A new U.S. government report links fluoride in drinking water at levels twice the recommended limit to lower IQs in children, raising concerns over current water fluoridation practices.
Mike Stobbe reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The National Toxicology Program found moderate evidence linking high fluoride levels in water to lower IQs in kids.
- About 1.9 million Americans are exposed to naturally high fluoride levels in their water.
- The report calls for more research on fluoride's neurological effects and its potential impact on adults.
Key quote:
“The findings from this report raise the questions about how these people can be protected and what makes the most sense.”
— Ashley Malin, University of Florida researcher who has studied the effect of higher fluoride levels in pregnant women on their children
Why this matters:
High fluoride levels in water could pose a previously underestimated risk to children's brain development, challenging decades of public health policy. Further studies could influence future guidelines on water fluoridation.
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