Could Fluoride in your child’s toothpaste and drinking water affect their IQ?
Could Fluoride in your child's toothpaste and drinking water affect their IQ?
A recent report from the US National Toxicology Program has sparked concern by suggesting a possible connection between high fluoride levels in drinking water and lower IQs in children. This marks the first time a federal agency has established a potential link between elevated fluoride exposure and decreased cognitive function in children, based on a comprehensive review of existing research.
Fluoride has been added to drinking water for decades to prevent tooth decay and strengthen teeth, a public health measure praised for its effectiveness. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fluoride helps to replace minerals lost during routine wear and tear on teeth. However, this new report highlights a possible neurological risk associated with excessive fluoride, especially in young children.
Ashley Malin, a researcher from the University of Florida, described the report as a significant advancement in understanding fluoride’s risks. She highlighted it as the most rigorous study on this topic to date.
The report reviewed studies from various countries, including Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Mexico. It found that drinking water with fluoride levels exceeding 1.5 milligrams per liter is linked to lower IQs in children. While the exact impact on IQ wasn’t quantified, some studies suggest a potential decrease of 2 to 5 points in children exposed to higher fluoride concentrations.
In response to these findings, U.S. federal health officials reduced the recommended fluoride level in drinking water to 0.7 milligrams per liter in 2015, down from 1.2 milligrams. The World Health Organization’s guideline for safe fluoride levels is set at 1.5 milligrams per liter.
Approximately 1.9 million people in the U.S. are exposed to water with naturally occurring fluoride levels of 1.5 milligrams per liter or higher. The report raises questions about how to best protect these individuals and whether additional measures are necessary.
While the study did not address the effects of lower fluoride levels or its impact on adults, it underscores the need for further research. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, has been added to water supplies since the mid-20th century to combat tooth decay. However, growing concerns about its impact on brain development suggest that reviewing current fluoride policies and practices may be prudent.
