Fluoride and its presence in public water has become a hot-button issue in the United States. More and more communities and government officials are rethinking whether the benefits fluoride provides our teeth outweigh its potential health risks. But history shows fluoride is no stranger to controversy or conspiracy theories. Over the years, the naturally-occurring mineral compound has been blamed for turning women into nymphomaniacs, populations into “moronic, atheistic slaves”, and perhaps most popularly, it’s been accused of being a weapon in a vast communist plot to overthrow democracy. What’s true and what’s not? The needle is moving. ***Keep up with us on Instagram @theconspiracypod! Listen to Science Vs. explore the science, including recent studies on whether fluoride affects IQ. Listen to The Journal discuss how the politics of fluoride in drinking water are playing out across the country. To check fluoride levels in your local water, visit the CDC’s My Water’s Fluoride page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.