Government Report Suggests High Fluoride Exposure Lowers Children’s IQ

A recently published report by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) has revealed that high fluoride exposure is “consistently associated” with lower IQ in children, renewing debates about the safety of fluoride in drinking water. Released on August 21, the report reviewed 72 studies, 64 of which found a clear link between elevated fluoride levels and reduced cognitive abilities in children.

The NTP report defines high fluoride exposure as concentrations above 1.5 mg/L, the standard set by the World Health Organization (WHO). In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows up to 2 mg/L, while the FDA recommends a limit of 0.7 mg/L. According to the NTP, nearly 2 million Americans receive water with fluoride levels at or above 1.5 mg/L, raising concerns about the impact on children’s cognitive development.

Fluoride has been added to public drinking water since 1945 as a strategy to reduce cavities. Although the practice is widely considered a public health success, emerging evidence suggests that high fluoride exposure could have unintended consequences for neurodevelopment. In addition to IQ, the NTP report also highlighted potential links between fluoride exposure and other cognitive issues, though these findings were less conclusive.

This report follows a study published in May that associated prenatal fluoride exposure with neurobehavioral problems in young children. Despite growing concerns, the American Dental Association (ADA) continues to support water fluoridation, arguing that it is safe and effective for reducing tooth decay.

As public health experts weigh the new findings, the conversation around fluoride’s role in cognitive development may lead to changes in how communities approach water fluoridation, particularly in areas with naturally high levels of the mineral.