Robert F. Kennedy's Jr. push to remove fluoride from the nation's public water supply could benefit some companies. Here's why.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for an end to the public health practice of putting fluoride in water. Why it matters: If he's confirmed as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in the new Trump administration,

Some studies have said that excess fluoride exposure, often at higher levels than the recommended U.S. limit, can harm infants' and young children's developing brains and that higher levels of fluoride exposure during pregnancy were associated with declines in children's IQs.

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has called for an end to the practice of putting fluoride in water.

Days before the election, Kennedy posted on social media that a Trump White House would advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from the public water supply, which goes against public health recommendations yet jibes with a large number of people who question the safety of fluoridating water.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services in the new administration. The idea of Trump, a Republican, appointing Kennedy to his cabinet would have been surprising just a few months ago.