is filled with excitement and anxiety about the “2024 US election results”.
All those words in double quotes are being searched heavily on Google in the US– as is expected. But there is one more prominent trend that is quite an outlier. That’s the search for “Robert Kennedy” (Jr).
No, seriously, take a look.
Here’s what data from Google Trends, an analytics tool for web searches, taken on Tuesday around 3:30 pm EST (2:00 am Wednesday, IST).
The search volume for this keyword on Google is over 100,000. Not only that, the numbers suggest that the interest in this particular topic has gone up a massive 1000 per cent in the past two hours alone!
The trend breakdown provides an insight into why exactly this query is so popular. It’s got to do with “fluoride drinking water”.
Removing fluoride from drinking water
This spike follows a statement made by conspiracy-theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr on November 2. He had said that if Trump wins the presidency, the White House will advise US water systems to remove fluoride from public drinking water starting January 20.
Note that Robert Kennedy Jr. has endorsed Trump and is expected to play a significant role in a potential Trump administration. Trump has indicated that Kennedy would have substantial influence over public health policy, stating he would let Kennedy “go wild on health,” according to Wired.
Fluoride in drinking water: Healthy or hazardous?
Fluoride is a mineral added to public water supplies to prevent tooth decay, a practice endorsed by major health organisations like the American Dental Association. Approximately two-thirds of the US population receives fluoridated drinking water.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers water fluoridation one of the top public health achievements of the 20th century.
However, recent studies have raised concerns about potential health risks. In August 2024, the National Toxicology Program reported a “moderate confidence” link between higher fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children.
Subsequently, a federal judge ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement new regulations on fluoride levels in drinking water, citing potential risks to children’s intellectual development.
Whether the attention is good or bad, only time will tell.
With inputs from agencies
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