Utah becomes first US state to ban fluoride in public drinking water

A public water fountain (Paul Sancya/AP)

Utah has become the first US state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, pushing past opposition from dentists and national health organisations who warn the move will lead to medical problems that disproportionately affect low-income communities.

Republican governor Spencer Cox signed legislation barring cities and communities from deciding whether to add the mineral to their water systems.