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New Study of 74 Analyses Finds Fluoride Exposure Linked to 1.63 Point IQ Drop in Children, Amid Kennedy Jr.'s Nomination

Jan 6, 2025, 09:59 PM

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics has reignited the debate over the safety of fluoride in drinking water, suggesting a link between higher exposure levels and lower IQ scores in children. The study, a meta-analysis of 74 studies conducted in countries including Canada, China, and India, found a statistically significant association between increased fluoride exposure and reduced IQ scores. Specifically, it estimates that for every 1 milligram per liter increase in urinary fluoride, children's IQ drops by 1.63 points. However, the study's findings have faced criticism due to methodological concerns, with many of the reviewed studies rated as low quality and conducted in environments with other contaminants. The authors noted that there is not enough data to determine if the current U.S. guideline of 0.7 milligrams per liter of fluoride in drinking water affects children's IQ. Amidst this controversy, the incoming administration's stance on fluoride, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of water fluoridation, nominated for a key health position, may influence future policy decisions.