Fluoride in Drinking Water at Twice Safe Limit Linked to Lower IQ in Children

Recent research has raised concerns about the potential cognitive effects of fluoride in drinking water, particularly at levels above the recommended limits. A comprehensive review found that children exposed to high concentrations of fluoride—specifically more than twice the suggested amount—may experience reduced IQ levels. These findings suggest a possible link between long-term fluoride intake and neurological development issues, especially in young, developing brains.

In response to the growing body of evidence, some health officials have started to question the safety of adding fluoride to municipal water supplies. They argue that with the widespread availability of fluoride in toothpaste and other dental products, people can still benefit from its cavity-preventing properties without the need to consume it. This perspective has led certain communities to reconsider or even halt fluoridation programs altogether.

Despite these concerns, mainstream public health organizations continue to defend fluoridation as a safe and effective public health measure. However, the emerging research has reignited a broader debate about whether current fluoride levels in drinking water are truly safe, and whether individuals should have the option to filter it out—particularly families with young children or those seeking to minimize unnecessary chemical exposure.

Read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/aug/23/fluoride-water-study?