The report cited a substantial neurological risk from high levels of fluoride in children, including high blood pressure and seizures.
A US government report has found that fluoride levels in drinking water are twice the recommended limit, causing lower IQs in children. The report, based on an analysis of previous research, marks the first time a federal agency has determined such a significant link between fluoride exposure and children’s health.
The report cites a substantial neurological risk from high levels of fluoride in children, including high blood pressure, seizures, skeletal weakness, tooth decay and acne.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fluoride helps strengthen teeth and reduce cavities by replacing minerals that are lost through normal wear and tear. However, adding more fluoride to drinking water may affect brain health.
The report, from the National Toxicology Program within the Department of Health and Human Services, summarizes a review of studies from Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan and Mexico and concludes that drinking water containing more than 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter causes lower IQs in children.
Although the report did not quantify how many IQ points may have been lost due to fluoride exposure, many studies say IQ levels were 2 to 5 points lower in children who had higher exposure.
How much fluoride is recommended in water?
Federal health authorities have been using a fluoride concentration of 0.7 milligrams per litre since 2015. According to the World Health Organisation, the safe limit for fluoride in drinking water is 1.5 milligrams.
According to the 324-page report, at least 0.6 percent of the U.S. population — about 1.9 million people — rely on water systems that naturally contain 1.5 milligrams or more of fluoride. However, the report did not conclude the risks of low fluoride levels and said more studies are needed. It also did not answer what effects high fluoride levels might have on adults.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that comes from fluorine, which occurs naturally in water and soil. About 80 years ago, scientists discovered that people whose water supply naturally contained more fluoride also had fewer cavities, sparking a campaign to get more Americans to use fluoride for better dental health.
It helps prevent tooth decay by modifying the structure of developing enamel in children under 7 years of age to make it more resistant to acid attack. It also provides an environment in which better quality enamel is formed, which is more resistant to acid attack. In children, fluoride also reduces the ability of plaque bacteria to produce acid.
Side effects
Some of the side effects of the mineral, which was first added to American tap water in 1945 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, include:
- Tooth discoloration
- Bone problems
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