US government report says fluoride at twice the recommended limit is linked to lower IQ in kids

A U.S. government report has found that fluoride levels in drinking water that are twice the recommended limit are linked to lower IQ in children. This report, issued by the National Toxicology Program, is the first federal acknowledgment that high fluoride exposure could pose a neurological risk. The review, based on studies from multiple countries, noted that children exposed to fluoride levels above 1.5 milligrams per liter in water showed consistently lower IQs. Although the report does not quantify the exact impact on IQ, it highlights the need for further research and consideration of protective measures. Despite fluoride’s well-known benefits for dental health, this new evidence raises concerns about its potential effects on brain development. The report’s findings may prompt policy discussions about reducing fluoride intake, particularly for pregnant women and young children.

Source: AP News