Health
Federal Report Links High Fluoride Levels in Drinking Water to Lower IQ in Children
A recent U.S. government report has emerged, indicating a potential link between high levels of fluoride in drinking water and lower IQ scores in children.
This groundbreaking report, released by the National Toxicology Program under the Department of Health and Human Services, examines numerous previously published studies. It provides moderate confidence that exposure to fluoride levels beyond the recommended limits may affect children’s cognitive abilities.
The report assessed data from several countries, including Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Mexico. It specifically noted that drinking water containing more than 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter was consistently associated with reduced IQ levels in children.
While the report does not quantify the extent of cognitive damage, some studies reviewed suggested that children with higher fluoride exposure might show IQ losses ranging from 2 to 5 points compared to their peers.
Health officials in the U.S. have set the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water at 0.7 milligrams per liter since 2015, which was reduced from a previous guideline of 1.2 milligrams. The World Health Organization considers 1.5 milligrams per liter as the safe upper limit for fluoride.
About 0.6% of the U.S. population, approximately 1.9 million people, are currently using water systems with naturally occurring fluoride levels above the established safety limit.
The addition of fluoride to drinking water has long been heralded for its dental benefits. However, the implications of the recent findings have reignited debates regarding the health effects of fluoride consumption.
Ashley Malin, a researcher at the University of Florida, emphasized the importance of the study, marking it as one of the most rigorously conducted analyses on the subject. Scientists continue to call for further investigation into the neurological impacts of fluoride exposure, particularly regarding expectant mothers and young children.
