US Report Links Fluoride at Twice Recommended Levels to Lower Kids’ IQ

NEW YORK (AP) — A recent report from the U.S. government has reignited discussions about fluoride in drinking water, indicating that higher levels may be linked to lower IQs in children. This conclusion, drawn from an analysis of previously published studies, marks the first occasion a federal agency has stated—”with moderate confidence”—that there is a connection between elevated fluoride exposure and decreased IQ in children. While the report is not intended to focus solely on the health impacts of fluoride in drinking water, it does highlight potential neurological risks associated with elevated fluoride levels.

Fluoride is known to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities by replacing minerals lost over time, a fact supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The practice of adding low levels of fluoride to drinking water has long been celebrated as one of the significant public health achievements of the last century. Ashley Malin, a researcher from the University of Florida who has investigated the implications of elevated fluoride levels in pregnant women on their offspring, emphasized the importance of this report, describing it as the most rigorously conducted analysis of its kind.

The report, released by the National Toxicology Program—part of the Department of Health and Human Services—summarizes findings from studies conducted in various countries, including Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Mexico. The data indicates a consistent association between drinking water fluoridated above 1.5 milligrams per liter and lower IQ scores in children. Although the report did not specify the exact number of IQ points potentially lost due to different fluoride exposure levels, some studies suggested that children’s IQs could be between 2 to 5 points lower with higher fluoride exposure.

Federal health officials have recommended a fluoridation level of 0.7 milligrams per liter since 2015. For decades prior, the recommended upper limit was set at 1.2 milligrams. The World Health Organization has established a safe threshold for fluoride in drinking water at 1.5 milligrams per liter. According to the report, approximately 0.6% of the U.S. population, equating to about 1.9 million people, obtains water from systems with fluoride levels naturally higher than 1.5 milligrams.

Malin expressed the necessity for addressing how to protect such populations and what appropriate measures might be. The comprehensive 324-page report, however, did not arrive at any conclusions regarding the risks associated with lower fluoride levels and did not assess potential impacts on adults exposed to high fluoride levels.

The American Dental Association advocates for water fluoridation and had previously criticized earlier iterations of the analysis and Malin’s work. In response to the latest report, a spokeswoman mentioned that the organization’s experts were still in the process of reviewing it.

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral found in water and soil, was discovered to help reduce cavities about 80 years ago. This finding spurred a movement to enhance dental health through increased fluoride consumption. The first U.S. city to introduce fluoride into its water supply was Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1945. In 1950, federal endorsers began advocating for water fluoridation to combat tooth decay, a practice that continued well into the era when fluoride toothpaste became widely available. Despite fluoride being sourced from various avenues, research indicates that drinking water remains the primary source for Americans.

In 2015, officials revised the recommended fluoride levels in drinking water to address a dental condition known as fluorosis, which can lead to discolored spots on teeth and has been increasingly observed in U.S. children. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long mandated that water systems maintain fluoride levels below 4 milligrams per liter to prevent skeletal fluorosis, which can result in painful, debilitating effects like weakened bones.

However, growing evidence suggests that high fluoride levels may also impact brain development. Researchers have expressed concerns regarding potential effects on developing fetuses and infants who consume water used in baby formula. Animal studies have raised alarms about fluoride’s influence on neurochemistry and brain function areas tied to learning, memory, and behavior. In 2006, a report from the National Research Council called for more research into fluoride’s effects on intelligence, as limited evidence from China suggested neurological consequences for individuals exposed to high fluoride levels.

In light of these findings, the National Toxicology Program began its review of available studies in 2016 to assess whether new fluoride restrictions were warranted. The final document faced multiple delays, though expert committees highlighted the need for accurate scientific analysis due to the significant public health implications of fluoride.

Moving forward, Malin suggested that pregnant women might benefit from reducing their fluoride intake not only from drinking water but also from certain tea types. She also proposed that policymakers consider requiring fluoride content labeling on beverages, enhancing public awareness of fluoride levels.

Source: Associated Press