New study reveals alarming link between fluoride exposure and childhood neurodevelopmental issues, raising questions about current public health practices.
At a Glance
- Prenatal fluoride exposure linked to increased neurobehavioral problems in children
- Higher fluoride levels associated with lower IQs in children
- WHO sets 1.5mg/L as upper safe limit for fluoride in drinking water
- Experts call for review of fluoride use in public water and dental products
Fluoride Exposure During Pregnancy Raises Concerns
A groundbreaking study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC has uncovered a troubling connection between prenatal fluoride exposure and childhood neurobehavioral problems. This first U.S.-based research of its kind found that even relatively low levels of fluoride exposure during pregnancy could have significant impacts on child development.
“Women with higher fluoride exposure levels in their bodies during pregnancy tended to rate their 3-year-old children higher on overall neurobehavioral problems and internalizing symptoms, including emotional reactivity, anxiety and somatic complaints,” said Tracy Bastain, PhD, a senior author of the study.
The study revealed that a 0.68 mg/L increase in fluoride exposure was associated with nearly double the chance of neurobehavioral problems in children. These findings add to a growing body of evidence from other countries and animal studies suggesting that fluoride can harm neurodevelopment.
Once again, @RobertKennedyJr is proven right. A new study from JAMA Pediatrics shows high fluoride exposure can damage developing brains and lower the IQs of our children. @ChildrensHD @calleymeans@nytimes #MAHA #ConfirmRFK pic.twitter.com/49rThDQeTZ
— M. C. Armstrong (@mcarmystrong) January 12, 2025
Impact on Children’s IQ
Further research published in JAMA Pediatrics has found a statistically significant association between higher fluoride exposure and lower IQs in children. The study showed that for every 1mg/L increase in urinary fluoride, there was a 1.63-point decrease in IQ.
These findings align with six previous meta-analyses showing similar inverse associations between fluoride exposure and children’s IQs. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted a systematic review, evaluating 74 studies on children’s IQ and fluoride exposure, with 22 rated as high quality.
Public Health Implications
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set 1.5mg/L as the upper safe limit for fluoride in drinking water, while the U.S. Public Health Service recommends 0.7 mg/L. However, the NTP’s meta-analysis found an association with lower IQ scores at fluoride levels below 1.5 mg/L, raising questions about current guidelines.
“The NTP monograph concluded, with moderate confidence, that higher levels of fluoride exposure, such as drinking water containing more than 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter, are associated with lower IQ in children,” read the study’s findings.
Currently, there are no official recommendations for limiting fluoride consumption during pregnancy. However, experts are now advising pregnant women and parents to monitor fluoride intake and consider using low-fluoride bottled water and limiting fluoride dental products for children.
Call for Further Research and Regulation
These studies underscore the urgent need for further research to determine safe fluoride exposure standards and guide public health regulations effectively. As the debate over fluoride’s risks and benefits continues, it’s clear that a critical review of how fluoride is administered in public sectors, particularly in drinking water and dental care products, is necessary to ensure children’s neurological protection. Parents and expectant mothers are encouraged to stay informed and consult with healthcare professionals about managing fluoride exposure.
