On a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, episode #2476, Joe Rogan sat down with reproductive epidemiologist Dr. Shanna H. Swan to discuss endocrine disrupting chemicals, microplastics, and the dangers lurking in modern everyday life.
The topic of fluoride came up naturally during a conversation about water filtration. Dr. Swan had been explaining how she and her husband distill their household water, noting that the process removes contaminants including chlorine. Rogan added fluoride to the list and did not hold back.
“Fluoride is another one that’s bananas that we add to water under the guise that it helps your teeth,” Rogan said. “Like shut up. Brush your teeth.”
He went on to make a personal case, pointing to his own dental health as evidence against the necessity of fluoride in water.
Rogan then pointed to his own dental health as anecdotal evidence against the need for fluoride in drinking water.
“You know, I don’t have any cavities,” he said. “I don’t use fluoride. I have fluoride-free toothpaste. I don’t have fluoride in my water.”
He went on to expand his argument beyond personal preference, suggesting that fluoride exposure could have public health implications, specifically linking it to cognitive outcomes.
“It’s dumb. It’s not just dumb,” he said. “It’s completely connected to lower IQs. There’s a direct correlation between higher fluoride content in water and lower IQs.”
Rogan closed his remarks by speculating about financial incentives behind municipal fluoridation programs.
“But there’s a giant business involved in selling fluoride to these municipal water supplies,” he said. “Which is nuts. More poison.”
During the conversation, Rogan did not cite specific studies to support his claims about IQ, nor did he identify any companies he believed were benefiting financially from fluoridation. Additionally, Dr. Swan did not directly respond to Rogan’s remarks and the discussion moved on to chlorination and its potential effects on the body’s microbiome.
