Another study has added to the growing body of evidence that links the fluoride found in water with lowered intelligence quotients (IQ) in children.

A study, which was published last year, confirmed the dangers that water fluoridation has when it is consumed by children, particularly on their IQ. Not only that, fluoridated water was also shown to adversely affect the cognitive ability of babies when this is consumed by their mothers during pregnancy.

A total of 299 mother-child pairs in Mexico were examined as part of the study. Researchers looked into the link between fluoride levels in the urine of pregnant mothers and the IQ test results of their children. The results of the study revealed that toddlers born from mothers with higher fluoride levels often had lower tests compared to those whose mothers had lower fluoride levels.

Morteza Bashash, one of the authors of the study, explained: “In this study, higher prenatal fluoride exposure, in the general range of exposures reported for other general population samples of pregnant women and nonpregnant adults, was associated with lower scores on tests of cognitive function in the offspring.”

In 2012, a study on the impact of fluoride “on the neurological development of children” was published by Harvard School of Public Health. While the study was mostly disregarded by legacy media (e.g. print media, radio, television, etc.) it gained traction when it was shared on social media in the following years and it spread awareness about the dangers of fluoridated water and how to avoid it.

The chemical sodium fluoride, commonly known as fluoride, has been classified as a neurotoxin, along with arsenic, lead, and mercury. However, according to an article that appeared in the Waking Times, the chemical is still being added to America’s water supply “for what some claim protects the health of our teeth.”

Fluoride-related health risks

To the unaware, the results may be shocking, but this isn’t anything new to anyone who has read up on the dangers of fluoride — at least 50 studies have examined the connection between fluoride and decreased IQ in humans. In addition to this, there are at least 45 studies pointing out a  “lessened cognitive ability in animals” due to fluoride exposure. While evidence like this has persuaded a handful of health authorities worldwide to remove fluoride from public drinking water, it could take more than data from studies to ensure that politicians are held accountable for their involvement in the propagation of this health risk.

In other studies, researchers have determined the link between fluoride and diseases such as arthritis, cancer, dental fluorosis, diabetes, Down’s syndrome, and osteoporosis. This link is possibly due to fluoride variants such as hydrofluorosilicic acid, “a chemical byproduct of the phosphate fertilizer and aluminum industries.” The article opines that this chemical is probably added to public water not out of concern for public health but to protect industries from lawsuits regarding environmental damage.

Dr. J. William Hirzy, Senior Chemist at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), expressed his disbelief and said, “If this stuff (hydrofluorosilicic acid) gets out into the air, it’s a pollutant; if it gets into the river, it’s a pollutant; if it gets into the lake, it’s a pollutant; but if it goes right straight into your drinking water system, it’s not a pollutant. That’s amazing.”

Tips to minimize fluoride exposure

To avoid the dangers of fluoridated water, follow the tips listed below:

• Do not drink fluoridated water – On a daily basis, tap water consumption is the main cause of fluoride exposure consumption for individuals who reside in areas that allow the fluoridation of water. Avoid fluoride through these three options:
  • Use water filters
  • Drink spring water
  • Try water distillation
• Don’t let your children use/swallow fluoride toothpaste – A major risk factor for disfiguring dental fluorosis, fluoride toothpaste is usually the major source of fluoride intake for young children.
• Eat healthier – Food and beverages made with fluoridated water will also contain fluoride, so simply eating healthier will minimize your fluoride intake. Avoid processed foods whenever possible.

Sources include:
WakingTimes.com
TheLancet.com
FluorideAlert.org