A new U.S. government report concludes that fluoride in drinking water at levels twice the recommended limit is linked to lower IQ in children.
This is the first time a federal agency has recognized a potential connection between higher fluoride exposure and cognitive decline in kids.
The report, released by the National Toxicology Program under the Department of Health and Human Services, is based on an extensive analysis of existing research.
It suggests that fluoride levels above 1.5 milligrams per liter in drinking water could pose a neurological risk to children, with some studies indicating that children exposed to higher fluoride levels may experience IQ drops of 2 to 5 points.
Historically, fluoride has been added to drinking water to strengthen teeth and reduce cavities, a practice hailed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.
However, this new report highlights potential unintended consequences, particularly for young children.
Ashley Malin, a University of Florida researcher who has studied the effects of fluoride on pregnant women and their children, highlighted the importance of this report in understanding the risks associated with fluoride. She described it as the most rigorously conducted study of its kind.
The report is based on studies conducted across several countries, including Canada, China, and Mexico, all of which found a consistent association between higher fluoride levels and lower IQ in children.
It is important to note, however, that the report did not quantify the exact IQ loss or evaluate the effects of lower fluoride levels.
Currently, about 0.6% of the U.S. population, or approximately 1.9 million people, are on water systems with naturally occurring fluoride levels of 1.5 milligrams or higher.
The report raises significant questions about how to protect these individuals and whether new measures should be implemented to limit fluoride exposure.
While fluoride has been championed for its dental benefits for decades, the report also calls attention to the potential risks of high fluoride levels on brain development.
In response, some experts, like Malin, suggest that pregnant women may want to reduce their fluoride intake, not only from water but also from certain types of tea. There is also a growing discussion around the need for more transparent labeling of fluoride content in beverages.
The American Dental Association, a strong advocate of water fluoridation, is currently reviewing the report’s findings.
As the debate continues, this report may prompt new discussions on the balance between the benefits and risks of fluoride in drinking water.