Health Agency Finalizes Fluoride Dose Harmful To Babies Iq 1

Exposure to Fluoride in Drinking Water May Be Harmful to Children

New Government Report Raises Concerns

Moderate Confidence: High Fluoride Exposure Linked to Lower IQ

A new report released by the Department of Health has linked exposure to fluoride concentrations in drinking water higher than 15 milligrams per liter with lower IQ in children.

Several studies reviewed in the report found that children who had higher exposures to fluoride had IQ scores that were 2 to 5 points lower than children who had lower exposures.

Since 2015, federal health officials have recommended a fluoridation level of 0.7 milligrams per liter of water to prevent tooth decay.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water sources. It is also added to some toothpastes, mouthwashes, and drinking water supplies to help prevent tooth decay.

How Can I Find Out How Much Fluoride is In My Drinking Water?

You can contact your local water utility to find out the fluoride level in your drinking water. You can also test your water at home using a water test kit.

What are the Health Effects of Fluoride?

Fluoride can have both positive and negative health effects. At low levels, fluoride can help to prevent tooth decay. However, at high levels, fluoride can cause a number of health problems, including:

• Dental fluorosis
• Skeletal fluorosis
• Kidney problems
• Neurological problems

What Should I Do If I'm Concerned About the Fluoride Level in My Drinking Water?

If you are concerned about the fluoride level in your drinking water, you can take the following steps:

• Contact your local water utility to find out the fluoride level in your drinking water.
• Test your water at home using a water test kit.
• Install a water filter that removes fluoride.
• Drink bottled water that is low in fluoride.

Conclusion

The recent government report highlights the potential dangers of high fluoride exposure in drinking water. If you are concerned about the fluoride level in your drinking water, you should take steps to reduce your exposure.