A new study links high prenatal fluoride levels to increased behavioral problems in children, sparking debate among experts.
Alice Callahan and Christina Caron report for The New York Times.
In short:
- A study of 229 low-income Hispanic women in Los Angeles found that higher fluoride levels during the third trimester correlated with more behavioral issues in their children at age 3.
- Some researchers advocate for reevaluating fluoride safety in pregnancy, while others argue the study's limitations make its findings inconclusive.
- The American Dental Association maintains its stance on the benefits of fluoride for dental health, suggesting no change in recommendations.
Key quote:
“I think it’s a warning sign.”
— Dr. Beate Ritz, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
Why this matters:
This research highlights potential risks of fluoride exposure during pregnancy, which could lead to policy changes and more cautious approaches to fluoride consumption among expecting mothers. The ongoing debate underscores the need for further, more comprehensive studies to understand the full impact on child development.
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