Fluoride Linked To Lower IQ In Children, New Government Report Shows

A recent report from the National Toxicology Program (NTP) has found that high levels of fluoride exposure are strongly associated with lower IQ in children, renewing concerns about the safety of fluoride in drinking water. The report, published on August 21, reviewed 72 studies from around the world and found that 64 of them demonstrated a significant correlation between high fluoride exposure and reduced cognitive performance in children.

The NTP’s findings focus on fluoride concentrations above 1.5 mg/L, which is the threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for safe levels. In the United States, the EPA allows up to 2 mg/L in drinking water, and nearly 2 million Americans currently receive water with naturally occurring fluoride levels at or above 1.5 mg/L.

The report also noted that there may be other neurodevelopmental effects linked to fluoride exposure, though the evidence for these is less consistent. The research reviewed by the NTP included studies from 10 countries but did not feature any from the United States.

These findings add fuel to the ongoing debate over the practice of water fluoridation, which has been promoted since 1945 as a public health measure to reduce cavities. While the benefits of fluoride for dental health are widely recognized, critics argue that these new findings highlight the need to reassess the potential risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

In response to the report, the American Dental Association (ADA) defended water fluoridation, citing decades of research supporting its safety and efficacy in reducing tooth decay. The ADA also pointed out that the NTP report does not account for actual fluoride consumption, making it less relevant to current practices in the United States.

The report follows other recent studies that have raised concerns about fluoride’s impact on neurodevelopment. In May, a study linked prenatal fluoride exposure to developmental issues in children, further fueling the debate.

As public health officials digest the new findings, discussions about the appropriate levels of fluoride in drinking water are likely to intensify, potentially leading to revised guidelines.