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The study, conducted by a team of researchers from the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), analyzed 74 studies from 10 countries, excluding the United States, with data from regions such as China and Canada. The findings suggest that exposure to certain levels of fluoride in drinking water may contribute to a decline in children's cognitive abilities.
Fluoride, which naturally occurs in groundwater in some areas, particularly in Africa and Asia, can, in certain instances, exceed the health limits recommended by the World Health Organization (1.5 mg/L). The U.S. began adding fluoride to drinking water in the 1950s to reduce tooth decay, benefiting about 200 million Americans today.
However, the scientific debate about the "toxic threshold" of fluoride remains unresolved, with differing opinions on the level at which fluoride becomes harmful. While concerns persist about the effects of low fluoride concentrations especially on children's cognitive development experts agree that further research is needed to assess the long-term impact of fluoride in drinking water.
The scientific community has raised questions about whether it's still necessary to add fluoride to drinking water, given its presence in other sources such as toothpaste. In this context, a federal judge in September called for a reassessment of this practice, referencing documents published in the study.
On the other hand, proponents of fluoride addition argue that it helps reduce social and economic disparities, as low-income individuals often struggle with dental care. Critics, however, point out that low-income groups may be more vulnerable to the potential health risks associated with fluoride, including negative effects on children's cognitive abilities.
In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need to balance the health benefits of fluoride with the potential long-term risks to ensure the protection of future generations' health.