Meet the people who believe fluoride in the water is poisoning you

In the modern era of “fake news,” conspiracy theorists seem more outspoken than ever, emboldened by the flood of viral misinformation to spread their fringe beliefs throughout Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other networks. We spoke to a representative from the American Dental Association, the director of the Fluoride Action Network and other people who identify as fluoride truthers to figure out why this particular theory has gained such a cult following.

It turns out there’s much more drama in the community than we thought — and at least one anti-fluoride expert is unhappy with the direction the movement is headed.

What fluoride truthers believe

At least thousands of people across the U.S. believe the government is putting fluoride in our community water to poison us, lower our IQ, make us less fertile and control our minds. Many believe it’s just one part of a massive government conspiracy to keep Americans under the government’s thumb. Conspiracy-hawking commentators often bait this group with outrageous televised claims, lending plausibility to unsubstantiated fringe beliefs.

“What do you think tap water is? It’s a gay bomb, baby!” — Alex Jones

“What do you think tap water is? It’s a gay bomb, baby,” infamous conspiracy theorist Alex Jones once said. “I don’t like them putting chemicals in the water that turn the friggin’ frogs gay!” Jones is one of the most prominent fluoride truthers; he has claimed on multiple occasionsthat the U.S. government puts fluoride in the water to make people gay and poison them. He even sells his own brand of fluoride-free toothpaste on his website. Jones claims to be a friend and adviser to President Donald Trump. (We reached out to Jones and will update with any response.)...........................