What RFK Jr could do on US vaccines, fluoride and drugs

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been nominated by Donald Trump to be the new health secretary of the United States. This position is very important because the health secretary oversees many aspects of public health, including food safety, pharmaceuticals, and vaccinations. If the Senate approves his nomination, Kennedy will lead major health agencies that employ around 80,000 people and manage a budget of about a trillion dollars. Kennedy has a history of expressing views that go against the consensus of many health experts, particularly regarding vaccines. He has been a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement for nearly two decades, making claims that childhood vaccinations are linked to autism, a statement that has been widely discredited by scientists. Despite this, he insists that he is not anti-vaccine and has stated that he vaccinated his own children. If he becomes health secretary, Kennedy has expressed a desire to review government vaccine safety data and share his findings with the public. He has also emphasized that he would not take away vaccines from those who find them effective, advocating for informed choice based on accurate information. Following the announcement of his nomination, the stock prices of major vaccine manufacturers like Moderna and Pfizer saw a decline. In addition to his views on vaccines, Kennedy has been vocal about the food and pharmaceutical industries. Trump mentioned that Americans have been misled by these companies for too long, and Kennedy has echoed this sentiment. He believes that the food and drug industries, along with the regulatory bodies that oversee them, are responsible for the declining health of Americans. Kennedy has called for significant changes to the regulations surrounding food additives, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. He has specifically mentioned wanting to ban certain food dyes and additives, arguing that many ingredients allowed in American food are banned in Europe due to health concerns. He has claimed that corruption within regulatory agencies has allowed harmful substances to remain in the food supply. An FDA spokesperson responded by stating that both the US and Europe apply similar scientific approaches to safety assessments, but differences in regulations and methodologies can lead to varying results. Another controversial stance taken by Kennedy is his position on fluoride in drinking water. He has pledged to remove fluoride, a mineral commonly added to water supplies to prevent cavities, claiming it is linked to various health issues. Although the decision to add fluoride is typically made by state and local authorities, Kennedy stated that the Trump administration would advise all US water systems to eliminate fluoride. He argues that fluoride is an industrial waste that can cause serious health problems, despite the fact that the US Public Health Service has recommended fluoride in water for decades. Some experts have begun to question the necessity of fluoride in water systems, especially since it is widely available in toothpaste and other dental products. In many parts of Europe, fluoride is not added to drinking water at all. Kennedy's views on health and safety are contentious, and he will face tough questions from senators during his confirmation hearings. He has also indicated plans to make significant changes within health agencies, including firing hundreds of employees at the National Institutes of Health and other agencies, claiming that they are influenced by corporate interests.