Concern has been raised about the potential for pregnant women and children to be exposed to excessive fluoride from various sources, such as drinking water, water-containing foods and beverages, teas, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. This heightened fluoride exposure may impact the neurodevelopment of fetuses, infants, and children,” a statement conveyed to Fox News Digital highlighted.
The recent study, conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), scrutinized 74 epidemiological studies on children’s IQ levels and their exposure to fluoride. A federal judge has mandated the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to further regulate fluoride levels in drinking water due to concerns about its potential to lower IQ levels in kids.
The studies examined fluoride levels in drinking water and urine in ten countries, including Canada, China, Denmark, India, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, New Zealand, Spain, and Taiwan (none in the U.S.). The analysis revealed a “statistically significant association” between increased fluoride exposure and reduced IQ scores in children, according to Taylor, a spokesperson for the research.
The findings indicated that higher urinary fluoride levels were linked to a decrease in IQ by 1.63 points for every 1mg/L increase in fluoride. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set the “upper safe limit” of fluoride in drinking water at 1.5mg/L, while the U.S. Public Health Service recommends a concentration of 0.7mg/L.
Although insufficient data exists to determine the impact of 0.7mg/L fluoride levels on children’s IQ, Taylor urged caution for pregnant women and parents of young children regarding fluoride intake. She suggested considering low-fluoride bottled water as an alternative to tap water and limiting exposure from dental products and certain beverages, like black tea.
In light of these findings, Dr. Ellie Phillips, a dental health educator from Austin, Texas, expressed her opposition to water fluoridation. The research does not delve into the broader implications of water fluoridation in the U.S., but it is believed to inform future studies on fluoride’s effects on children’s health.
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In non-fluoridated cities and countries, the public enjoys high levels of oral health that sometimes surpass those in fluoridated areas. The fluoride debate is described as “confusing” by Dr. Phillips, particularly among dentists. The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the use of fluoride for cavity prevention through methods such as water fluoridation, toothpaste, and mouthwash, sometimes in high concentrations.
Fluoride is a common ingredient in water, toothpaste, and mouthwash due to its cavity-fighting properties. However, some biologic (holistic) dentists advise their patients to steer clear of fluoride entirely, even in cases of severe tooth decay. Dr. Phillips stresses the importance of considering different fluoride compounds, concentrations, and the distinction between topical application and ingestion of fluoride.
She notes that while topical fluoride can be beneficial, systemic consumption carries certain risks. Dr. Phillips advocates for individuals to take proactive steps in managing their oral health using natural and well-informed strategies.
The study discussed in the article was financially supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Intramural Research Program.
Original article source: Children exposed to higher fluoride levels found to have lower IQs, study reveals
